Review by Gabrielle Tselos
Knopf Books for Young Readers, April, 2023
40 pages , Hardcover, $25.99 CAD, 9780593427040
Picture book, Ages 4-8 years
Fiction
“People, all humans, it’s us- you and me! Our shared DNA makes us all family. Put aside language, and culture, and race. It’s a DNA speck that gives you your face.”
Hooray for DNA is a children’s picture book that follows different creatures to teach young ones the basics of DNA. It reminds readers of the importance of finding similarities between us all—such as DNA—and embracing one another despite our differences. The book is filled with enticing pictures, a science related storyline, and quick, hilarious rhymes. A special addition to this book is the glossary at the end, which allows child readers to learn scientific terms while having fun! Hooray for DNA highlights how DNA is crucial in making us who we are, and in binding us together.
The drawings by Pizzoli are childlike, colourful, and interesting. The colours are simple yet blend together to create beautiful drawings that light up the page. The images represent children from different backgrounds as well as different types of animals, showing how DNA is truly a part of us all. I personally enjoyed depictions of the use of Legos in the classroom to create DNA sequences—a simple yet effective way to demonstrate DNA binding.
Topics like science can be confusing for some young kids, and this lack of understanding might sometimes cause disinterest, so it is refreshing to see a book make STEM fun and accessible. Specifically, the topic of DNA is such an essential aspect of understanding our world, and communicating its importance in an exciting way is a fantastic method to get kids interested. Additionally, children might not understand the complexities of why people look and speak differently, but by bringing up the idea that all of us, despite our differences, have something in common, Hooray for DNA provides an important lesson in acceptance.
Filled with marvellous drawings, a meaningful theme, and an educational focus, this book will pique the interest of any curious young reader. Science is more than just genes, and it can truly bring us all together.
This review was written by Gabrielle Tselos. Gabrielle is a 3rd year psychology student at UBC, who hopes to minor in creative writing. She enjoys writing, baking, and taking photos in her free time.
YOUNG ADULTING 