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Nurse Florence(R), Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin?
Nurse Florence, Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin? is an educational children’s book by Michael Dow, aimed at explaining the importance of Vitamin B12 in a simple, accessible way. Through a friendly conversation between three girls and Nurse Florence in their school cafeteria, the book breaks down complex science into digestible pieces. The characters talk about the sources of Vitamin B12, its role in the body, and what happens when we don’t get enough of it. Vivid illustrations and straightforward explanations make this a solid resource for young readers interested in science or health.
What struck me first was how the book introduces such a specific topic—Vitamin B12—yet makes it relatable to kids. The casual conversation with Nurse Florence creates a comfortable learning environment. I appreciated how the author used real-world examples, like eating chicken or fish, to explain how we get B12 from our diet. The breakdown of scientific concepts, like how bacteria create the vitamin, felt thoughtful. One thing that stands out about the writing is how the author isn’t afraid to introduce bigger words and terms, like “cobalamin” or “anemia,” while still explaining them in a way kids can grasp. In the “Pronunciations” section, readers can practice saying these words aloud, which makes it interactive. I can see this being a great tool for parents who want their kids to develop scientific literacy early. The illustrations play a crucial role in the book’s appeal. The detailed drawings help visualize everything from how B12 is made to what happens inside our bodies. It’s one thing to read about nerve function, but seeing it illustrated brings the text to life. At the same time, I think more vibrant colors or varied scenes could make the visuals even more engaging for younger readers.
Nurse Florence, Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin? is a thoughtful educational tool for kids, especially those with an interest in science or health. It’s informative, clear, and written with a genuine intent to educate. I’d recommend this book for parents, teachers, or librarians looking to introduce nutrition and science concepts to elementary-aged children in an approachable way.
Pages: 74 | ISBN : 1312012285
Nurse Florence®, What is Type 2 Diabetes?
In Nurse Florence, What is Type 2 Diabetes? by Michael Dow, students Condi, Jean, and Sonia embark on a lunchtime discussion about the future of the planet, sparked by a lesson on climate change. Their conversation takes a curious turn as they ponder whether a disease could affect the human body in the same way climate change impacts the Earth. Their curiosity leads them to Nurse Florence in the cafeteria, where they receive a thorough, yet gentle, explanation of type 2 diabetes, its symptoms, and its effects on the body.
This latest installment in the Nurse Florence series once again delivers valuable health information in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Before reading this book, I, like many others, had heard of diabetes and knew people affected by it, but I struggled to grasp exactly what type 2 diabetes is and how it impacts the body. Through the ever-inquisitive trio of Jean, Condi, and Sonia, I gained a clear understanding of the disease in a manner that was easy to digest. Nurse Florence carefully explains the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, shedding light on the factors that can contribute to the progression of the disease over time. She also provides practical advice on managing diabetes, emphasizing the importance of working with healthcare providers to adjust diet, exercise, and medications as needed. Diabetes can indeed be a daunting topic, but Nurse Florence’s approach is reassuring. She highlights the many ways to manage the disease and encourages readers to take proactive steps in protecting their health. The illustrations by Tim Kaney further enhance this message, portraying Nurse Florence with a warm and compassionate demeanor. Her calming presence, combined with the clear, informative content, makes the complex topic of type 2 diabetes approachable and less intimidating.
Designed for readers aged 7 and up, this book is a valuable tool for both parents and educators who want to teach children about type 2 diabetes in a non-threatening way. Whether read independently or together, Nurse Florence, What is Type 2 Diabetes? continues the series’ mission to educate and empower readers, one step at a time. This latest entry is a testament to the series’ enduring quality and importance.
Pages: 154 | ISBN : 1312585994
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body
Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body by Michael Dow offers a delightful exploration of human biology for young readers. The story follows best friends Sonia, Condi, and Jean as they navigate a well-deserved lunch break after learning about the workings of government. Curious about whether the human body operates in a similar way, with different parts working together, they sit down with Nurse Florence, who takes them on an engaging tour of the body’s systems during their meal.
