Club Microbe

Elise Gravel once again gives kids an approachable way to understand an aspect of the natural world with Club Microbe (translated by Montana Kane). Drawn & Quarterly has previously published her The Bug Club, The Mushroom Fan Club, and the art-focused If Found… Please Return to Elise Gravel.

Club Microbe is all about germs, illustrated in Gravel’s uniquely doodly style. Reading this book is like sitting down with a young friend who wants to tell and show you all about the cool facts they’ve discovered and copied down. With friendly faces on all the bacteria and viruses.

There are fun facts on what microbes are, where they live (everywhere!), different kinds of germs, which microorganisms are useful, and some of Gravel’s favorites for what they do. (Make snowflakes! or cheese! or bread rise!) There are even tips on how to keep the yucky ones away and stay healthy, and how to grow your own colonies. It’s a fun starting point for gaining more knowledge about a little-understood part of the world around us. (The publisher provided a review copy.)