Diagnosis Detectives: Tummy Trouble
Sophia is the human character that provides relevance and context for the undercover work done by the Diagnosis Detectives in this non-fiction story. The detectives are different cell types who help to narrate the story by investigating and sometimes providing solutions as to what can cause tummy trouble.
Illustrated throughout, the table of contents are arranged along a very long piece of human intestines with chapters signposted such as ‘Feeling Gross’, ‘Diarrhoea’ and ‘Food intolerances’ along with other curious names. Throughout the story there are little pop-up prompts providing related vocabulary definitions that help guide the narrative of this story. The challenges that exist within the immune system with antigens is cleverly illustrated providing understanding quick understanding.
The story highlights symptoms and possible health problems, helping readers to develop the vocabulary to describe symptoms and also the concepts of cause and effect. The language used is not overly medical, but informative enough for the reader to know when to tell their adult they are not feeling well and to be self-aware enough to know something doesn’t feel right. Awareness of personal hygiene and the connection to taking ownership of their own health risks is very impactful. The section on food intolerances will also support the readers in discussing their own issues, but also encourage empathethy towards others who do have these intolerances.
An engaging read from the very start.
