"Not only do germs not
emerge from nonliving
matter, they also prefer
to make their home on
living things. A patch
of your skin the size of
a coin has 30 million
germs on it - more
germs that there are
people in all of Australia!"
You know that any book that covers the 'sick truth' about germs is going elicit some ewww moments. Edward Kay is very funny, and he ensures that this entertaining study of germs will keep kids interested and engaged as they explore the excellent research he has to share with them.
He starts with humor before the kids even have time to take a look at the table of contents.
"You can't tell by looking, but the book you're holding
is covered in germs! But don't be alarmed! Compared to
your skin, these pages are an oasis of sterility. Unless it's
a copy that you're reading in a doctor's waiting room. In
which case, ewwww, gross, it's DEFINITELY covered in
germs."
There are five chapters followed by a glossary, index, and a list for further reading. In the first chapter, readers quickly learn that they cannot escape germs; they are everywhere! The numbers are staggering. He offers some interesting comparisons to give readers scope for understanding how small they are and how many there are everywhere. Germs don't have a good reputation. The author reminds that they also do some very good things. He asserts that they are 'both harmful and helpful'. We need them to live.
Further chapters discuss how they were discovered, how they make us sick (then causing our bodies to find ways to protect us), how they have changed history, and what we can expect for the future. The design is appealing. Each page has a heading, paragraphs of information that are accessible and fascinating, and cartoon illustrations that are sure to find favor with the target audience. If readers want to stay healthy, they do have the opportunity to learn what they need to do. In his nod to what the future might hold, Mr. Kay discusses the role germs could play in cleaning the environment and helping to solve crimes.
His book is a great introduction, and a welcome addition to the Gross Science Book series. The world has been consumed with the spread of germs over the past eighteen months, and the ways we all can work to keep our bodies as healthy as possible. Based on solid information and laced with humor throughout, this is a grand way to make learning fun for his readers while also providing pertinent and useful material.
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