Genre 4 - PROFESSOR I.Q. EXPLORES THE BRAIN by Seymour Simon

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1993. PROFESSOR I.Q. EXPLORES THE BRAIN. Honesdale, PA: Bell Books. ISBN 1878093274

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this informational text, Seymour Simon uses, Dr. I.Q. (who closely resembles Albert Einstein), to lead a group of multicultural children in an exploration of the human brain. Comparing the organ’s ability and functions to that of a familiar machine—the computer—Dr. I.Q. provides an interactive look at a scientific subject with hands-on activities and suggestions offered in many of the pages. Colorful illustrations, characters’ thought and word bubbles, “Try This…” suggestions, and a friendly feline sidekick add information, entertainment value, and appeal for the reader. Simon takes a complex subject and presents it in a relatively brief and concise literary offering— readers will receive an abundance of information in just 40 pages.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Simon manages to offer readers an overview of a complex and multifaceted topic in a brief literary experience. Cleverly comparing the brain to a computer, the goofy Dr. I.Q. introduces his students to the brain beginning with its general construction and then moving on to specific parts, functions, and more complex concepts surrounding the organ. While the information provided is a solid representation for introductory purposes, the scientific terms and concepts may be a bit too complex for younger ages. Still, if read in an environment that provides supplemental support, even younger readers may benefit from Simon’s book.

The pages of the book are filled with text that present the relative information about brain construction and function, while illustrations cleverly offer reinforcement and experimental suggestions through “Try This...” suggestions. This particular aspect of the book makes it somewhat interactive, if readers choose to carry out the suggestions. In general, the book has a forward momentum, where each subsequent page’s information builds upon that offered in previous pages. This particular characteristic makes it somewhat harder for readers to use the book for reference purposes, as it is difficult to locate specific concepts in the jumble of words on every page (in spite of an attempt at bolded key words). Scientific terminology is defined throughout the text, but no glossary or index is offered for readers who may benefit from a more direct definitional format.

Overall, the book’s colorful design and style may appeal to younger audiences, but the amount of wording could be intimidating to less experienced readers. An abundance of information is offered on each page, however, some of the pages give off a sense of chaos—leaving the reader unsure of where and how to approach the overwhelming text.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Youngsters fascinated by the inner workings of their heads may find the book stimulating as an introduction to such diverse fields as left- and right-brain theory and the study of brain waves.”
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “A clearly written, brief—but surprisingly complete—discussion of the brain and its parts.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*As students/children read the book, perform the “Try This…” sections to reinforce information provided in the text.
*Break the book into sections based on concepts (i.e. right- and left-brain, parts and structure, etc.) and use the information provided as an introduction to those science concepts as they are taught in class. This could be used in almost any grade level.