Germs: Fact and Fiction, Friends and Foes

by Lesa Cline-Ransome, James Ransome (Illustrator)

Come meet the good, the bad, and the ugly—yes, germs!
There’s so much to discover about germs. Did you know that germs make your stomach growl as they break down your food? Or that they can travel the world on anything from fleas and ticks to trains and buses?
Told from the perspective of Sam the Salmonella, this informative picture book introduces young readers to helpful and harmful germs, exploring their discovery; the breakout of historic diseases; the invention of pasteurization, vaccination, and penicillin; and other fascinating details about the world of microscopic organisms.

A Christy Ottaviano Book

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Health, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2017

Reviews

[Diana Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read by the author on PBS Face book.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lively, inventive approach to the subject but it doesn't work for me. Includes a glossary but no other end matter.

[China Jones-Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Germs: Fact and Fiction, Friends and Foes teaches children and EVEN adults about what germs are, how they affect our bodies, and how we can protect ourselves from getting sick. In this book, I learned that some germs are bad and some help us stay healthy, which was surprising to me because growing up we believed all germs we're bad for us. This book does a great job at breaking down science in a way that's very easy to understand and the illustrations can make it very fun to read for young kids.

Two of the writing craft techniques the author used in this book were comparison using similes and questioning to engage the reader. One example for the author using similes was when in the text there was a comparison of germs to "tiny invaders like uninvited guests at a party" this helps readers visualize germs as sneaky and unwanted. Another is asking questions like "Did you know that not all germs are bad?" which makes the book feel like a conversation is being held between the author and the reader creating curiosity for the reader. Both of these writing craft techniques enhanced the book for the reader because it made the information more engaging and fun!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting, fact filled, and germ terms explaining all about how germs, the good, the bad, and the ugly live around, and with us everyday. Sam the Salmonella tell the story from his perspective, and the history of this once powerful dynasty that has roamed all over the world, and continues to be with us.

[Bridget Neace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-done picture book. Easy-to-understand take on germs (both the good and the bad). This is a nonfiction book that will not sit gathering dust on the shelves...and it will hopefully remind students about the importance of hand-washing! ;)

[Sue Poduska · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do microorganisms feel about our many efforts to wipe them out? This humorous look at the history of germ warfare attempts to answer that question by showing that germs have always been around us and always will be.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a popular book to check out during the pandemic, but still very appropriate now. This book really made learning about germs fun. The illustrations were great, it was written in a short and sweet manner, I definitely think kids 4+ can understand it. Overall, 4/5 stars ⭐️

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun and in depth explanation of germs, in a new way

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of germs, both good and bad, presented from the POV of salmonella. Bright, bold illustrations, glossary at the end.

[Carrie]

A good overview on germs for kids.

[Meagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The format is kind of confusing. It's a narrative from the perspective of Salmonella. He talks about germs as though they are one big family. At one point he labels himself as one of the good germs.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

My GOSH James Ransome is talented. He is as perfectly adept at finely detailed, realistic art as he is at crafting kooky, friendly cartoony germs - and in the most lovely, clear and glowing watercolors. This book hits the sweet spot between 'actually informative' and 'too textbook-y' - no easy task! A terrific and entertaining intro to the subject.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone thinks of germs as bad, right? Well, they're not all bad. There are some good ones that help us make cheese, yogurt, and bread. This book does mention that. The writing is very much like a picture book rather than a nonfiction book. Usually, I like that type of nonfiction. Not so with this one. The pictures make everything look all happy and wonderful, but the wording can be a bit scary. This is how the book ends:

"So remember, the next time you sneeze or get a tickle in your throat, think of us working around the clock fighting, defending, infecting, multiplying. For you. For us. Forever. Influenza, acidophilus, fungi, virus, bug. Just call us germs."

That definitely makes it sound like no matter what you do, germs will be there to get you! You can't stop them. They will ALWAYS be there! Gah! Sure, they mention hand washing in the notes in the back that often times get looked over.

Also, I judged this book a little more harshly because the second sentence in the book was, "We roamed the earth with dinosaurs." What?? This book is supposed to be about germs, not creationism!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really inventive way to teach kids about germs. It’s told from the perspective of Salmonella (also known as Sam). He tells us about his family, his travels, and even his evil uncles and cousins. I think this is a fabulous book that will be easier for kids to remember. Help them learn why washing hands can be important, but also that germs are nothing of which to be afraid. This husband and wife teams turned out a great book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful easy overview of germs, both the good (yogurt and bread!) and the bad (yellow fever and black death!) with colorful, witty watercolor pictures. It will hopefully get kids thinking of the huge population of germs they carry around with them under their fingernails. This would be a good one to use for a program about germs.

[Kaila · Rating 2 out of 5]

this just made me want to wash everything

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The colorful illustrations add a playful touch to this informational picture book on the history of germs. I find some of it a little gross but certain kids we love it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! Informative book on germs narrated by Salmonella (but only my mom calls me that. My friends call me Sam.) He goes on to tell us about his family of a billion or so germs and his travels. It even stresses the importance of hand washing. There is a end note regarding the good, the bad, and the ugly: things you should know about germs. Kids will gravitate towards reading this hilarious yet informative book.

[Michele Knott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous take on germs. Readers will have to read through some of the tongue in cheek jokes to understand some of the points the author is making.

[SaraKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this at an exhibit for James Ransome's art at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature. This fun, free exhibit space in Abilene, TX has travelling exhibits that change about 4 times a year to showcase different illustrators. I love the book. It is told from the point of view of a germ who tells about his "family" history and how germs have shaped the humans through history. I think its a great teaching aid for my science classes.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cline-Ransome, Lesa Germs. PICTURE BOOK. Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt), 2017. $17.99. Content: G.
This picture book features a history of ‘germs’ from a germs point of view. They tell us how they have always been with us, their real names, the first humans to discover them, how they got such a bad reputation, and some of the wonderful things they do. Features large, bright and engaging illustrations.
I think this will be a very handy book for teachers, especially when they talk about washing hands, and especially during cold and flu season. It simple and easy to read and understand. The cover is appealing enough that students will want to read this book on their own.

EL(K-3) – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
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