Baa! may very well be, as its subtitle promises, the most interesting book on the topic of genes written exclusively for kids. Certainly the first engaging book for children about the topic, it’s part of the Mysterious You series, which includes such other enticing titles as Hmm? and Burp.

The book’s title is a reference to Dolly, the cloned sheep who made news in 1997. While adults and kids may know the tale of Dolly, they are probably less familiar with the inside story of how genes actually work. Newspaper articles often focus on the moral impact of biotechnology, and Internet information frequently expounds on complex lab procedures, but this book moves directly to the basics, historical and scientific. What did Mendel actually do with those famous pea plants? What is the relationship of cells, chromosomes, and DNA? What are the implications for the future?

Sound technical information, reviewed by top-flight scientists, is enlivened by gene-related anecdotes about popular personalities like Michael Jordan, and accounts of how DNA testing revealed the identity of the Unabomber and the false claims of the woman who claimed to be Anastasia, the Russian princess. “You Try It” sidebars offer simple experiments, while coloured boxes reveal fascinating facts of the book-of-records variety. Rose Cowles’ zany illustrations enhance the lively text. Baa! is as enjoyable to read through in a sitting as it is useful as a reference for kids needing up-to-date background on a timely, exciting subject.