I'm a Virus! (Science Buddies)

by Bridget Heos (Author) Mike Ciccotello (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Science Buddies
Scary science is introduced with humor-laced facts in this new nonfiction picture book series from a prolific, award-winning children’s book author, starting with our tiniest invader—the common cold virus, and its more frightening relatives!

How does a virus make us sick? How does it spread? And what can people do to beat them?

Hi, I'm Virus! And I'm here to answer all these questions and more!

In friendly, simple text, the most "common" virus, rhinovirus (the common cold), explains how viruses work and spread. With funny, engaging, and informative illustrations, this is the perfect way to explain viruses to young children who have questions in the wake of a pandemic. The nonthreatening common cold walks readers through the basics of viruses, and then features past viruses we have defeated, as well as introducing COVID-19.

The start of a new series designed to make scary science more approachable, Science Buddies is here to explain the world to curious young minds!
Select format:
Hardcover
$16.99

More books in the series - See All

Horn Book Magazine

A friendly rhinovirus virion (a single "virus particle") narrates this accessible and timely introduction to viruses, our immune system, and the benefits of vaccines.

Kirkus Reviews

Heos keeps the information flowing, too, as she goes on to describe the functions of different types of white blood cells and, zeroing in on smallpox as a particular success story, identifies several viral maladies, including Covid-19, for which effective vaccines have been developed.

Booklist

This kid-friendly health lesson concludes with a brief look at smallpox and the development of its vaccine, as well as an infographic of white blood cell defenders.

Publishers Weekly

In this accessible introduction to virology with a section that discusses Covid-19 and vaccines, Heos employs a novel approach: a rhinovirus narrator, portrayed as a smiling, rounded green virion, takes readers along on its journey, leaving a light-skinned child host to infect a light-brown-skinned child host with the common cold. Invitingly peppered with onomatopoeia, the narrative is both conversational and comprehensive: "You now have a headache and a runny nose. Don't blame me... that's your white blood cells' fault!" Ciccotello includes labeled diagrams aplenty and expressive, cartoon-style virions and cells rendered digitally. A promising series starter that's sure to engage and educate on a timely subject. Back matter includes more information on smallpox, vaccines, and different types of white blood cells, and a glossary. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3--A topical primer on viruses and how our bodies fight them, as narrated in the first person by a virus. The narrator seems nice enough, until it enters the nose and starts making a mess of things. Luckily white blood cells and antibodies are there to help the body fight back. This quick read is a great introduction to viruses, with several pages dedicated to information about the novel coronavirus. The illustrations provide easy-to-understand diagrams of cells, virions, antibodies, vaccines, and more. Also included are a glossary of terms, recommendations for further reading, and a bibliography. The host character has brown hair and light brown skin. VERDICT Although a fictionalized treatment, this is recommended purchase for the pandemic and beyond--it's first-class science served up accessibly.--Laken Hottle

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes


Bridget Heos
Bridget Heos is the author of more than one hundred children's fiction and nonfiction books, including the Children's Choice Award-winning Mustache Baby series and Treemendous. She visits schools around the country to get kids excited about reading and writing. In quieter moments, she enjoys finding nature in the city with her kids.

Mike Ciccotello is the author-illustrator of the picture books Twins and Beach Toys vs. School Supplies and is the illustrator of Treemendous by Bridget Heos. He lives with his wife and twin boys by the beach in New Jersey. Visit him at ciccotello.com.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780593302934
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
April 20, 2022
Series
Science Buddies
BISAC categories
JNF024020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Health & Daily Living | Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries
JNF051050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Biology
Library of Congress categories
Viruses
Rhinoviruses

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!