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All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World
A full-color chapter book biography that shows how a self-taught scientist was the first to observe the microbial life in and around us. By building his own microscope, Antony van Leeuwenhoek advanced humanity's understanding of our oft-invisible world around us.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2019
41 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Lori Alexander
16 books53 followersLori Alexander loves to read and write! She has written picture books like BACKHOE JOE (Harper, 2014) and FAMOUSLY PHOEBE (Sterling, 2017) as well as the FUTURE BABY board book series (Scholastic, 2019). She also writes non-fiction chapter books, such as ALL IN A DROP (2019) and A SPORTING CHANCE (2020), both from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lori resides in sunny Tucson, Arizona, with her scientist husband and two book loving kids. She runs when it’s cool and swims when it’s hot. Then she gets back to reading and writing.
Visit Lori at www.lorialexanderbooks.com or on Twitter @LoriJAlexander
Lori resides in sunny Tucson, Arizona, with her scientist husband and two book loving kids. She runs when it’s cool and swims when it’s hot. Then she gets back to reading and writing.
Visit Lori at www.lorialexanderbooks.com or on Twitter @LoriJAlexander
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
June 17, 2019
Alexander pulls off something that is really difficult - a biography of a scientific and historical figure that is smart, clear, informative and engaging for a very young reader - and she does it really well!
It is not easy to discuss a scientific and technical discovery, provide sufficient historical background, discuss the scientific method AND keep the story lively, and do it with a structure, vocabulary and knowledge base that is accessible for a child in grades 3-5! She does just that in this really outstanding book and I'm so impressed.
I learned a lot myself as I knew van Leeuwenhoek's name and general contribution but was sadly unaware of just how much he did and how extensive his meticulous researches were. Imagine building over 500 microscopes in a time when such work was so incredibly difficult and complicated. Alexander manages to give readers a real sense this 17th century figure man with interesting details about his research and interactions with his Delft neighbors.
I really enjoyed the extensive illustrations as well and, having read this book in galley, I'm really eager to see the finished copy. I think this would make a terrific read aloud in a classroom. It will fascinate and inspire young scientists and there is so much here to generate great discussion. I'm planning to buy this for my grandson.
It is not easy to discuss a scientific and technical discovery, provide sufficient historical background, discuss the scientific method AND keep the story lively, and do it with a structure, vocabulary and knowledge base that is accessible for a child in grades 3-5! She does just that in this really outstanding book and I'm so impressed.
I learned a lot myself as I knew van Leeuwenhoek's name and general contribution but was sadly unaware of just how much he did and how extensive his meticulous researches were. Imagine building over 500 microscopes in a time when such work was so incredibly difficult and complicated. Alexander manages to give readers a real sense this 17th century figure man with interesting details about his research and interactions with his Delft neighbors.
I really enjoyed the extensive illustrations as well and, having read this book in galley, I'm really eager to see the finished copy. I think this would make a terrific read aloud in a classroom. It will fascinate and inspire young scientists and there is so much here to generate great discussion. I'm planning to buy this for my grandson.
June 26, 2020
This is such a needed book! We really need high quality science books for the early grades when it is possible to pique their scientific curiosity! This is a biography of Leeuwenhoek. The emphasis is on his scientific discoveries but some of his life is covered as well. Perhaps my first tip-off that this book would be excellent was the pronunciation guide to his name. I’ve read about him but never before learned that the last name is pronounced LAY-ven-hook. The artist did a superb job as well, especially in reproducing Leeuwenhoek‘s drawings (often done by hired artists not by the scientist himself). Highly recommended for beginning science readings, STEM courses, beginning biology or medicine classes.
December 26, 2019
Great children's book about the father of microbiology. (Definitely for older elementary school students.) It has fun pictures and an intriguing story that shows the importance of perseverance. One of the most important citizen scientists!
January 29, 2020
This book is so well done; I understand why it was a Sibert Honor book. As a science teacher, I had mentioned van Leeuwenhoek, and had students do reports on him, but I felt this did a much better job of examining his personality and the factors that led to his success. To think that in those times, he lived to be 90! The information is well documented; I even looked up Hooke's Micrographia and found many of the mentioned illustrations here. https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/mi...
July 2, 2020
Woops I didn't realize this was a kids (middle grade) book until I was part way through it, but it's good for what it is and sometimes its nice to be able to finish a book in a single sitting!
