THE ULTIMATE BOOK OF THE HUMAN BODY, by Anne-Sophie Baumann and Vanessa Robidou, Twirl, Sept. 30, 2025, Hardcover, $24.99 (ages 8-12)
The Ultimate Book of the Human Body is an interactive and comprehensive overview of how the human body works for middle readers.
From the beating heart to the thinking brain, this oversized, interactive book offers older readers a captivating look at the different systems that allow our bodies to function well. With more than 60 flaps, tabs, pop-ups, and rotating wheels, kids aged 8 to 12 can explore how organs work together, how babies are made, and how we grow from infancy to adulthood.
Detailed illustrations and expert-reviewed content make this book the perfect introduction to anatomy, biology, and health science. Whether at home or in the classroom, it’s a powerful tool for learning and discovery.
Key Features:
• Supersized spreads with realistic, detailed illustrations
• Over 60 interactive features to support deeper understanding
• Covers anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and development
—Synopsis provided by Twirl
The Ultimate Book of the Human Body is a book that’s going to work for some families and not for others.
At first glance, the book appears suited to kids ages 5 and up. The illustrations and short descriptions feel appropriate for that audience. However, some concepts, particularly “How Babies Are Made” may offer too much information for some families: “During sexual intercourse, the penis will enter the vagina…” It’s not graphic or overly detailed, but it may prompt conversations that parents want to wait on.
That said, The Ultimate Book of the Human Body offers a wealth of information ranging from the skeleton and muscles to the brain and living well. The flaps/tabs/pop-ups provide an interactive element that makes learning interesting.
I don’t think many older kids would be drawn to The Ultimate Book of the Human Body, but I do think it provides a good starting point with sound science for kids 6 and up.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
