Hooray for DNA! How a bear and a bug are a lot like us

"DNA is the ABC/ of what makes you, you/ and what makes me, me" opens debut author Thompson in this vigorously rhyming celebration of "the set of instructions/ for all life constructions." Though text largely eschews scientific detail throughout, instead underscoring a message of connection, a high-level explanation summarizes that "DNA builds life with/ four chemical bricks." Moreover, because "our shared DNA bricks/ make us related," humans are "part beagle/ and a soaring bald eagle," and even the seemingly vast variety within our own species is really the result of infinitesimal DNA differences--"Put aside language,/ and culture, and race./ It's a DNA speck that/ gives you your face." Digitally finished signature cartoons from Pizzoli (Pizza! A Slice of History) visualize a classroom filled with children portrayed as having various skin tones, where the hands-on learning is nonstop: kids build a DNA helix out of Lego, illustrate the idea of shared DNA by creating a hybrid critter, and commune with classroom animals. It's a peppy, approachable intro to a big topic, best suited to the younger end of the target audience. Back matter offers more scientific detail. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Stacey Kondla, Rights Factory. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Apr.)

A shoutout to the little molecules that make all of us virtually the same. Since the DNA common to all life has large identical sections, "We share many features / with all living creatures," Thompson points out in her often loose-jointed verse. "But there's one that's identical, / less point one percentical." That would be every human: "Less point one percent," she goes on, "we're almost exact. / Almost DNA twins. / That's a DNA fact!" If she sometimes lets enthusiasm get the better of accuracy--no, viruses aren't generally considered living organisms even though some do contain DNA--her claim that our "shared DNA / makes us all family" is a strong one. Moreover, her comparison of DNA's molecules to LEGO bricks in both the rhymed portion and the longer prose afterword to explain how DNA's "chemical bricks" combine and recombine is a clear and effective choice of metaphor for younger audiences. Aside from a spiral border motif, Pizzoli doesn't show DNA in action, but his cartoon scenes of a racially diverse group of busy children in classroom settings reflect the narrative's energetic language and flow. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Sketchy on the details but delivers a solidly worthy message grounded in biochemical fact. (enrichment activities, resource lists) (Informational picture book. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.