October 12, 2019
Absolutely fascinating!
February 1, 2020
Despite being for young readers, the author and illustrator highlight significant principles for scientific thought and study, and they convey essential research principles understood by academics. Very interesting and accessible.
April 2, 2021
Fascinating!
August 15, 2022
Bookmatch with Colleen. Quality biography with hand drawn colorful pictures. Microbiology and microscopes….inquisitive minds and cheers to curiosity! Great middle grade read.
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November 5, 2023Read for English Festival (grades 4-6).
June 22, 2025
Great book. I read it in one sitting with my son. He said his favorite part was the pictures, and he had a lot of questions about microbes, sharing ideas, and why people die. It was informative but also fun—a hard thing for a writer to do, and it has cool pictures.
December 5, 2022
I read All in a Drop: How Antony Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander. I read this book as part of my nonfiction unit for my master's class. I chose to read this book because it was a 2020 Honor Title for the Robert F. Sibert Award. The Robert F. Sibert Award goes to an author who writes distinguished informational books.
I read this e-book on Hoopla. I liked being able to see the pictures that went along with the story as I read it online.
This complete biography briefly discusses the Golden Age and the historical context in that Antony grew up. The author introduces Antony's family and describes their professions. His parents were basket makers. His grandfather was a beer brewer. By telling about Anthony's family, the reader can understand how social classes were made up in the Netherlands during the 1630's. Alexander describes how Antony was raised and people's beliefs in the Netherlands. One such belief was that most children were considered adults by 14 and that most boys learn their father's trade and then go on to do the same thing for a living.
Despite not having a proper education, Antony wants to learn more and creates microscopes to study microbial life. He was the first to see microbes and understand an invisible world that other recognized and well-known scientists could not see or understand. This book covers the themes of persistence, hard work, curiosity, and determination. Readers will better understand the Golden Age and how Antony discovered the first microbes.
The author also includes descriptive pictures and diagrams to show the readers different types of lenses and microscopes. The author also provides a glossary, an index, and a timeline of events.
This book could be used to discuss biographies, nonfiction text features, or scientists. I would recommend this book for upper elementary or for 6th-grade students. This would be an excellent independent read to enhance a history or social studies curriculum. It could also be a pleasant and short read-aloud.
I read this e-book on Hoopla. I liked being able to see the pictures that went along with the story as I read it online.
This complete biography briefly discusses the Golden Age and the historical context in that Antony grew up. The author introduces Antony's family and describes their professions. His parents were basket makers. His grandfather was a beer brewer. By telling about Anthony's family, the reader can understand how social classes were made up in the Netherlands during the 1630's. Alexander describes how Antony was raised and people's beliefs in the Netherlands. One such belief was that most children were considered adults by 14 and that most boys learn their father's trade and then go on to do the same thing for a living.
Despite not having a proper education, Antony wants to learn more and creates microscopes to study microbial life. He was the first to see microbes and understand an invisible world that other recognized and well-known scientists could not see or understand. This book covers the themes of persistence, hard work, curiosity, and determination. Readers will better understand the Golden Age and how Antony discovered the first microbes.
The author also includes descriptive pictures and diagrams to show the readers different types of lenses and microscopes. The author also provides a glossary, an index, and a timeline of events.
This book could be used to discuss biographies, nonfiction text features, or scientists. I would recommend this book for upper elementary or for 6th-grade students. This would be an excellent independent read to enhance a history or social studies curriculum. It could also be a pleasant and short read-aloud.
April 3, 2020
All in a Drop : How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger, 93 pages. NON-FICTION Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019. $18.
CONTENT: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Antony van Leeuwenhock was a self taught scientist. He built his own microscope and studied the living things he found under his lens. Academics like the Royal Society didn't believe his research because he was not well educated, however, once other scientists could replicate his findings, he was made a fellow of the society. Before van Leeuwenhock, people thought the world was only what we could see with our eyes, these discoveries changed everything.
Alexander's biography is full color illustrated with the occasional captioned photograph. I learned a lot in this short chapter book, perfect for the 3rd to 5th grade reader, and a great STEM connection, but also accessible for middle school students. What would you look at if you had a microscope? Includes a timeline, glossary and source notes.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
CONTENT: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Antony van Leeuwenhock was a self taught scientist. He built his own microscope and studied the living things he found under his lens. Academics like the Royal Society didn't believe his research because he was not well educated, however, once other scientists could replicate his findings, he was made a fellow of the society. Before van Leeuwenhock, people thought the world was only what we could see with our eyes, these discoveries changed everything.
