The Bare Naked Book [Library Binding]

PreS The shock value of this title is largely undeserved. The book is actually an introduction to the parts of the body for young children. A page or two is devoted to each feature, which is displayed in a number of ways. ``Noses,'' for example, shows runny noses, itchy noses, blowing noses, and advises, ``Don't pick your nose.'' Slightly stiff illustrations show children and adults in everyday situations with accompanying descriptive phrases``Pushing arms,'' ``Yummy toes,'' etc. The organization of the text is somewhat illogical, with shoulders followed by belly buttons and nipples followed by arms. There are relatively few ``bare naked'' bodies, all belonging to babies or small children. Genitals are clearly displayed; a bathtime scene makes a comfortably natural setting. Although the artwork is mediocre, the concept is well done. This approach is a good one for older toddlers and preschoolers who are becoming aware of others' bodies as well as their own; it has the added bonus of descriptive adjectives which are useful for vocabulary building. Sally Kilroy's Babies' Bodies (Four Winds, 1984) is aimed at a younger audience and is less detailed. Lucy Young Clem, Evansville-Vanderburgh County Public Library, Ind.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The concept is well done. This approach is a good one for older toddlers and preschoolers who are becoming aware. (School Library Journal )

The return of a treasured favorite about our bodies.

There is nothing more ordinary -- or more special -- than the human body. After all, everybody has one, and for all the parts that are the same each comes in a different shape and size. The Bare Naked Book joyfully celebrates this wonderful ordinariness with a matter-of-fact introduction for toddlers to the parts of the body.

From hair (dripping, straight, curly, tangled) to toes (stamping, ticklish, skinny, squishy) and the private bits in between, Kathy Stinson's playfully simple prose identifies the parts of the body at rest and in motion. Meanwhile, the friendly realism of Heather Collins' illustrations offers a variety of body types in familiar environments, from the bathroom to the beach.

Twenty years old and still going strong, The Bare Naked Book remains a favorite family introduction to the vocabulary of the body. We're proud to unveil this redesigned edition on this special anniversary.

Kathy Stinson is the best-selling author of more than 20 books for children and young adults. She lives outside Toronto.

Heather Collins has illustrated over 40 children's books, including The Kids Campfire Book and The Last Safe House: A Story of the Underground Railroad. She lives in Toronto.