Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--Gravel inserts herself into this exploration of microbes in their many forms and directly addresses readers. The first illustration shows her drawing the various shapes germs can take as she explains, "I find them fascinating and beautiful." She goes on to describe the different types of microbes, each sorted into circles similar to Petri dishes. Then she shows where they can be found--in air, water, and even extreme conditions like volcanoes and outer space. Harmful microbes, such as influenza and coronavirus are listed. The idea that they are considered dangerous is reinforced by a virus with a speech bubble that reads, "Mwahaha!" But the author also mentions helpful bacteria in human intestines and bacteriophages that fight harmful bacteria. Microbes in the ocean that produce oxygen proclaim, "We're superheroes!" Future uses for microbes, strategies to stay healthy, and even directions to grow microbes to study are included. The book wraps up with a few more interesting facts and an amusing illustration of Gravel hugging a microbe. VERDICT Informative and eminently readable, this book has a graphic format that makes the topic approachable and is sure to engage young readers.--Suzanne Costner
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