I love everything about this beautiful picture book. My kids have grown up hearing about their friendly bacteria and microbiome (yes, I'm that kind of mother 😉), but I've never seen a picture book talking about the topic before. This one uses vivid watercolor illustrations and adorable creatures to teach kids about their microbes and all the ways they matter. I appreciate that it doesn't smash a bunch of boring, technical stuff into a book for kids but still gives a lot of information. It also covers a lot of things scientists have only recently learned, such as the way our microbes influence our emotions, the way good and bad bacteria can influence food cravings, and how they need a variety of healthy foods to keep them healthy (no, you don't need to just pop probiotic pills). The whole thing is done in a really whimsical, celebratory way that highlights the science and how remarkable it all really is.

I hoped that there would be a little bit of information at the end (where there is more detailed info) about things that we now know can harm our beneficial bacteria like the overuse of antibiotics, antibacterial products, and even glyphosate (RoundUp, which has antibacterial properties and is found throughout our food supply these days). That said, this is a fun, educational and gorgeous book that will teach kids and their grown ups lots about why our microbiome is so important and the healthy ways to keep it happy. This is one that I may purchase for our home library and will definitely recommend.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.