ALA Booklist (Tue May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Despite a limiting title (the book actually covers bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, protozoa, archaea, and micro animals), science expert and comedian Mould offers a lucid introduction to microbial life. He discusses cell biology, in general, then provides detailed information about each group's morphology, habitat, reproduction, unique features, potential harm, and usefulness to humans. Topics are presented in the usual DK format: double-page-spread chapters filled with numerous, generously captioned graphics. Most of the illustrations are colorful cartoons, with crisp photographs and electron micrographs interspersed throughout. Back matter includes an extensive, illustrated time line, as well as a glossary. Readers will particularly be drawn to Mould's unusual examples, which include zombie ants (whose nervous systems are overtaken by fungal spores) and rabid dogs (who experience behavioral changes when the virus enters their brains). While Mould definitely promotes the yuck factor, he moderates it with humor; and several illustrations, notably "Catching a Cold" and "In Your Body" (which explains why humans pass gas), offer very useful information. Just watch the grubby fingers reach for this one.

Horn Book (Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

This introduction to microorganisms is not just about bacteria but also viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa; most are discussed in terms of their relationships to humans, from beneficial gut bacteria to dangerous viruses that cause us to get sick. Coverage is well organized with color-coded page borders. Illustrations include micro-photographs and comical anthropomorphized cartoons. A timeline of important discoveries is appended. Glos., ind.

Kirkus Reviews

The skinny on the really tiny."Did you know there are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people in the world?" In an overview of "peculiar, pulsating creatures" that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, the appropriately named Mould keeps his eye on the ick factor as he dishes out basic facts about the viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, archaea, and "micro animals" with which we share the planet. He also describes how diseases are caught and spread, explains how our immune system works, and, backed by a closing timeline, covers the development of microbiology and antibiotics. All of this is parceled out in easily digestible portions and incorporated into a high-intensity visual mix of microphotos in cranked-up false color, a diverse array of human figures, and graphic images of melodramatically slavering, grimacing microbes. A debunked claim that babies are born free of germs is the only major slip in this introduction to millions of our closest neighbors, from cold viruses and beneficial (if fart-producing) gut bacteria to zombie ants and demodex mites that "walk around on our eyelids at night."Memorable insights into the invisible world. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 7-10)

School Library Journal (Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Gr 2-4 Mould introduces the intriguing world of microbes to young readers. Bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, protozoa, and archaea are all defined. Examples are supplied to help children understand the relative size of various microbes (e.g., if a mountain represents the size of a grain of rice then a person would be the size of bacteria and a cell phone would be the size of a virus). Each spread features colorful illustrations that are seamlessly paired with relevant photographs, including many examples of electron microscope photography, and a variety of differently sized fonts with bolded keywords to grab kids' attention. Other topics covered relating to the microbial world include how the immune system defends the body against potentially dangerous microbes, how antibiotics work, and a description of how bacteria in the large intestine are responsible for farts, which will surely draw readers. Numbered, sequential illustrations are used to graphically explain various types of processes, such as how cholera spreads within a community. A microbiology time line highlights a few key events and discoveries. VERDICT With simple language and visually engaging graphics, this book is a solid choice for nonfiction collections; it will appeal to both browsers and budding scientists. Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn