Skippy and Oaf Explore the Battles of the Immune System

Children gain an understanding of how the body fights off disease at the molecular level and the consequences of immune cells gone wild in this lively science-based story. Skippy the very intelligent rat and his friend Oaf decide to accompany Uncle Boxer to the Mayo Clinic. Their journey passes quickly as they banter about how the body’s immune cells battle all types of bacterial and viral invaders. Conversations with Uncle Boxer's neurologist Dr. Mo and others at the clinic broaden Skippy and Oaf's knowledge of the body's natural defense system. Not only do they learn about the body's amazing ability to heal itself when properly cared for and the problems that occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells—as is the case with multiple sclerosis—but also about the workings of the central nervous system and its intricate relationship with the immune system. While on site, Skippy and Oaf also get an introduction to the processes involved in the conduction of scientific studies and clinical drug trials and their role in life-saving medical discoveries. Playful drawings throughout the book illustrate and clarify key concepts.