Today’s book reviews focus on small things, from DNA and germs to new nanotechnology and tiny animals. I remember the first time I looked through microscopes in high school and seeing protists for the first time. I was totally amazed and my amazement at those microscopic creatures has not waned to this day. Yearly flu and recent COVID have enhanced awareness of how small things can wreak havoc in our world. But small things are also awesome and awe inspiring and carry out many roles in our ecosystems. I hope you get a little enjoyment out of today’s recommendations.
Do Not Lick This Book
Author: Idan Ben-Barak
Illustrator: Julian Frost
Roaring Brook Press 2018
40 pages
3-7 years
This book introduces germs to young children in such a fun and interactive way. When I first saw this book and read the title I laughed and as an author regretted not thinking of it myself. First the cute cartoon versions of the germs are kid friendly but positioned over microscopic images of the places they live. Then the first germ takes the reader on an adventure to meet other germs like the ones that cause cavities, something kids will know about, and even to the belly button. Such a fun introduction to a difficult concept for young kids to understand.
Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small
Author: Dr. Jess Wade
Illustrator: Melissa Castrillon
Candlewick 2021
32 pages
6-9+ years
Like DNA, nanomaterials are a topic that is hard to explain in a way kids can understand, but a topic I think kids are really interested in. nano is written in a pretty straight forward style, but the topic keeps your interest, along with the interesting illustrations and unique color pallette. The book begins with basic chemistry like atoms, molecules and elements but describes new materials like graphine and technology like nanorobots. Wade gives a nod to the scientists who are doing this work and invites kids to become scientists too.
The Secret Code Inside You: All About Your DNA
Author: Rajani LaRocca, MD
Illustrator: Steven Salerno
little bee books 2021
32 pages
4-8 + years
As a writer and science teacher, I had considered writing a picture book about DNA but I failed at finding a way to make the topic appealing and understandable to kids. Well, Rajani LaRocca knew exactly how to do it and did it in rhyme to boot. She began by focusing on traits of different animals and then tied that to cells and DNA inside them. Here is a quote, “It looks like twisted ladders, or tiny, swirling noodles. It makes us into people instead of into poodles.” The back matter includes DNA facts and websites for more information. It even includes a Banana DNA experiment where children can actually extract DNA from bananas or any fruit. A great introduction to a complicated topic.
Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World
Author: Tiffany Stone
Illustrator: Ashley Spires
Publisher/Year: Greystone Kids 2023
Pages: 36 Pages
Age: 4-8+
Books about animals are appealing to most children. This books has a great variety of interesting small animals. I think the fact that they are small makes them even more relatable for children as well. The cartoon type illustrations are expressive and appealing and I love the structure the author used for this book. For each animal there is an illustration and poem about how the animal lives. Then a side section of 3-4 panels that describe a super power possessed by that particular animal and what a bunch of super powers! Things like glowing in the dark, a super suit made of metal, and natural antifreeze. Though it’s a little longer picture book, between the adorable illustrations, the lyrical and sometimes humorous poems and the high interest superpowers, I think you could definitely keep students’ attention for a read aloud.