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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

A Garden in Your Belly: Meet the Microbes in Your Gut, written and illustrated by Masha D'Yans. Millbrook Press, Thomas Allen and Son. 2020. $26.99 ages 8 and up


 

"Your microorganisms come in many
forms. Some are simple. Some are fancy.
Some are friendly, and some are not. 

Some kinds have existed for a million years!

Most microorganisms help your body do 
things it cannot do by itself. They protect 
YOU and the river every minute they're 
awake.
" 

Describing the intestine as a 'river', this book explains that it has many twists and turns. Were that not so, and the 'river' were stretched to its full length, it would be ten times taller than the child whose body it inhabits. Wow!  

The author shows readers that humans collect new microbes as they live ... everything they touch and all that they eat becomes a garden in the body. They are different in shape and color, and constantly do the job they are meant to do. 

"Your garden microorganisms put out
fires and take the garbage out. Sometimes
they have adventures and strange encounters. 
They can even influence your thoughts and feelings.
” 

There are things that can be done to keep the 'gut' healthy and strong. Ms. D'Yans encourages readers to get enough exercise (preferably where the air is fresh and clean), drink plenty of water, and eat foods that are good for them. This makes the microbes very happy. 

But ... without healthy food, bad microbes make their way inside. Too many sweets, not enough fresh air, and a lack of attention paid to hydration, create weakness in the body's systems. The only way to change that is to return to good habits. 

"Take good care of your garden, 
and it will always have your back.

And belly! 

And heart! 

And head!"

Watercolors and digital art provide bold, detailed and most enjoyable spreads meant to attract attention while also being very informative and accessible. Back matter includes more pertinent explanations in What is the Microbiome?, a glossary and Amazing Gut Facts.                                                                               


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