WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: I'm Trying to Love Germs by Bethany Barton
ABOUT THE BOOK
Children's Choice Award winner Bethany Barton dives into the microscopic world of germs with fascinating information and tons of humor! This book is covered in germs! But to be fair, so are we. Did you know that there are more viruses and bacteria on Earth than there are stars in the known universe? Learn all about the microbes in and on our bodies that help us survive, the ones that don't, and everything in between. Written in Bethany Barton's trademark balance of informative and hilarious, I'm Trying to Love Germs is a perfect entry point to viruses, the pandemic, and the importance of washing our hands.
REVIEW
As in the other books in the I'm Trying to Love series, Barton introduces readers to a nonfiction topic using humor and cartoonlike illustrations. The topic presented to readers is tiny in nature but enormous in scope. Microorganisms called germs by many are often seen as bad and to be avoided. But in her amusing conversations between the narrator and a microbe, the author highlights the difference between microbes and pathogens. Microbes are tiny living things, some of which are really important and do good things for us as humans. The microbes that cause harm are called pathogens. The differences between bacteria and viruses are also covered. Using dots and pretend zooming, the illustrations involve young readers in the book. Amusing illustrations that show the talking microbe changing the cover of the book add to the enjoyment. Admittedly the topic is a gross one, but it's an important one as well, especially after the pandemic and the ongoing challenges inherent in the flu and other diseases. I appreciated how the author/illustrator showed the differences in how the different microbes look and act despite being lumped together as 'germs'. The inclusion of the pronunciations for some of the actual names for some of these microbes makes it a bit easier to read them (especially if you are trying to read this out loud). The importance of washing hands and using appropriate protective gear as needed is included. Overall, an informative read presented in a fun way.
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