Random Body Parts: Gross Anatomy Riddles in Verse. by Leslie Bulion and illustrated by Mike Lowery
Dactyls, cinquains, triolets -- no these are not random body parts. They are parts of verse used in this clever concatenation of poetry, anatomy and Shakespeare.
Illustrated by a fun-loving artist, the standard grade-school body parts (stomach, teeth, tongue,lungs, skeleton, stomach) are explained in different styles of riddling poetry, all from famous speeches, soliloquies, and songs from well-known Shakespeare plays (Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar).
Some of the riddles use fancy words -- but away with Lexile, Rigby and Grade level reading charts -- the infectious rhymes and gross images will carry most interested readers along without a problem.
Not all of the organs are covered; and those which are not complain about their lack of fame in a funny sonnet (or is it an ode?) towards the end.
This “riddlanatomy” even explains some of the complex functions of the spleen, making it sound like you too might have had a shot at becoming a doctor.
There is an anatomical glossary, which suffers slightly from a lack of pronunciations; and a guide to each organ’s style of poetry and Shakespearean source play. A handful of useful web links to videos and illustrated guides, as well as an actual book as a resource round out the end-matter.
It’s hard to know what age group would most enjoy this book. Neo-Victorian riddle enthusiasts and advanced home schoolers might grasp this book at an earlier age. While some of the queries and Shakespearean material might garner readers through middle school through adulthood. A rollicking read, indeed.
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