Eon: My Pet Tardigrade

by Cybèle Young, Nell Jocelyn (Primary Contributor)

Genres: Picture Books

56 pages, Hardcover

Published August 11, 2026

About the author

Cybèle Young is an award-winning paper sculpture artist as well as an author and illustrator of children's books.

Reviews

[Sarah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from the library to read to my class. I showed it to my son who is almost 12, and he knew exactly what a tartigarde is and he never let me bring it to school because he has me reading it to him before bed since we checked it out. We love it so much, especially finding Eon hiding in thr pictures. All the art is so beautiful too.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eon reminded me of picture books I used to love as a kid: chock full of amazing information, and stunning artwork that accompany a well told story. While paging through I couldn't help but think: "IT'S GIVING PAPER BARBARA REID!" because the artwork was so well done. And honestly, with a depiction of a tardigrade as adorable as Eon, who wouldn't want one? It's a fantastic story to read with kids, and is certainly the kind of book some may want to purchase to have in their collection--it's one that kids and caregivers will likely want to return to many times.

There's a lot to be said for nature kids/STEM lovers/kids with loads of questions who are learning, or having a hard time learning to "take only pictures, and leave only footprints" where they meet with Eon. Books like this encourage a love of the world around them with the understanding that it can be beautiful, exciting, and awe-inspiring without needing to be held, kept, or owned; It can just be enjoyed and cared for in a stewardship relation. It is not only a good ethic of interacting with nature (whether through a microscope or on a hike), it's an important Indigenous way of knowing that makes it vital to bring into classrooms, discussions at home, and subsequent conversations with friends.

The stewardship at the core of the story is an amazing crossover for educators and caregivers who might be looking for stories that bridge a science theme, into social studies, or ecological conservation, and even sharing economies. I could easily imagine kids creating their own Eon as a classroom activity, and then drawing/creating a group of friends that they similarly appreciate and let go of: butterflies, caterpillars, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, etc. using paper like the authors did, or in more of a Matisse-abstract style. Young and Jocelyn really give readers so much to work with (as good storytelling does). It wouldn't shock me at all if this were nominated for, or won awards.

Thank you to the publisher and author, as well as the illustrator for the eARC obtained via NetGalley.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eon by Cybèle Young is a visually stunning exploration of the microscopic world. Through intricate paper sculptures, Young tells a gentle, poetic story about a pet tardigrade and the importance of letting go.

Pros:
Breathtaking Art: The 3D cut-paper illustrations and foldout page are unique and fascinating.
STEM Spark: A perfect introduction to the resilient "water bear" for curious kids.

Cons:
Quiet Pacing: The meditative tone might be too slow for fans of high-action stories.
Delicate Feel: The complex art style is best appreciated by slightly older or more careful readers.

A beautiful, high-quality choice for children interested in the wonders of the natural world.

[Kali Cordes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow -- this book is stunning! I homeschool my 7.5 year old and we are learning about tardigrades, so we were both very excited to read it. Right away, my daughter was drawn into the story by finding Eon hidden in the narrator's microscope frames. The cut paper art is beautiful and gave the illusion that parts of the book were popping off the page. Our favorites were the rooms that the narrator created for Eon, as well as the scattered stars. Although it wasn't mentioned by name, we recognized when Eon went into his tun stage and enjoyed the connection to our homeschool learning. We loved this book!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Tundra Book Group through NetGalley.
Readers meet Eon through the eyes of the young girl who found him through a microscope. This tardigrade became her "pet" and she shared all about him. We learn how much he can endure and survive in the natural world. Then, she sets up spaces for him until it's time for him to move on. Charming illustrations by Jocelyn capture the scenes and allow readers to see into his world. The simple to follow text will appeal to preschool and elementary level readers. I love how much science they will learn as they read about these two.
Don't miss the author's message at the end.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great mix of science, exploration, and an unlikely friendship, as well as the learning of letting go, even when it hurts.

