The Bacteria Book: Gross Germs, Vile Viruses and Funky Fungi
Science Series
on Goodreads (142)
What’s inside...
The Bacteria Book: Gross Germs, Vile Viruses and Funky Fungi by Steve Mould offers an in-depth exploration of the world of microorganisms. It discusses the varied interactions between bacteria, viruses, and fungi with the human body and the environment. Highlighting the benefits and dangers of these microorganisms, the book provides a comprehensive view on their significance in our health, ecology, and everyday life. In this fun, fact-packed science book for kids, young readers will discover the bacteria, viruses, and other germs and microbes that keep our bodies and our world running, as well as how and when they can be harmful and the precautions we can take to prevent them from becoming so. Meet a glowing squid, traveling fungus spores, and much more. The Bacteria Book walks the line between 'ew, gross!' and 'oh, cool!', exploring why we need bacteria and introducing readers to its microbial mates—viruses, fungi, algae, archaea, and protozoa. The Bacteria Book is a fun and informative introduction to a STEM subject that brings kids up-close to the big world of tiny science. With remarkable photography, kooky character illustrations, and lots of fun facts, this book uses real-life examples of microbiology in action to show how tiny microbes affect us in big ways.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the different microbes you learned about in the book?
How do you think understanding bacteria and viruses can help us stay healthy?
Can you think of ways that fungi are useful or important in our world?
Why is it important to wash our hands, considering what you've learned from this book?
If you could ask a scientist any question about germs, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book's content. Validate their curiosity by actively listening and responding with interest. Consider using visual aids like pictures or videos of microbes to enhance understanding and engagement. Relate topics from the book to everyday life, such as discussing how the immune system works when someone catches a cold. Finally, motivate your child to come up with their own 'germ-fighting' strategies based on what they've learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of hygiene
Explanation: The book details how bacteria and viruses spread and their effects on the human body, teaching children the science behind germs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by practicing good hygiene habits, like washing hands regularly and covering their mouths when they cough to prevent the spread of germs.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the role of microbes in nature
Explanation: By introducing children to both harmful and beneficial microbes, the book provides a balanced view of the microbial world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and protect natural ecosystems, understanding that microbes play a vital role in environmental balance.
Example Lesson: Promoting curiosity and scientific inquiry
Explanation: Through engaging and fun facts about funky fungi and vile viruses, this book fuels children's curiosity about the microscopic world.
Real-World Application: This sense of wonder can encourage children to explore scientific subjects more deeply in their academic and everyday explorations.
Example Lesson: Understanding illness and prevention
Explanation: The book explains how certain viruses and bacteria can cause diseases and how vaccines work to prevent them.
Real-World Application: Armed with this knowledge, children can better understand current health-related news, such as discussions around vaccinations and public health policies.