Alexander's biography is full color illustrated with the occasional captioned photograph. I learned a lot in this short chapter book, perfect for the 3rd to 5th grade reader, and a great STEM connection, but also accessible for middle school students. What would you look at if you had a microscope? Includes a timeline, glossary and source notes.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
March 1, 2020
This short book is packed full of easily accessable knowledge about van Leeuwenhoek, the times in which he lived, and microbiology. Every once in a while there are sidebars (actually whole pages but the font is different so you know it's an aside) that supply supplemental information relevant to the current topic being discussed. Colorful illustrations, sketches, and photographs bring the subject to life. The first sixty pages (2/3 of the book) are devoted to van Leeuwenhoek. This is followed by a chapter on microbiology, an extensive author's note, timeline of events, a glossary, source notes and bibliography.
August 22, 2019
This juvenile biography shares the story of the self-taught scientist who discovered the field of microbiology in the seventeenth century. Even though this illustrated chapter book is short and accessible, it is very thorough, providing the historical context, scientific background, and cultural details necessary to bring this story to life. Even as an adult, I found this to be an excellent, scholarly introduction to the topic, and I highly recommend it to readers of all ages.
November 30, 2023
The book All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World is a nonfiction biography chapter book written by Lori Alexander and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger. It was published in 2019 and was a Notable Children's Book of 2020 and an honor title of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal 2020. I found this book on the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book award page of past winners and honorable mentions. I read this book on Libby in a digital format. The digital book was easy to read and I liked that I could still see the illustrations.
The book All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World is a biography about how Leeuwenhoek used a microscope to discover microbiomes and explore life that is tinier than what the eye can see. Leeuwenhoek was not a scientist, he was a draper, but had always been curious about studying different plants and animals. As a young man, he read Robert Hooke’s book about microscopes and decided to make his own lens. Leeuwenhoek made a lens that could magnify to a great power and very clearly. He began putting pretty much anything and everything under his microscope to observe it; from tiny plants to fleas to insects and even vomit. Leeuwenhoek remained curious about how the world worked beyond what his eye could see. Though he was never formally trained as a scientist he made many important discoveries and helped start the creation of more powerful microscopes.
Though this book is a chapter book there are illustrations on nearly every page, many are small or half a page at the most. The illustrations are watercolor paintings. They are colorful and detailed and depict Leeuwenhoek and his work. There is a diagram drawn of Leeuwenhoek’s microscope and various specimens he observed under the scope are drawn in great detail as well.
This book is diverse as Leeuwenhoek is Dutch, from the Netherlands and the book is set when Leeuwenhoek lived during the 1600’s. It explains a little bit about Leeuwenhoek childhood and what it was like to grow up during that time. It also talked about his profession as a draper and how he first came to learn about microscopes after taking a trip to London. I felt elements of Dutch culture and values were woven throughout this book, though it was not the focus.
Though this is a nonfiction book one strong literary element of it is the theme. It is mentioned throughout the book that Leeuwenhoek was not a scientist, did not speak or write in English, had limited formal schooling, yet was able to make several important discoveries because he never stopped being curious. It teaches children that being curious and wondering about the world can lead to great new knowledge, if you are willing to work for it. I thought this was a great theme for students to motivate them to never stop asking questions and always remain curious about the world around them. One weak literary element of this book are the visuals. Visuals play an important role in biographies and many contain many photographs and artifacts from the person the biography is about (Temple et al., 2019). The only visuals this book contains are illustrations. While they are beautiful, I would have loved to have seen more photographs (there is one at the very end) with Leeuwenhoek’s actual microscopes and other artifacts from his time period.
This is a short chapter book sprinkled with many illustrations throughout. I think this book would be best enjoyed by ages 7-11 or 2nd-5th grade. I would use this book as a chapter book read aloud and discussing things that Leeuwenhoek was curious about and talk about what things they are curious about. There is also a timeline of Leeuwenhoek at the end of this book. We could discuss the use of timelines and chronological order. I could have students make a timeline of a different topic using this as an example.
