The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really Tiny Microbes (Science Book)

by Steve Mould (Author)

The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really Tiny Microbes (Science Book)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Science Book
In this funny, fact-packed science book for kids, readers will discover the bacteria, viruses, and other germs and microbes that keep our bodies and our world running. Meet a glowing squid, traveling fungus spores, and much more in this dynamic and engaging book all about bacteria, viruses, and other germs and microbes. The Bacteria Book walks the line between "ew, gross!" and "oh, cool!," exploring why we need bacteria and introducing readers to its microbial mates--viruses, fungi, algae, archaea, and protozoa. The Bacteria Book is a fun and informative introduction to a STEM subject that brings kids up-close to the big world of tiny science. With remarkable photography, kooky character illustrations, and lots of fun facts, this book uses real-life examples of microbiology in action to show how tiny microbes affect us in big ways.
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Hardcover
$15.99

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School Library Journal

Gr 2-4--Mould introduces the intriguing world of microbes to young readers. Bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, protozoa, and archaea are all defined. Examples are supplied to help children understand the relative size of various microbes (e.g., if a mountain represents the size of a grain of rice then a person would be the size of bacteria and a cell phone would be the size of a virus). Each spread features colorful illustrations that are seamlessly paired with relevant photographs, including many examples of electron microscope photography, and a variety of differently sized fonts with bolded keywords to grab kids' attention. Other topics covered relating to the microbial world include how the immune system defends the body against potentially dangerous microbes, how antibiotics work, and a description of how bacteria in the large intestine are responsible for farts, which will surely draw readers. Numbered, sequential illustrations are used to graphically explain various types of processes, such as how cholera spreads within a community. A microbiology time line highlights a few key events and discoveries. VERDICT With simple language and visually engaging graphics, this book is a solid choice for nonfiction collections; it will appeal to both browsers and budding scientists.--Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

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

"While Mould definitely promotes the yuck factor, he moderates it with humor...Just watch the grubby fingers reach for this one." —Booklist

"The Bacteria Book is an expert blend of visual and written information. There are lots of great attention-grabbing photos, with short blocks of text, and sidebars filled with arresting facts...Like all the best non-fiction books, it informs, entertains, and astounds. Highly recommended" —GeekDad.com
Steve Mould
Steve Mould is a science expert and comedian with a physics degree from the University of Oxford. He has a YouTube channel with over 200,000 subscribers, and his videos regularly achieve hits in the hundreds of thousands. One of these videos (about "self-siphoning beads") went viral worldwide, gaining nearly 2 million hits and being mentioned in The New York Times and on the BBC. Scientists later discovered why the beads performed in the mysterious way they did and dubbed it "The Mould Effect." Steve also hosts a radio show on BBC Radio 4 and is part of the live comedy/science trio Festival of the Spoken Nerd. His first book for kids, How to Be a Scientist, is a 2018 ILA-CBC Children's Choices Reading List selection.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781465470287
Lexile Measure
860
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
DK
Publication date
May 15, 2018
Series
Science Book
BISAC categories
JNF051100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Science & Ecosystems
JNF003000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | General
JNF051050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Biology
JNF048040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Reference | Encyclopedias
JNF013110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Concepts | Body
JNF024060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Health & Daily Living | Personal Hygiene
Library of Congress categories
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