Move Your Body, Grow Your Brain!

Move Your Body, Grow Your Brain! is a self-published children’s book I wrote to explore the connection between movement and brain development.

From a young age, I was drawn to movement—whether through running, dancing, swimming, or playing soccer. This natural inclination toward physical activity sparked an early curiosity about how movement influences the brain, even before I knew what neuroscience was.

During my time at Pomona College, I majored in neuroscience and dance. Through this interdisciplinary journey, I developed a deep interest in both scientific research and science communication. I had the opportunity to teach science to students of various ages, from primary school to high school, and found great fulfillment in making complex concepts accessible and engaging for young learners.

This children’s book is a component of my senior thesis in neuroscience. My research focused on how exercise supports brain health at both the molecular and structural levels, particularly through the growth of neurons. The story presented here introduces these ideas through the imaginative journey of a child exploring the brain—an effort to translate scientific knowledge into a form that children can understand and enjoy.

I created this book with the hope that it will spark curiosity and encourage young readers to explore both movement and science. I firmly believe that children are more than capable of grasping big ideas when they are shared with clarity, creativity, and care.