Review: Your One and Only Heart

Written by Rajani LaRocca

Illustrated by Lauren Paige Conrad

New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2023. Informational. 39 pages.

In the last 5 years, both of my parents have needed heart surgery to improve their quality of life. The knowledge of the doctors and nurses involved in all of their procedures was impressive. When I saw an informational book about hearts that includes poetry, I was more than intrigued and knew I had to read it. I am so glad I did. I enjoyed this book very much.

Sometimes complex topics can seem intimidating to want to learn about. This book, with its colorful illustrations, makes the in-depth topic of cardiovascular health seem approachable and understandable. This book would be great for young children to understand more about how the heart is so essential to life, and it’s also a great reminder for those of us who took biology class but have possibly forgotten a lot of basic facts.

Each spread includes a spread about a specific quality the heart has, and then a poem that elaborates on that quality. I appreciated the use of color to tie the pages together, including a colored stripe at the top of each page that gives it a kid-friendly textbook feel. The facts throughout the book and the additional facts at the end are great for kids who like to memorize facts. I am glad I read this book and continue to be amazed at the beauty of the heart that keeps each and every one of us alive.

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