★★★ Brain science offers crucial clues for understanding who I am and the people around me. ★★★ When my daughter was very young, she got frustrated because she couldn't memorize a web address. So I told her, "People naturally can't remember more than seven items at once," and she understood right away, saying, "Oh, so it's natural that I can't memorize this." Another time, my younger daughter complained that her parents treated her unfairly compared to her older sister. So I called both girls together and explained, "Our brains have a region called the 'insula' that compares how fairly parents treat us versus our siblings. So no matter how hard you try not to feel jealous, that's just how our brains naturally work. Don't feel guilty about comparing yourself to your sister — instead, tell Mom and Dad if you think something is unfair." Hearing this, the girls understood the situation and even reconciled with each other. Seeing this happen, I began to think about writing a book for children and teens while they were still young. So I thought that if I were to write just one children's book, it should be one that teaches kids the brain science behind understanding our hearts and minds. We never properly learn about brain science until we graduate high school. Yet neuroscience provides essential clues for understanding who we are, why our friends behave the way they do, and why our communities and society function as they do. That's why I believe teaching children brain science early on can help them manage their own emotions better and develop deeper empathy for why others act the way they do. With the thought that it would be wonderful to teach kids about brain science in a fun and engaging way, I planned this book series. ★★★ If I had to describe the Human Exploration Report series in one phrase... it would be a jukebox of curiosity. ★★★ Most of the worries children have when they're young can actually be answered by understanding the brain. Why do I feel this way sometimes? Why do I sometimes fight with others, fail to control my impulses, or want to do exactly what I'm told not to do? Why does that friend act that way? Why do my parents say these things to us? Most of the questions we had as children can be largely explained once we understand the mind, and the brain that holds it. That's why I think of the Human Exploration Report series as a jukebox for the curiosities and questions we truly wonder about. You put in the questions you've always had, and out comes a wonderful answer through brain science — just like a jukebox. I hope children come to see brain science not as a difficult academic subject, but as a kind of map for understanding themselves and their friends. ★★★ Book 1 covers 'appearance,' while Books 2–3 continue with fascinating topics like 'memory' and 'emotion.' ★★★ Everyone is sensitive about their appearance. It seems obvious, but it's actually quite curious — after all, to our eyes, monkeys or gorillas all look pretty much alike. Yet among themselves, they can tell in fine detail which one looks more handsome or impressive, comparing and even competing with one another. We're the same way. From an alien's point of view, our eyes, noses, and mouths all look similar, so it might seem strange that we compare and obsess so much over who looks prettier or more attractive. Of course, this can lead us toward an unhealthy obsession with looks, but in that same process, we also learn to read others' emotions delicately and understand them through their expressions — and I think all of that is wrapped up in the idea of appearance. So I hope that by exploring why humans are so preoccupied with appearance, children can come to understand how empathy and understanding of others develop.