Totally Human: Why We Look and Act the Way We Do

by Cynthia Pratt Nicolson, Dianne Eastman (Illustrator)

The fascinating science behind our bodies and behaviors and how they link us to our ancient ancestors. What makes us human is cause for surprise. We retain some of the appearances and behaviors of our very ancient ancestors, including early mammals, amphibians and fish. Yes, we look and act the way we do because of them. Totally Human explains the many puzzling and strange things about us and the weird and wonderful things we do, simply because we're human. A child-sized take on the scientific fields of evolutionary biology and psychology.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Cynthia Pratt Nicolson is a teacher and an award-winning children’s author who has written several non-fiction books. She lives on Bowen Island, British Columbia.

Reviews

[Canadian Children's Book Centre]

To answer the ever persistent question “Why?”, Cynthia Pratt Nicolson’s newest non-fiction title peers into humanity’s primordial past to explain the evolution of a hilariously diverse assortment of physical and behavioural traits. From why we hiccup, feel ticklish and throw up to why we have two ears, crave junk food and love pets, Totally Human covers the gamut on why we look and act the way we do.

Nicolson presents a fascinating array of scientific facts in a witty, conversational tone arranged around 22 thought-provoking questions whose answers effortlessly weave together a contemporary narrative of anecdotes and research. Information-packed sidebars, in eye-catching colours, offer yet more engrossing facts in what amounts to a highly accessible introduction to evolutionary biology and psychology.

Dianne Eastman’s fun, irreverent digital-collage illustrations perfectly complement the wacky, weird and bizarre facts kids will learn, and will have them turning the pages to see what comes next. The idiosyncratic pairing of human and animal photography, combined with comic artwork — like a manically grinning dolphin head perched atop a chubby infant body — add an unmistakable allure for children in Grades 4 to 6.

A clear table of contents, concise glossary and thoroughly detailed index nicely round out the volume. This is a great addition to Nicolson’s many popular science books for children.


Reviewed by Kathy Hammer in Canadian Children's Book News (Summer 2011, Vol. 34, No. 3)

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn't like Totally human because It's really not my type of book I like adventure books
I really knew a lot e of the things it told you'd so it seemed like I was reviewing information I already knew.
To me I really just wasn't catching to me to me it seemed like a basic book. It really wasn't along book to me maybe its just I read fast I don't know I like books were you pick them up and they take quiet along time to read. So to me overall it just really not a good book to be honest it was quiet disgusting at points.
There are my 5 reasons that I really didn't like the book

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explains things like hiccups, burps, and seeing colors from a survival viewpoint rather than a physical explanation, though sometimes physical underpinnings are included. It explains our current habits and aptitudes in terms of evolutionary necessities. The graphics are fun hybreds of human figures and animal faces. AR6 (L n/a)

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought this book was a great book and i would recommend it to other people. i found it interesting and i enjoyed it.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really interesting and there are lots of things that i didn't know about humans and why we act a sertan way.

[Ilib4kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

J576.8 NIC
It is rare book that I can get my child into reading human body