This book is a fantastic introduction to the major systems that keep our bodies functioning. Nurse Florence, ever patient and knowledgeable, explains everything from the skeletal system to respiration in a way that’s both accessible and engaging. The narrative moves quickly, keeping young readers interested while still managing to cover each system thoroughly. The illustrations by Roland Harrison of the body systems are clear and well done, making complex concepts easier for young minds to grasp. These visuals complement Nurse Florence’s explanations, helping to reinforce the information presented in the text. Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body is a strong educational resource. It’s particularly well-suited for teachers and parents looking for a book that introduces biology in an engaging and understandable way. The book also covers puberty and the reproductive system. While Nurse Florence touches on these topics lightly, the glossary provides more scientific details.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body, is an excellent overview of the human body’s major systems. It’s great for its educational value and the way it brilliantly introduces young readers to human biology. Perfect for children aged 10 and up who are eager to learn about the amazing systems that make up the human body, this book is a great pick for curious minds ready to explore the wonders of biology.
Pages: 59 | ISBN : 1312775270
The Brain and Time
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? follows three friends discussing with the school nurse how the same period of time can feel like it’s going by fast or slow, depending on what you are doing. What gave you the idea of writing about this topic for children?
I love history and physics. Albert Einstein was obsessed with light which is what helped give him the drive to discover the Theory of Relativity. When I learned about the parts of the brain the help process time, I wanted to help people understand that our reality of time is also constructed by how our brain processes things. Some diseases can affect the brain which may also affect the way the brain processes time. I think that is really interesting.
In your book, you discuss the concept of time and how the brain processes it. You also introduce readers to topics like Parkinson’s disease and the methods scientists use to study the brain. How do you strike a balance between providing technical information and keeping your readers engaged without overwhelming them?
I don’t know. I believe I have a gift of synthesizing complex info and bringing it down to the level of a child. We should use our gifts to benefit the world and avoid concealing our gifts.
What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing your books?
I am surprised that it is not discussed more and not openly known that time processing for people with Parkinson’s Disease can be different from the rest of us. Knowing this can affect our understanding of our world. Our world is complex, and we should embrace the complexity.
What do you hope to teach or inspire in children reading your book?
I hope many children will consider careers in the health sciences.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence® book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy
Essential Vitamins
In Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin in Our Diet?, three best friends learn about the importance of vitamin B2 and what a deficiency can mean for their health. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The Nurse Florence® series explores general science questions, questions about diseases, and nutrition. Eating a balanced diet is important for many reasons like having a strong immune system. Kids need to be taught early about the importance of getting their essential vitamins. Nurse Florence® aims to improve the health of all families which is why we have begun translating the series into Latin American Spanish, Spain Spanish, French, and Russian. Many other languages are planned.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to assemble it in terms children could easily grasp?
I have a template for vitamin-related Nurse Florence® books so I gather the data from medical publications to create the outline for my illustrators. They use their creativity to create great drawings to complement the text. I write my books with my 10-year-old daughter in mind so that she can understand easily. She enjoys reading the series.
What do you enjoy most about authoring the Nurse Florence series?
With every book and the research needed to create accurate scientific text, I learn new things. This helps further develop my own practice as a Registered Nurse and writing the books helps me get more practice with bringing technical information down to a level that a layperson can understand.
Where will the next installment in the series take Sonia, Jean, and Condi?
We are excited about the next installment, Nurse Florence®, Why is Chicken Healthy to Eat? This will be converted into a coloring book for first graders.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time?
Michael Dow’s Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? is an enlightening educational book tailored for elementary school-aged children. It masterfully intertwines scientific knowledge and human anatomy to demystify how our brains perceive time. Through the engaging narrative, Nurse Florence explains the complexities of time perception to her young friends Jean, Condi, and Sonia, delving into why it seems to pass differently under varying circumstances.
