Brains: Not Just a Zombie Snack
Written by Stacy McAnulty
Illustrated by Matthew Rivera
"Brains. 78% water, 100% delicious." Any book that starts out like that and features a zombie chef scientist extraordinaire gets our vote — plus this brilliant illustrator adds so much extra to this story. Your kiddos will be talking gray-matter like it matters for days. And they will remember a lot.
Big Idea
Your brain is an incredible organ that helps you think, learn, move, feel, and grow. Taking care of your brain helps you live a healthy, active, and curious life.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does the author compare brains with zombie stories?
- 2
What are three important jobs the brain performs?
- 3
Which brain fact surprised you the most?
- 4
Why is the brain considered the body's control center?
- 5
How do neurons help the brain communicate?
- 6
Why is it important to wear helmets during certain activities?
- 7
How does humor make learning easier?
- 8
What is the author's purpose for writing this book?
Activity: Amazing Brain Poster
Create an informational poster showing your favorite brain facts. Include major brain parts, their functions, interesting facts, and illustrations with labels.
- 1
Choose at least three major brain parts to feature on your poster.
- 2
Write a short description of each part's function in your own words.
- 3
Add two or three interesting facts from the book that surprised you.
- 4
Draw and label illustrations for each brain part you included.
Standards Connections
ELA: RI.2.3 — Connections between events in a text
Science: Life Science — Human body systems
SEL: Self-awareness and personal health
Ready to use this guide in your classroom?
Download the printable PDF with all questions and activities.