Discover Bones

Linda Perry is a senior policy analyst at the Ontario Ministry of
Colleges and Universities.

This is an entertaining, informative book for children from about eight
years on. Smaller children may appreciate adult help with some of the
projects, and teachers might find this a valuable classroom resource.

It begins with a series of curiosity-provoking questions (such as,
“Are bones really bone dry?” and “How tall will you be when you
grow up?”) and goes on to answer these questions and describe
experiments to demonstrate amazing facts about bones.

The book is accessible. The projects all involve available household
items and ingredients. Nevertheless, some of the discoveries are
remarkable: for example, how to tie a chicken bone in knots. This kind
of learning is a spur to action. For instance, in describing the foods
that nourish growing bones, the book offers suitable recipes for
youngsters who want to make nutritious snacks.

Each section contains a “Bone-Up” passage containing surprising
facts, such as the smallest bones in our bodies and what they do, or how
casts were discovered for treating breaks. From the tiny animal bones
found in owl pellets to making Inuit bone toys, this book covers a lot
of fascinating ground and provides a rich learning resource.