Inside Your Insides: A Guide to the Microbes That Call You Home

by Claire Eamer, Marie-Ève Tremblay (Illustrations)

“Wherever you go, tiny hitchhikers tag along for the ride,” this intriguing illustrated nonfiction book begins. “The hitchhikers are actually microbes --- tiny living things so small that you need a microscope to see them. And every person carries around trillions and trillions of these critters.” Six of the most common “critters” that live in and on our bodies are introduced bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, protists and mites. Each one has its own preferred environment, and readers will be startled (and likely a little grossed out!) by the many places they live, including the hair follicles on our faces, the folds of our tongues and the lengths of our guts. Just as surprising, only some of them are “bad guys” that cause disease, and many of them are actually “good guys” that keep us healthy. There's even research currently being done on ways to improve or fix our collection of microbes as a way to make us healthier. Author Claire Eamer's clear, well-organized and accessible writing --- augmented throughout with fun facts and silly microbe jokes in sidebars --- keeps the book interesting and enjoyable. Marie-Ève Tremblay's bright and cheerfully funny illustrations bring the details to delightful life. With its cutting-edge information about a topic children will find fascinating, this book makes an excellent complement to a life science lesson on the human body. It would also work well for a class on healthy living. A table of contents, glossary and index are included.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Childrens, Picture Books, Middle Grade, Biology

36 pages, Hardcover

Published September 6, 2016

About the author

I'm a writer of non-fiction for kids, mainly science and a little history. My books are published by Annick Press and available through all the usual commercial distributors, including major online bookstores. I also write children's magazine articles, popular science articles for adults, and do a variety of contract writing, mostly related to science. "

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and entertaining non-fiction picture book about the microbes that live in our body. With a text easy to understand, this books explains what are microbes and microbiomes, microbes that are good for us, and other that make us sick, antibiotics and antibacterial soaps, etc. The illustrations are funny, and there are also many jokes along the book microbe related. Very interesting option to explore science and our bodies.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ll be referring to this book for years. It was a light-hearted, very interesting fact-based book on microbes. Halfway through, my six-year old grabbed her face mask 😷 (that she swiped at the last hospital visit) and wore it the rest of the night. She realized that we all have microbes and she wasn’t so sure she wanted to share. The book ended on a very positive note explaining microbiome and why we need various microbes. Excellent.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and informative book about microbes and microbiomes. It has a matter-of-fact tone and helps to dispel the misconceptions about the 'germs' that are all around us, on us, and in us.

The narrative is a bit long and may not hold the attention of younger readers, but older readers will likely enjoy the short sections, the cartoonish illustrations, the jokes, and the "Did You Know?" fact and trivia bits on many of the pages.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It is based on solid scientific information and includes recent discoveries. Because the science of microbes is changing rapidly as we learn more, I worry that it has the potential to be out of date in just a few years.

Nevertheless, given the book's basic fundamentals and easy-to-understand narrative, as well as a glossary and an index, I would highly recommend this book for older elementary school-age children and even middle grade readers.

interesting quotes:

"In some ways, you might be more microbe than you are human. Scientists estimate that for every human cell in your body, there's at least one microbe cell and maybe as many as ten." (p.5)

"Ocean microbes produce half the world's oxygen. The other half comes from plants on land, which contain oxygen-producing microbes of their own." (p. 9)

"We collect microbes from everything we touch, eat, or get close to. And that process starts even before we're born." (p. 12)

"According to one estimate, as much as 10 percent of your body's energy is produced by gut microbes." (p. 17)

"Some of the chemicals your gut microbes produce are used in body parts as distant and unexpected as your brain. In fact, scientists are beginning to suspect that microbes can affect how we feel and how we behave. They have found links between combinations of microbes in the gut microbiome and everything from obesity to depression - and maybe even autism." (p. 27)

"...bacteria are terrific at evolving. When they are attacked, they can change, fairly quickly, into a form that resists the attack. A lot of bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics, and the more that antibiotics are used, the better bacteria get at resisting them." (p. 29)

"If you want to attract lots of different microbes to your microbiome - and generally, you do - here are a few steps you can take. Play outside. Explore the natural world. Keep pets. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. All of these activities will add variety to your microbiome and help it stay balanced and healthy." (p. 32)

"Clean is good, but not too clean. Avoid antibacterial soaps and shampoos when you can. Soap designed to kill bacteria will likely kill some of your best microbial friends, too. Then the soap and shampoo get flushed down the drain and kill a lot of innocent bacteria n lakes and rivers." (pp. 32-33)

"Don't use antibiotics you don't need. Let your immune system do the work. The more we use antibiotics, the more chance we give the bad bacteria to evolve a resistance to them. And besides, antibiotics won't work to cure the flu or the common cold or anything else caused by a virus." (p. 33)

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute nonfiction picture book about microbes. The book does a great job of explaining what a microbe is, the different forms that they take, pro's/ cons of some microbes, current/past studies and much more. The language and explanations will be great for young readers to understand. Even though there is a lot of things explained in this book, this is still a complicated subject. I liked the following quote from the book: "Basically, the human microbiome is complicated -- and the more we learn, the more complicated it seems." This book talks about both good and bad microbes. It also cautions us that when we kill or get rid of microbes, we can not separate good from bad and might get rid of some of the good, necessary ones. That is a good reason to be careful about taking so many antibiotics. I liked the section on save our microbes. It talks about playing outside, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, play with a pet, try not to use anti-bacterial soaps and shampoos etc. The glossary at the back of the book is also a great teaching tool. The illustrations are cute and quirky. I liked that they used graphics and cartoon style illustrations as this would appeal to kids and not frighten them or gross them out like the real pictures might.

