My kids have always found Biology fascinating but I must admit I never enjoyed Biology, I was more of a Physics and Chemistry person. As a result I have always been on the lookout for good quality, engaging and accessible Biology books but also books that do not take a topic and dumb it down. My first book of Microbes, is one of these books, it takes a complex and confusing topic and explains it in a clear and concise way using lots of engaging illustrations and diagrams.

I must admit that when I used to think of Microbes I never thought it would cover such a wide range of items. So I was surprised at how much has been included in this book – from basic cell structure, to bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, phages, infection, antibiotics, transmission, vaccines and the great epidemics in history. Really a lot has been included.

The “sub-topics” tend to be laid out over a double page. And they keep the written words to short paragraphs, with lots of diagrams and illustrations on the double page so you never turn a page and feel like you are being overwhelmed with a huge mountain of information.

For kids who are visual learners this book is brilliant, the diagrams and first rate, in fact one of the comments we had was “I wish we could turn all of these diagrams into a large poster”.

But I must admit the wording is just as well thought out. They really have explained these concepts in a concise and clear manner. Even thought the book is aimed at kids in the 8+ age range I will totally admit that I enjoyed reading it and I have suggested that both of my older kids read it as I know it will reinforce concepts that they have covered (are busy covering in Biology).

Oh and I also enjoyed the fact that where possible they included a bit of “fun”, they spoke about our defenses like a castle and made a few of the microbes look super cute.

Personally I think this is a great little book that does a super job explaining some rather complex Biology.

You can get a copy of this book directly from Amazon – My First book of Microbes. I have not spotted it at any bookstores.

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