Lindsay Roberts’ eye-catching illustrations significantly enhance the book’s educational value. These visuals are aesthetically pleasing and serve an educational purpose by featuring anatomical diagrams. This blend of imagery and text ensures that young readers remain captivated while absorbing intricate concepts. Dow’s writing style is both challenging and accessible, striking a balance between advanced vocabulary and understandable content. This approach fosters a learning environment where curious young minds can engage with real-world scientific terminology in a meaningful way. The comprehensive descriptions and contexts provided make complex ideas approachable for the target audience. In a creative twist, Dow draws inspiration from a historical nursing figure to craft the character of Nurse Florence, blending fact with fiction to create an immersive educational experience. This book stands out as a valuable resource for children interested in science, fueling their curiosity and enhancing their literacy skills.
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? is an outstanding and commendable addition to the world of children’s literature. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of time, making it a valuable resource for young readers with a keen interest in science. The writing style is engaging, and the content is presented in a way that is both informative and captivating. Whether you are a young reader or an adult, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of time.
Pages: 66 | ISBN : 9781304865694
Nurse Florence®, What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Nurse Florence, What is Multiple Sclerosis? by Michael Dow, is an innovative educational resource targeting young readers interested in medicine. The narrative revolves around Condi, a curious young girl whose cousin is affected by multiple sclerosis. Condi turns to her school nurse, Florence, for a deeper understanding of this condition. Through this engaging dialogue, Dow offers a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of multiple sclerosis, covering its definition, impact, and symptoms, supplemented by Kincaid’s interactive illustrations.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to simplify complex medical concepts through visual aids and interactive elements, making it an effective tool for children curious about science and medicine. Nurse Florence, depicted as a knowledgeable yet approachable figure, adeptly balances the role of an educator and storyteller, bringing authenticity to discussing a real-life medical condition. What sets this book apart is its dynamic combination of insightful narrative and stimulating visuals by Kincaid. The book’s pace is brisk and focused, aiding in retaining information about multiple sclerosis. The author’s thoughtful inclusion of a glossary to clarify medical terminology is a commendable feature of the book. This approach not only aids in demystifying complex terms but also invites young readers to delve deeper into the subject. Such an interactive element fosters curiosity and discussion, significantly enriching the book’s educational value for young, aspiring scientists and medical enthusiasts.
Nurse Florence, What is Multiple Sclerosis? is a deftly crafted educational resource that brilliantly bridges the gap between complex medical information and young readers’ understanding. By combining engaging narrative, interactive illustrations, and a helpful glossary, the book educates and inspires a deeper interest in medical science. It stands as an exemplary model of how educational materials can be both informative and appealing to the curious minds of future scientists and medical professionals.
Pages: 161 | ASIN : 9781312658233
Complicated and Amazing
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen follows three friends who, after learning about water filtration systems, want to know if the human body has a similar system. What do you find the most interesting about the spleen, making it a good topic to write about?
I love to write about human physiology. The body is very complicated and amazing. There seems to always be something to learn. Scientists are still discovering new things about how the human body functions, and it’s easy to be a lifelong learner with this topic. I thought discussing the spleen would be interesting for families since not everyone knows its purpose.
When writing the books in the Nurse Florence® series, how do you determine how in-depth to go into explaining concepts without overwhelming your younger readers but still providing enough information for a clear understanding of the topic?
You brought up one of the biggest challenges for me as the author of the series. I believe I have a gift of writing complex things into understandable units of information. My illustrators work very hard to create informative illustrations to complement the writing.
I love the Journal questions included at the story’s end. Have you considered adding other activities to future books to help further retention of the information?
We intend to create some activity books like word searches, connect the dots, and more in the future to supplement the series.
What topics are you planning next for Nurse Florence® to educate readers on, and when can your fans of the series expect a new book out?
We are planning about 500 books in the series to discuss all of the human physiology questions kids may have and diseases that may afflict families. We are publishing a new book about every 10 days. We have around 50 illustrators to support this project. Please visit www.nurseflorence.org for the latest information on the series and find a link to purchase the books directly from the printer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 