How Did We Find Out about Germs?

I have to agree with the "nerd" reviewer; this is really one of the very best little science books I've ever picked up. I'm not a science nerd--I hated science in school, but now I'm a homeschooling mom learning to love science and looking for good non-text sources of introducing the marvels of nature to my children. What this book manages to do, which many other sources don't, is not only to be completely introductory, not assuming any previous knowledge, but also really to delve into the topic in an interesting way. Most children's science books I have come across are too superficial to be very interesting; they are fact-oriented. This one reads like a story; it brings the history of the discovery of microorganisms to life in a way which can engage a child and an adult alike. I read this to my five-year old and we both loved it, and can't wait to buy a microscope. I think it would be enjoyable for much older children as well. I wish there were more books like this!

I am a nerd, so take this in nerd context, please. My mom bought me this book when I was a kid (she's a doctor). I loved it. I still love it, and when I need a brief refresher on the history of how we discovered microorganisms, I refer back to it. I ended up growing up to be a physician myself--the kind who works with germs (a pathologist), and I think I owe a little of my career satisfaction to this little book. This book hits the highlights of the history of how man discovered "germs" of all kinds--protists, bacteria, viruses, etc. It covers all the main topics (spontaneous generation, animalcules, vaccination, etc.) and the important historical figures (Leeuwenhoek, Redi, Jenner, Pasteur, etc.). There's a nice, brief, concise chapter for each person/topic. The drawings are nice, too, although they are all B & W (when I was a kid I preferred nice color illustrations; most kids do). This is a cute little book. If you are a nerd, or would like your child to be one, this is a gem of a book. It really does hit the high points, and I still refer back to it from time to time. I think that my career path was influenced by this book, and I am happy to say that I enjoy great job satisfaction. Maybe this book will bring early career suggestions to your child, too.