Human Body Detectives is a series of educational adventure stories where two young “Human Body Detectives,” Merrin and Pearl, magically enter different systems in the body to solve a health mystery. Through action-packed fiction stories, listeners learn how the various systems work and what foods best fuel each system.

The audio book series is authored by Dr. Heather Manley, a naturopathic doctor based in Hawaii who noticed a void of children’s books that focused on the different systems of the body in a fun, interactive and engaging way. Her first book in the series titled The Lucky Escape came about when she realized kids would be more inclined to make healthier food choices if they understood how the food they ate affects their body. The main characters of the book are based on author her daughters of the same name, Merrin and Pearl. Her second book Battle with the Bugs released October 26^th and is a great way to discuss influenza and its impact with your children in a non-threatening format.

The Human Body Detectives Series is perfect for:

• Families to be proactive about health by providing a fun, engaging way to teach the concepts to children.
• Kids with learning disabilities and those that struggle with reading – the entire book is in audio format with an accompanying activity workbook.
• Going beyond the textbook and teaching home-schooled children health topics.

When The Lucky Escape arrived I flipped through the workbook to see what it was like and came across a section called “Digest that Joke”. I couldn’t help but giggle at the silly kids jokes and knew it would be a hit with them. Here are two of my favorites…

Why was the skeleton afraid to go down the esophagus? Because he didn’t have the guts to do it!

Why did the banana go to the hospital? Because he wasn’t peeling well…

Yes, they’re cheesy, but they’re cute and my kids thought they were incredibly funny. And as cute as The Lucky Escape workbook was, the audio book was just as good. It was not only educational, it was fun, and if we were still homeschooling, the set would have made it into our curriculum cabinet.

After they’d finished the workbook, I asked the kids what they thought of  The Lucky Escape and here is what they said…

• Cassie – I liked it because the girls were trapped in their brothers body. It was neat to learn about body parts, like the dangling thing inside our mouth.
• Wyatt – I liked it too. It was fun to learn about the digestive system. I learned that the large intestine and small intestine are attached to the liver and stomach.
• Shelby – I liked how the information was so real, but formed into a fun story too. Did you know chewed food is called bolus? Ew! And your tongue helps push food towards the back of your mouth. I also learned that the thing in the back of your mouth is called your uvula.

They liked the audio book enough that it went into their CD case.

And for a change I have absolutely nothing negative to say during a review… well, as long as Wyatt doesn’t get in trouble today for sharing the “fart facts” he learned LOL!!!