A fast-paced and fun introduction to the mysteries of microbes.
Icky, germy pathogens of all sorts are introduced in this newest addition to the Gross Science series.
Germs are everywhere, in everything, and they are even on you. Millions can fit on a pin point. Germs come in many varieties too, not just as bacteria and viruses most readers are familiar with, but also as fungi and protozoa. Tracing the history of infectious disease, Kay explores early theories of disease spread, the discovery of microorganisms, and ultimately how germ theory was discovered and proven. How our immune system fights off germy invaders and what we can do to help are also discussed along with plenty more interesting tidbits about humans’ relationships with microbes. In introducing these complex science topics, Kay shows great respect for his readers: The text does not shy away from challenging vocabulary but always explains concepts at an approachable level. This book is notable for its inclusion of a nuanced view of the microbiome, acknowledging that germs are not all bad, that their harm depends on context, and that they can even be beneficial. Shiell supplies goofy cartoons of racially diverse humans in varying degrees of health and of greatly magnified germs, supplying them with googly eyes (in varying number) and grins or frowns, depending on circumstance. Though books on germs are plentiful, these germs are a worthwhile addition to science shelves. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A fast-paced and fun introduction to the mysteries of microbes. (glossary, index, further reading) (Nonfiction. 7-12)Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5253-0412-5
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: Aug. 30, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2021
Friends of these pollinators will be best served elsewhere.
This book is buzzing with trivia.
Follow a swarm of bees as they leave a beekeeper’s apiary in search of a new home. As the scout bees traverse the fields, readers are provided with a potpourri of facts and statements about bees. The information is scattered—much like the scout bees—and as a result, both the nominal plot and informational content are tissue-thin. There are some interesting facts throughout the book, but many pieces of trivia are too, well trivial, to prove useful. For example, as the bees travel, readers learn that “onion flowers are round and fluffy” and “fennel is a plant that is used in cooking.” Other facts are oversimplified and as a result are not accurate. For example, monofloral honey is defined as “made by bees who visit just one kind of flower” with no acknowledgment of the fact that bees may range widely, and swarm activity is described as a springtime event, when it can also occur in summer and early fall. The information in the book, such as species identification and measurement units, is directed toward British readers. The flat, thin-lined artwork does little to enhance the story, but an “I spy” game challenging readers to find a specific bee throughout is amusing.
Friends of these pollinators will be best served elsewhere. (Informational picture book. 8-10)Pub Date: May 18, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-500-65265-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Review Posted Online: April 13, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe.
An introduction to gravity.
The book opens with the most iconic demonstration of gravity, an apple falling. Throughout, Herz tackles both huge concepts—how gravity compresses atoms to form stars and how black holes pull all kinds of matter toward them—and more concrete ones: how gravity allows you to jump up and then come back down to the ground. Gravity narrates in spare yet lyrical verse, explaining how it creates planets and compresses atoms and comparing itself to a hug. “My embrace is tight enough that you don’t float like a balloon, but loose enough that you can run and leap and play.” Gravity personifies itself at times: “I am stubborn—the bigger things are, the harder I pull.” Beautiful illustrations depict swirling planets and black holes alongside racially diverse children playing, running, and jumping, all thanks to gravity. Thorough backmatter discusses how Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity and explains Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. While at times Herz’s explanations may be a bit too technical for some readers, burgeoning scientists will be drawn in.
An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe. (Informational picture book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 15, 2024
ISBN: 9781668936849
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tilbury House
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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