Review by Booklist Review
The presence of germs all around--and inside--us is explored in this colorful view into some of the most common microbes. Readers will learn the characteristics of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and helminths and where they can be found both inside and outside the body. Some of the incredible facts in this book: a phone has 10 times more germs than a toilet seat, and germs can even affect your thinking. The way germs are spread, how to prevent spreading, and the amazing abilities a body has to fight germs is also covered, along with tips people can take to prevent germs from invading and possibly causing illness. Bold and sharply outlined illustrations provide a fun and up-close view of these microbes and combine well with the informative and interesting text. A detailed author's note provides additional information about microbes and ways you and your body keep healthy. An excellent resource on these microbes that is sure to pique readers' interest and leave them surprised.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
Colorful, squiggly germs with alarmed cartoon faces swirl all around the three curious children at the center of this useful and entertaining book by the team behind A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars (rev. 1/18) and Power Up (rev. 3/19). In Fishman's funny, conversational text, a scientist explains to the children that many of the rules they hear from grownups ("Cover your mouth when you cough"; "Don't eat off the floor") help keep them safe. The scientist goes on to define germs as microbes and identify the different kinds (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, helminths); show where they can be found inside and outside the human body; and explain what we can do to protect ourselves from illness. Both the bright, cheerful drawings and the author's note encourage children to see germs as a natural part of our world. The chatty, sometimes silly text plays off Greenberg's lively illustrations, which are full of movement and details to pore over. The text mentions the role of vaccines as a line of defense, and COVID-19 is explicitly discussed in the author's note. A nonthreatening and informative introduction to a topic about which children may have many questions and concerns today. Laura Koenig July/August 2022 p.142(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