I had no idea what a Tardigrade was and really enjoyed learning about them, whilst also being entertained by the story and the very unique illustrations. The note at the end was very interesting and really added to the overall story and understanding of what the book was about.

This was absolutely delightful and I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Cybele Young, Nell Jocelyn, and Tundra Book Group/Tundra Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Moth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Tundra Books for the ARC!
Eon is a picture book about a girl who discovers a tardigrade (water bear) through her microscope and decides to care for it.
This was a very sweet story about friendship and how to let go of someone. I have always loved tardigrades, so this was an A+ for me.
The art style is very cool and features lots of 2D and 3D paper art. It’s very simple, yet colorful, and the scenes depicting microscopic organisms are absolutely stunning.
I highly recommend this to anyone, especially if you love biology and science.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl spots a strange tiny creature under her microscope. He looks like a chubby bear and is just a tiny speck in the palm of her hand. He is a tardigrade. Upon further research she learns they are among the most resilient animals known. They can survive the coldest environments, and the hottest. Vibrant and fun illustrations show that they can be found in mountains and oceans and outer space. When they sleep, they curl into a ball and can float for years in the wind. Young readers will want to find their own super-hero moss piglets.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

[i received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review]
Im biased, waterbears are my favorite animal. When I found out I was pregnant, my app said my baby was the size of a waterbear. I did so much research on these resilient little creatures to make me feel calm. Theres something so relaxing about a tiny little bear that is so resilient. This book had a lot of good information that was told in a very accessible, whimsical way. I loved the art as well

[Mizzy Mint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute book that teaches about water bears, which can also be called moss piglets. This book shows how they thrive in extreme environments, like icebergs and volcanos. I love that the style is so unique. It's a mix of just a line art human, a illustrated little pink water bear, and mixed media collage in the book that each interacts with. I also love that there is a fold out page, I find those to be so fun!
Not too overly technical and very cute, definitely recommend.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A cute story about a small creature that the young girl finds and all the things she wants to create for it. I also love that the author describes how she came up with this story after meeting her very own Tardigrade at a Lighthouse on the St. Lawrence River, one of my favorite places ever.

[Ambi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a picture book about a tardigrade? This was a super adorable story about a young scientist who discovers a water bear in her microscope. The art collages are beautiful. We loved trying to spot Eon when he was hiding. Heartfelt and informative, this book was the perfect blend of fact and fiction.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This is everything I love about a new picture book- it’s unique, has lovely artwork, and contains new content that causes students to think about things differently. In this case, a girl finds a tardigrade when using her microscope and decides to keep him as a pet. I look forward to sharing this!

[Jakki (BizzyBookNook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable. As someone who deals with bugs and reptiles all day this was right up my ally. I love the way that the illustrations were done. The were so vibrant and so fun to look at. My kiddos loved learning something new about one of the most amazing tiniest creatures. I can't wait to add this to our collection!

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really remarkable, and sure to be a standout title for this year. The unique illustrations bring life to the curious text, making for a read aloud that is both heartwarming and surprising. I loved reading the back matter and imagine this book will spark further inquiry and curiosity. Bravo!

[Princess Autumn (that's it; I win) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Book Group for providing me with an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This was such a cute book that taught me all about Tardigrades. I love them and they're so adorable. I think this is great for any curious child.

[Magdalene Jardine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dont think you can see a tardigrade with the microscope depicted in the book. I mean I know its the lens doing the heavy lifting and I dont know what kind of lens is inside that drawing of a microscope but still.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cutest story about a girl who find a tardigrade and decides to take care of it.
Loved the part where there author talked a little bit more about what the book means to her.
The illustrations were wonderful, especially the papar sculptures.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book. A lot.

When it comes out. Get a lot of copies to share and to read.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful mixed media art and cute story about a microscopic super organism.

[Emily Pencil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the mixed media, especially the cut paper.