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

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