Candlewick Publisher: Find out how the smallest things on the planet do some of the biggest jobs in this intriguing introduction to the world of microbes.
All around the world — in the sea, in the soil, in the air, and in your body — there are living things so tiny that millions could fit on an ant’s antenna. They’re busy doing all sorts of things, from giving you a cold and making yogurt to eroding mountains and helping to make the air we breathe. If you could see them with your eye, you’d find that they all look different, and that they’re really good at changing things into something else and at making many more microbes like themselves! From Nicola Davies comes a first exploration for young readers of the world’s tiniest living organisms.
Well, what can I say? I am hooked! This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE STEM books. It is a must have in every library. The only thing missing is glitter- literally glitter. It is an idea that I got from my friend Artist and Teacher Jay Collins, at the beginning of every school year she puts glitter on her hands and goes about her day. Within moments several children have glitter and within an hour almost all have glitter, this is how she shows germs and their ability to spread- brilliant idea.
Anyway, back to the book. I couldn't believe that Tiny Creatures was published by Candlewick (last weeks book as well).
Nugget: Microbes, all types. Such a large complex topic broken down into kid-friendly bites.
Need Enticement: Love how it starts with familiarity. It takes something that kids know and delves a little deeper.
Escalation:How tiny microbes are, What a microbe is, and What a microbe does. Very simple for a complex topic.
Satisfying Ending: DELIVERED! reminding us that these tiny creatures do some of the BIGGEST jobs.
Sources: Here is my shocker and the only part that I hate, there are none not even reference books where the author or illustrator got descriptions of different microbe shapes pictured in the centerfold. Really wish that Candlewick would promote sources and add them to their books.
Show Words: Fabulous alliterations, billions, necklace, wiggling tails, and daisies. They pull a child especially a girl into learning about microbes making it friendly and relatable to the reader.
Why? Something that is face everyday from illness to health, from food to dirt and from large to small. Reminds me of the saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" Breaking something so difficult to grasp for a child when they have a hard time fathoming money or time is amazing, reminds me of Infinity and Me by Gabi Swiatkowska.
Need and Want: This is truly directed to the reader and not the main character, unique approach. Children need to understand this but they want to touch everything and not wash hands or cover mouths or noses when sneezing. It could also be viewed as children NEED to know this, adults WANT them to know about microbes.
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