YOUR SKIN HOLDS YOU IN

This appealing young-readers’ introduction to skin is illustrated with photographs of children and adults of many races, overlaid with drawings and labels to show relevant details. Beginning with the idea that skin color comes from melanin, Baines goes on to describe how skin helps to regulate body temperature, the existence of pores, hair and freckles, its healing and stretching properties, physical makeup and utility. The final double-page spread suggests such interesting ideas for further exploration as, “What’s on the other side of your belly button?” or, “Does a feather feel the same on your nose as on your elbow?” The zigzag presentation of these follow-up questions provides the name for this new series, which will include books on a variety of science subjects. The lively design and small trim size invite early readers, but the difficulty of some words and lack of glossary may require them to seek an adult’s help at first. (Informational picture book. 5-8)