Why Am I a Human, not a Mushroom or a Bean?

I recently wrote a book called Why Am I a Human Not a Mushroom or a Bean? This was a book that came out of a combination of my own daughter’s questions and the plant unit I was teaching my grade threes at the time. It tells the story of Betty the bean plant and Henry the human asking their parents why they are what they are. It gives a light introduction into DNA and how a human baby growing and forming is very similar to a seed germinating and growing in a garden.

I would read bit by bit to my daughter as the story was unfolding in my head, and she would ask questions that helped me guide the text. However, reading it to my class was a whole other ballgame. The questions and giggles that came out of that reading spurred me on to write a definitions page at the back of the book! Apparently the word, uterus, is quite giggle worthy! This book is appropriate for all ages of children, and I deliberately didn’t go into conception or birth details. I figure that can be a Betty the Bean follow up book if need be!