This is a great book for school libraries and classrooms, especially when learning about the human body and for health classes.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Microbiomes are a hot topic in science right now, so it makes sense to introduce the concept to kids, too. Young people will probably be familiar with bacteria and germs, but may not realize that some microbes are beneficial to us – helping our bodies and immune systems fight off the “bad guys,” as well as aiding our digestive processes. This fascinating introduction lays out the basics (where these organisms live, how they function and help us function) and shares some of the current research into microbiomes (how they vary widely among individuals, how different dieases may alter microbiomes, and how our microbiomes affect how we feel and behave). Includes a glossary and index, but lacks references or a bibliography. While some readers may be shocked to learn they are home to millions of tiny organisms, this informational picture book should reassure them, especially with its friendly-looking illustrations of the creatures that make up our microbiomes.

[Liza Tabita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for children( and adults) to learn about something hard like microbes in a fun and interesting way! The information is awesome, detailed and the illustration make the lecture enjoyable! This book is great when learning about the importance of health, doctors unit and a lot of other activities ! I really like it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done book that introduces grade school kids to the science of microbes. Delightful pictures, lively writing, and silly jokes thrown in as well.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts:
I'm all for fun facts and microbe puns! This was a suprisingly entertaining guide to the microbiomes that live in all of us and how they affect overall health. And no, it's not just your intestines! Accessible, scientific information leaves the reader feeling like they really understand. Plus--fun illustrations!

Possible Objectionable Material:
Again, some people are grossed out by discussion of bodily functions.

Who Might Like This Book:
If you like knowing more about how your body works and about the microscopic world, this book is for you. The high lexile means younger readers will likely need some help.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review is also posted at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...

[Jennyfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book as one of non-fiction selections. Since it is winter, there is a flu going around every year, and we got to teach students how they can stay healthy, and away from sickness. This book starts with the most important thing, one's personal microbiome. As she explains this, she gradually adds all the extra pieces of information on germs and bacteria . This book may be used as a personal student guide that kids may check out if they are trying to avoid getting sick. The book has cute animations in every page, and it includes fun facts students can just flip the book and read to. I can incorporate this in my lesson by reading a passage or two to my students around flu season.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book dives deeper into the giant world of microbes living in the human body. Through engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations, the book introduces young readers to the diverse and often beneficial microorganisms that inhabit our bodies, aiding in digestion and supporting overall health in humans. For this book, I will use it in my classroom to allow the students to have a greater understanding of the complex world and the relationship between humans and the microbial world within them.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the six types of microbes that live in/on the human body. Useful information inside for health classes.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting scientific information on microbes we all have in and on our bodies. Easy-to-read presentation with extra fascinating facts in side bars. Glossary in the back of the book.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of excellent information, presented in a very easily understandable way, with very nice illustrations! A fun/informational read for adults too!

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo much to learn for both kids and adults. There is a lot of text on each page, so younger kids probably won't last.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some interesting information, but in quite long stretches of text that aren’t ideal for younger would-be-scientists. I did appreciate the careful construction of easy to understand language, but wished the format had been broken up more. The illustrations are fun, but added little to understanding. Also, the amount of repetition page to page may be helpful for those who enjoy flipping to a random page and finding a text that can stand alone, but is trying when read cover to cover.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This interesting nonfiction book takes a look at the microbes that live on our bodies: in our hair, on our skin, and the ones we pick up everywhere we go. We're microbiomes: a walking, talking collection of microbes, and Inside Your Insides introduces us to some of the most common microbes we share our surroundings with. We learn about bacteria, archaea, viruses, fingu, protists and mites; their preferred environments; and all the places they live on and around us. Complete with brightly colored, cartoony illustrations, makes this a good introduction or companion for middle grade science students.

There are some good callout facts and groan-worthy jokes scattered throughout the book, and a glossary and index round everything out. Kids will learn that not all bacteria are bad for you: you don't need everything antibacterial, and it may be doing more harm than good, anyway! A section dedicated to saving our microbes goes into detail on how to take care of ourselves to attract the "good" microbes: play outside, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and explore your world. The combination of clear, instructional writing with a humorous bent, and the eye-catching illustrations, kids will get a kick out of this intro to microbiology. It's a good additional purchase for collections where science books circulate.

You can also direct kids to the Genetic Science Learning Center's Human Microbiome site. There are teacher resources, interactive simulators, informative videos, and information that's written in a clear, interesting way to get kids excited about learning more.

