Tiny Creatures: The World Of Microbes (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
Lively and engaging text supported by large, beautiful watercolor illustrations provides a delightful and informative introduction to microbes. Not only does the book describe the work accomplished by microbes, but it features the wide variety of these tiny creatures. While some can make humans ill, others are hard at work changing things, for instance, turning food into compost or rocks into soil. The book contains just enough information to intrigue young readers without overwhelming them. In many respects it reminds me of the always fascinating nonfiction titles by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm. This picture book will make an ideal addition to a science classroom library. Young readers will find it hard to resist its beautifully illustrated pages. They can look like spaceships, they can live in volcanos, and they are essential to life on earth. Welcome to the incredible world of microbes. This engaging and child-friendly book effectively brings to life an abstract concept for young readers. Written by zoologist Nicola Davies, the accessible text draws readers in by using amazing facts to introduce readers to the concept of microbes. For example one drop of seawater contains twenty million microbes--approximately the number of people in New York State. A friendly cat and two freckled tykes visually depict the text and offer scale and relatability. The vintage folk-art watercolor illustrations by Sutton are beautiful--full of delightful details and rich patterns. Full spread illustrations of a wiggly paramecium, blustery seaside cliffs, and luxuriant garden are a feast for the eyes. The illustrations extend the text and provide space for adult-child interaction. While demonstrating the important role microbes play, the text lacked examples of how they affect the human body, aside from making us sick. Resources would have been a welcome addition to the back matter. Overall, the text and illustrations work well to foster conversations and encourage further exploration about these tiny remarkable creatures that shape our world.I learned that vintage folk-art might mean only white characters and a stereotyped and outdated view of India.
What do You think about Tiny Creatures: The World Of Microbes (2014)?
simple yet effective explanation to introduce the topic of microbes
—jessica
Top Ten Science and Health Books for Youth 2014 (Booklist)
—LBailey
A fascinating introduction to the world of microbes.
—demonic
