"Microbe" Books for Curious Kids
These unprecedented times have inspired many questions about microbes and viruses. I’ve gathered a few children’s books that will inform and entertain the younger set. And who knows … maybe a few kids will even be inspired to explore the world around them!
TINY CREATURES: THE WORLD OF TINY MICROBES (5-8 years) Candlewick Publishers
By Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton
All around the world—in the sea, in the soil, in the air, and in your body—there are living things so tiny that millions could fit on an ant’s antenna. They’re busy doing all sorts of things, from giving you a cold and making yogurt to eroding mountains and helping to make the air we breathe.
THE FANTASTIC BODY: WHAT MAKES YOU TICK AND WHAT MAKES YOU SICK (ages 8-12)
By Dr. Howard Bennett
Pub by Rodale Kids
"Captivates readers with an engaging look at the inside and outside workings of the human body. Rich with medical terminology, the writing style smoothly blends definitions of unfamiliar vocabulary with factual details. Technical passages are enhanced by clear diagrams. Large doses of humor lighten the tone, and gross-out descriptions...A fresh perspective on health and wellness and a useful resource or browsing selection for nonfiction collections." —School Library Journal
THE BACTERIA BOOK: THE BIG WORLD OF REALLY TINY MICROBES (6-9 years) DK Children
By Steve Mould
In an overview of "peculiar, pulsating creatures" that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, the appropriately named Mould keeps his eye on the ick factor as he dishes out basic facts about the viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, archaea, and "micro animals" with which we share the planet. He also describes how diseases are caught and spread, explains how our immune system works, and, backed by a closing timeline, covers the development of microbiology and antibiotics.... Memorable insights into the invisible world. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 7-10) —Kirkus Reviews
VIRUS vs BACTERIA by Baby Professor (Amazon) (8-12 years)
Geared for the older elementary student, this books does a decent job explaining the difference between viruses and bacteria; however it does not explain all of the terms used, such as DNA. The illustrations are appealing.
MICROBIOLOGY: IT’S A SMALL WORLD (ages 9-11)
Written by Dan Green
A Basher Science book. Pub Kingfisher
This latest book from the Basher Science series investigates the unseen world of microbes. Basher's distinctive style presents key microbes as characters with their own voice and personality. Microbiology investigates the "teensy tykes" such as algae and bacteria that are all around us in the living world, as well as a range of so-called "minibeasts", but these are not the usual creepy-crawlies that you might think of. These near-invisible creatures range from the zooplankton "good guys" to the unpleasant tapeworm and fluke. Yuk!
DO NOT LICK THIS BOOK BY Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost
Pub: Roaring Brook Press
In this interactive children’s picture book, microbiologist Idan Ben-Barak and award-winning illustrator Julian Frost zoom in on the microscopic world found on everyday objects – and in our bodies – warning readers: Do not lick this book.
GERM WARS!
by Melissa Stewart
Candlewick Press, Grades 3-5
The Secrets of Protecting Your Body
The lively, conversational tone and blend of photos and cartoon-style art make Germ Wars! The Secrets of Protecting Your Body a perfect blend of fun facts and serious science learning about how humans and other animals protect themselves from tiny invaders. Here at last—a book that’s irreverent enough to captivate young readers, yet authoritative enough to win the praise of teachers, librarians, and parents.
ALL IN A DROP:HOW ANTONY VAN LEEUWENHOEK DISCOVERED AN INVISIBLE NEW WORLD
(8-12 years)
by Lori Alexander and Vivien Mildenburger!
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers
And of course, one my my favorite books about the uneducated Dutchman who discovered microbes...
Here's a link to my review...
3/31
And here's another I just learned about...
The Giant Book of Germs
by Lorna Hendry Amazing photographs and illustrations accompanied by bite-sized chunks of information! Learn all about the amazing world of good and bad germs!
Enjoy!