Book Review and Giveaway: To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space by Dr. Dave Williams & Loredana Cunti

To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space by Dr.Dave Williams & Loredana Cunti
Publisher: Annick Press
Release Date: October 11, 2016
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Publisher’s Description:

Dr. Dave brings his first-hand experience with two flights on the Space Shuttle and three spacewalks on the International Space Station to the kind of “gross” questions that intrigue and amuse middle schoolers: How do astronauts use the bathroom? What happens when they pick their noses? What kind of underwear do they wear? Why is burping in space dangerous? How do they get water? (Answer: advanced systems treat and purify liquid waste, turning it into drinking water – bottoms up!). He also explains the science behind the strange physical phenomena astronauts experience, such as floating in midair, getting taller, and losing bone density (hint: it all has to do with microgravity).

 By simplifying complex concepts with age-appropriate language and featuring actual photos of astronauts like Dr. Dave in space, quirky cartoon illustrations, fun fact sidebars, an index, and further reading suggestions – this jam-packed guide will keep young readers learning both in and out of the classroom, whether they’re aiming for the moon or studying the stars.

To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space not only answers questions that kids may have about life on the International Space Station (ISS) but it answered mine too! Come on, haven’t you ever wondered how astronauts go to the bathroom in space? I had a general idea but this book gave me the complete low-down! It also explains eating, basic hygiene, and sleeping, among other things. My favorite part was learning that when you want to take a nap in space, you basically just close your eyes and drift off to sleep because you’re already floating, which is really comfy. I would love to be able to do that!

This book is written in simple language that kids will have no trouble understanding. It has a great mix of both illustrations and real-life photographs from inside the ISS. And it actually wasn’t AS gross as I thought it would be. Kids and parents alike will love this behinds-the-scenes look at life on the ISS.

I’m pleased to be able to givaway one copy of To Burp or not To Burp to a lucky reader with a US mailing address. Just fill out the form below. I will take entries until 11:59pm CST on February 16, 2017 Good luck!

(I received a complementary copy of this book for review.)

For more reviews of books for children and teens, check out Booking Mama’s feature, Kid Konnection, posted on Saturdays. If you’d like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children’s books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, you can go to her site to leave a comment and your link .