There is something so special about building a child’s very first library. As we continue adding quality books to the newest little one in our extended family’s collection, I’m trying to choose books that he can enjoy now but also continue growing with over the next few years. With him turning one this past July, My First 100 Words Wimmelbook is the perfect stepping stone for helping him build his vocabulary while beginning to make real-world connections between pictures, words, and the things he sees around him every day.
What I really like about this book is that it goes beyond simply showing a picture with a word underneath it. Wimmelbooks are known for their busy, detailed illustrations, giving little ones plenty to look at, point to, and discover. My First 100 Words introduces young readers to familiar objects and vocabulary through colorful scenes that encourage them to slow down and explore the pages.
At this age, we aren’t worried about him memorizing 100 words. Instead, this is a book we can use naturally throughout the day. We can point to an object, say its name, talk about its color or what it does, and then help him recognize that same object when he encounters it in real life. Those simple interactions are wonderful for building early vocabulary, observation skills, and language development.
I also love that this is the type of book that can grow along with him. Right now, reading together may mean pointing, naming objects, making sounds, and letting him explore the illustrations. As he gets older, we can begin asking questions like, “Can you find the ball?” “Where is the dog?” or “What do you see? Eventually, he can start naming objects independently and even using the pictures to create his own little stories.
That makes it much more than a one-and-done baby book. As we build his family library, I want it filled with quality books that encourage curiosity, conversation, and a genuine love of books from the very beginning. My First 100 Words Wimmelbook fits beautifully into that goal.
For our newest one-year-old reader, this has been such a sweet addition to his growing library and I have a feeling this is one we will be pulling off the shelf again and again.
We received Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2 for our honest review from Timberdoodle Co.
As a homeschool mom with a future doctor in the house, I’m always on the lookout for resources that nurture my son’s passion for medicine. The Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2 from Know Yourself Company, part of Timberdoodle Co’s 8th grade curriculum, has been a fantastic addition to our homeschool library. As long-time users of the Systems of the Body: Adventure Series, we’ve always appreciated Know Yourself’s ability to make complex biological concepts accessible and fun for young learners. This bundle goes above and beyond, offering a deeper dive into the wonders of the human body that’s perfect for middle schoolers like my son
Here’s a breakdown of what each book in the bundle offers and why they’ve been a game-changer for our homeschool journey:
Book 4: The Digestive System
This book takes readers on a journey through the digestive process in a way that truly comes alive. From the mouth to the stomach and all the way to the intestines, the illustrations and explanations help break down the complex functions into bite-sized (pun intended!) sections that are easy to digest—literally and figuratively. My son loved learning about enzymes and how food gets absorbed into the bloodstream. It also sparked a lot of discussion about healthy eating and how to support digestive health. For any middle schooler curious about how their body processes food, this book is a must-read.
Book 5: The Renal System
The kidneys, bladder, and the entire urinary system get their time to shine in this detailed exploration of the renal system. This book explains the filtration process in the kidneys and how waste is removed from the blood, a topic that fascinated my son. He found the diagrams extremely helpful, and the quizzes at the end of each chapter tested his knowledge in a fun way. The renal system can seem like a dry subject (pun again intended!), but this book manages to make it engaging and interactive, which is a real testament to the authors. It’s more than just memorizing facts; the book encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, which is crucial for middle schoolers stepping into more advanced studies.
Book 6: The Skeletal System
Out of the three, the skeletal system book was my son’s favorite. He has a deep interest in anatomy, and this book gave him a clear understanding of how bones function, from providing structure to producing blood cells. The book does a fantastic job explaining how bones work in tandem with muscles and ligaments, bringing the human skeleton to life in a fascinating way. The exercises at the end of the chapters were particularly beneficial for reinforcing learning and helped my son think critically about how our body’s framework supports everything we do.
How These Books Differ from the Systems of the Body: Adventure Series
While we have been long-time users of the Systems of the Body: Adventure Series, the Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2offers a more detailed, in-depth look into each body system. The Adventure Series focuses on broader overviews with an adventurous storyline, which was fantastic for introducing concepts to my son when he was younger. Now, at the middle school level, the Know Your Bodyseries brings a more mature approach. It dives deeper into scientific processes and encourages critical thinking through hands-on activities and real-world connections. These books are an ideal fit for older students who are ready to take their understanding to the next level.
Why It’s Perfect for Middle Schoolers
The Know Your Body books strike a perfect balance between fun and educational content. The tone is light and engaging, yet the information is comprehensive enough to challenge a middle school student. My son, who is highly motivated and loves to learn about the human body, found these books incredibly fulfilling. They pushed him to think like a scientist and future doctor, while still being accessible enough for independent learning.
Know Yourself Academy: The Next Step in Learning
We’re also excited to explore the new Know Yourself Academy online platform, launched by the same creators. As homeschoolers who have loved their books, this online platform seems like a natural progression. It promises to offer a rich, interactive learning environment that complements the print materials. For a child with big dreams of becoming a doctor, having access to these kinds of high-quality educational tools is invaluable.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Aspiring Young Doctors
If your child has an interest in science or medicine, I highly recommend the Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2 from Know Yourself. These books offer a perfect blend of fun, education, and depth, especially for middle schoolers who are ready to dive deeper into the workings of the human body. Whether your child dreams of becoming a doctor or is just curious about how their body works, this bundle is a fantastic tool for fostering that curiosity and making learning both interactive and meaningful.
Little Learner and Mom 