This charming little book is part of the Nurse Florence® series, and in it, three curious kids have a lunchtime chat with Nurse Florence about Vitamin B3, also known as niacin. Through their conversation, readers get a simple, friendly explanation of what niacin does in our bodies, what happens if we don’t get enough, and which foods contain it. It blends health science with day-to-day situations, like eating frosted cornflakes or enjoying grandma’s homemade bread, to teach kids something useful in a gentle, conversational way.

I love how Michael Dow’s writing is direct, respectful, and confident in the young readers’ ability to handle words like “dermatitis” or “dementia.” The author even includes a note to parents about why big words are used, basically saying, “Hey, kids are smart. Let’s teach them real stuff.” So many educational books oversimplify or sugarcoat things. This one assumes kids are capable, and I really respect that.

The writing style is warm and easygoing, kind of like if your favorite school nurse sat with you at lunch and just started dropping science knowledge in the nicest way possible. There’s a part where Nurse Florence whips out her phone to show the molecular structure of niacin. It felt real and modern. And when Sonia says she loves steak tacos after learning niacin is found in meat? That moment was sweet and very human. The story balances facts with personality in a way that keeps things light and digestible.

The dialogue throughout the book is clearly crafted to introduce and reinforce important medical concepts, and it does so in a way that maintains clarity and accessibility for young readers. Phrases such as “What are the signs and symptoms of niacin deficiency?” serve to model thoughtful questions that children can ask when learning about health topics. The book also excels in presenting a well-rounded view of Vitamin B3, highlighting not only its benefits but also the potential risks of overconsumption, such as flushing, dizziness, and liver damage. This balanced approach reinforces the importance of moderation and informed decision-making, all while keeping the tone educational and reassuring.

Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B3 or Niacin in our Food? is a great fit for curious kids, science-loving parents, and elementary school teachers who want to sneak some nutrition knowledge into story time. It’s also great for anyone trying to raise kids who ask smart questions about their health. I came away feeling smarter and kind of inspired to eat more whole foods. If only all science books made me feel like I’d just had a wholesome chat with a cool nurse.

Pages: 70 | ISBN: 130456777X