Author Trudee Romanek of Barrie, Ontario, integrates both kid-friendly gross facts and good, solid information in this new book – another in the Mysterious You series – that’s a fascinating look at a subject that makes some people squeamish. Romanek, who has already written other titles in the series (Achoo! and Aha!), knows how to pull in young readers by presenting information that’s both current and relevant to their lives.

In an upbeat, conversational style, Romanek provides basic facts about blood, the circulatory system, and medical advances in coronary health. She also explains the science behind scabs, bruises, headrushes, and nosebleeds, things that most children have experienced firsthand. Myths and the facts surrounding blood and bloodsucking creatures are also examined, along with a look at animals who have unusual blood-related characteristics, such as the Texas horned lizard, which can squirt blood from its eyes. Included with the fact-dense text are seven “You Try It” experiments that children can easily complete at home or in a classroom. An index is included for easy access and pronunciation is provided within the text for any difficult words.

The visual design is eye-catching and uncluttered. Occasional sidebars are scattered throughout the text to highlight quick and interesting facts. B.C. illustrator Rose Cowles has illustrated all eight books in this series and provides fun and colourful artwork along with accurate, easy-to-follow diagrams. Once again, Romanek gives young readers a balanced blend of useful facts and intriguing oddities that makes this title appropriate for general reading as well as classroom research.