Did you see that coming?

Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton (Candlewick Press, 2014)

I applaud Nicola Davies for explaining the concept of microbes to kids. She uses comparisons like stating that a million microbes could fit on an ant’s antenna and that a teaspoon of soil contains as many microbes as there are people in the whole country of India. Admittedly, this is still mind-boggling! I also appreciate that she gives examples of what microbes do, like turning food into composts and milk in to yogurt — besides the few that make people sick. The playful illustrations are relatable to kids. Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger 

This biography is about 70 pages long (plus author’s note, timeline, glossary, notes, bibliography, and index), but nearly every page is illustrated. The ten chapters tell the fascinating story of Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723), a Dutch draper who became a self-taught microbiologist! He ground his own lenses, observed everything he could think of, and discovered microbes (first known as diertgens in Dutch and animalcules in English). The pictures illustrate van Leeuwenhoek’s life, the parts of a microscope, and close-ups of microbes. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.