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review based on advance copy from NetGalley. In all fairness, I will rate this book higher if sources/citations are added. We teach our students to rate a source of information on a variety of things, and one thing we look for is where the author got THEIR information. While the review copy had a wonderful glossary, there were no citations and there wasn't even a source list. The only info on the author's credibility is a mention that she is award winning for her science books.

That said, The book was wonderfully written, with fun illustrations.and humor, including enough jokes and puns to keep me groaning even as I found myself starting to itch at talk of mites. Interesting, funny, and informative in relevant history and current events/studies, this book might inspire some students to delve deeper into science. Of course, it might also lead to some unusual discussions around the dinner table.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, appealing (silly & gross, but informative) introduction to the trillions microbes that find a home in or on our bodies. The author assumes some background knowledge – she does not explain what a cell is and uses terminology like “cell wall” and “digestive chemicals” and so forth without explaining. She also does not get into the science of how these microbes function – she uses broad brushstrokes to create a general picture. For example, she writes, “They [microbes] fight off other microbes that might do us harm” but doesn’t include an explanation of how this happens or further detail. That doesn’t seem to be the objective of this book, though, so it’s not a deal breaker. I’d ask students to read this or read this aloud to students as an introduction to a unit of study aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards – “biological evolution: unity and diversity” or “from molecules to organisms: structures and processes.”

[Teresa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I was a teenager when I learned that tiny organisms lived on my body...and it totally freaked me out! If only I had this book to help me learn the reasons for those creepy crawlies. I was fascinated with this book from beginning to end. Not only does it explain the different kinds of microbes and how they function in the world, it also gives interesting little tidbits such as: scientists have found a connection between brain function and emotions to what kind of microbes are in our gut. Love it! The illustrations are colorful and clever. There are also jokes at the side of some of the pages: How does a microbe call home? Using its cell phone. So fun. This is a very informative and enjoyable book for all ages.

[Christine Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Claire Eamer takes young readers on a fascinating look at the world of microbes. Filled with delightful illustrations by Marie-Eve Tremblay, "Did You Know?" sidebars packed with interesting tidbits, and the sometimes dirty but always fascinating world of these microscopic critters.

The author includes a Glossary of terms and an Index. Also, scattered throughout the text are sidebars of "cell" jokes. One of the jokes is: "Not sure you'll like your microbes? Don't worry - they'll grow on you!" More jokes like this, a humorous, easy-to-read style, lots of references to "poop" (which is teeming with microbes), and awesome illustrations make this a very kid-friendly book. (BTW, it's adult-friendly, too. I enjoyed reading it!)

[Magy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Germaphobes beware! This informational and entertaining look at microbiomes will make you laugh, and it will make you squirm a bit too. With colorful and humorous illustrations from Marie-Eve Tremblay, Claire Eamer delves into the world of microbes – what they are, how they work, and what we know (and don’t know) about them.

Inside Your Insides is a great read for any budding scientist who wants to learn more about the world of microbes that help make up our bodies and our lives.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute nonfiction picture book about microbes. The book does a great job of explaining what a microbe is, the different forms that they take, pro's/ cons of some microbes, current/past studies and much more. The language and explanations will be great for young readers to understand. The illustrations are cute and quirky. I would surely recommend.
*I received an ARC via NetGalley & Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief, yet fun and informative book on microbes (or germs). Lots of gross details about bacteria and poop that kids would enjoy, but not overwhelming with details. A few funny (and some lame) jokes on the sidelines, along with lots of "Did you Know?" facts. They can distract you a little, but as long as you read the main part first, the facts and jokes actually add a bit more to the experience. Great glossary and index in the back.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still working on getting my collections free of stuff from the 1960s and 70s. My goal for next year, I think, will be to find good narrative nonfiction that isn't part of a publisher's set. This fits into that category. It doesn't go terribly deep, but is a good introduction to the subject and even includes dorky jokes that made me laugh in spite of myself. And super cute illustrations. And lots of references to poop.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction book is presented in a fun a friendly way. I love that they mainly use graphics instead of real pictures. (Seriously, who wants to see real pictures of poop). It’s all about microbes in your body and in your world. It discusses good and bad microbes, and how the reader can have a healthier future. I like that it has a glossary, and an index.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting nonfiction book for children that explains microbes. It has a nice selection of "Did You Know?" facts throughout the book. It also has a few science jokes scattered through it that makes it fun for children. The illustrations are great! Lots of facts! Thirty-six pages long. I received this book free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about what happens inside your insides. Information is displayed in a humorous way and the illustrations are just as funny. Great for kids interested in the human body and science in general.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did quite enjoy this book but it also made me feel a little freaked out and squimish at times to think about what is living in, on and around us - I enjoyed the layout and really learnt a lot from the book- ideally set out with the right amount of detail for the target age

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

What are Microbes? Are they good or bad? Where do they live on your body and why? All these questions and more are answered in this great guide filled with humorous illustrations and fun side facts and jokes. This book will appeal to children eight to 12 who love the science of the body.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute non-fiction book about the microbes in and around our bodies. My toddler loves the pictures and loves hearing about the "good bacteria". This is an effective and fun way to teach children about microbes, viruses, and bacteria without sounding scary.