Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World
This lively peek into the amazing world of microbes, replete with a kid-pleasing "ick" factor, is bursting with fascinating facts, laugh-out-loud humour and fun illustrations.
Microbes are everywhere: outside, indoors, on your body, in your body. In fact, microbial cells outnumber your human cells three to one. Whether helping people digest their food or using mind-control techniques to lure mice into the path of hungry cats (no, really), microbes form an unseen jungle all around us.
Through zany facts, hilarious and sometimes disgusting illustrations, and interviews with experts in their fields, aspiring young scientists (or kids who just want to be grossed out) will discover a hidden world in which your health depends on a myriad of microbes, houseflies get zombified by fungi, and termites are saving the planet one fart at a time.
With such extras as sidebars, limericks, and even a lesson on how to draw E. coli, this “eww”-worthy treasure trove for kids is an engrossing romp into the microbe drama unfolding where you might least expect it.
Creators
Eleanor Spicer Rice, PhD, is an entomologist and the author of seven books, including Dr Eleanor’s Book of Common Ants, Dr Eleanor’s Book of Common Spiders,and Ants: Workers of the World. She lives in North Carolina, USA, with her husband, sons, dogs, hermit crabs, an assortment of spiders and insects, and a small but valiant flock of homing pigeons.
Rob Wilson is an award-winning illustrator and celebrated graphic designer who has created work for the Washington Post, New York magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Mother Jones, and the covers of bestselling books. He is the creator of the icon for the popular podcast Welcome to Night Vale, and his work has been featured in galleries in London and New York City, where he lives.
Reviews
Packed with funny illustrations, it’s gross and fascinating in equal measure. Sure to be a hit with the kids age 7+.
The Bookseller
I honestly don’t think microbes have ever been such fun, or in fact that science and scientific facts have ever been such fun as they are in this book. Bursting at the seams with facts that will fascinate, give you cause to laugh-out-loud and stop to explore the illustrations so you can absorb as much information and detail as possible.
Armadillo Magazine