The book All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World is a biography about how Leeuwenhoek used a microscope to discover microbiomes and explore life that is tinier than what the eye can see. Leeuwenhoek was not a scientist, he was a draper, but had always been curious about studying different plants and animals. As a young man, he read Robert Hooke’s book about microscopes and decided to make his own lens. Leeuwenhoek made a lens that could magnify to a great power and very clearly. He began putting pretty much anything and everything under his microscope to observe it; from tiny plants to fleas to insects and even vomit. Leeuwenhoek remained curious about how the world worked beyond what his eye could see. Though he was never formally trained as a scientist he made many important discoveries and helped start the creation of more powerful microscopes.
Though this book is a chapter book there are illustrations on nearly every page, many are small or half a page at the most. The illustrations are watercolor paintings. They are colorful and detailed and depict Leeuwenhoek and his work. There is a diagram drawn of Leeuwenhoek’s microscope and various specimens he observed under the scope are drawn in great detail as well.
This book is diverse as Leeuwenhoek is Dutch, from the Netherlands and the book is set when Leeuwenhoek lived during the 1600’s. It explains a little bit about Leeuwenhoek childhood and what it was like to grow up during that time. It also talked about his profession as a draper and how he first came to learn about microscopes after taking a trip to London. I felt elements of Dutch culture and values were woven throughout this book, though it was not the focus.
Though this is a nonfiction book one strong literary element of it is the theme. It is mentioned throughout the book that Leeuwenhoek was not a scientist, did not speak or write in English, had limited formal schooling, yet was able to make several important discoveries because he never stopped being curious. It teaches children that being curious and wondering about the world can lead to great new knowledge, if you are willing to work for it. I thought this was a great theme for students to motivate them to never stop asking questions and always remain curious about the world around them. One weak literary element of this book are the visuals. Visuals play an important role in biographies and many contain many photographs and artifacts from the person the biography is about (Temple et al., 2019). The only visuals this book contains are illustrations. While they are beautiful, I would have loved to have seen more photographs (there is one at the very end) with Leeuwenhoek’s actual microscopes and other artifacts from his time period.
This is a short chapter book sprinkled with many illustrations throughout. I think this book would be best enjoyed by ages 7-11 or 2nd-5th grade. I would use this book as a chapter book read aloud and discussing things that Leeuwenhoek was curious about and talk about what things they are curious about. There is also a timeline of Leeuwenhoek at the end of this book. We could discuss the use of timelines and chronological order. I could have students make a timeline of a different topic using this as an example.
September 11, 2019
How could an uneducated 17th century cloth merchant become the Father of Microbiology? And why should children read about him?
A few books have been written about this Dutchman, and the insightful letters he wrote are available for reading. But thanks of Lori Alexander and Vivien Mildenberger, a new middle grade book introduces this most unusual science pioneer to young people.
In All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World, Alexander welcomes young readers into a most curious world. Her voice is playful yet informative. Antony’s questions are childlike yet provoking. It’s enough to inspire any reader to turn the page again and again.
The illustrations by Vivien Mildenberger are delightful and creative. I love the charming collage of Antony’s early specimens (page 31-32) and suspect that children will as well.
Alexander and Mildenberger capture the wonder of Antony’s investigations… his childhood ponderings of silkworms, the trial and error developments of his magnifiers, water here, water there, and the endless assortment of bodily fluids. Antony’s curiosity knew no end, and that’s why children should read this nonfiction biography.
Antony was a science pioneer of the highest caliber. He explored many interests and ended up impacting several of them, including microbiology, botany, zoology, and hematology. He’s a fine example of both a generalist and a naturalist.
He was an independent life-long learner who did not let his lack of a formal education slow him down. What he didn’t know, he figured out as best as he could, and the persistence he showed as he perfected his lenses is legendary. In this age of a free libraries and free internet there’s no reason why each of us can’t be more like him – curious to know and understand the natural world.
Alexander deserves credit for teasing the most intriguing and relevant facts from her sources, especially from Clifford Dobell’s biography and from the extensive and scholarly webpage, lensonleeuwenhoek.com. And her bibliography gives enthusiasts excellent destinations for learning more about Antony and his little diertgens.
Those same microbes discovered in Antony’s workshop are today revealing fascinating new secrets to scientists. Microbes play a bigger part in our health than we ever imagined, and there’s much we’re just starting to understand.
All in a Drop will surely inspire many children to follow their own curiosity and explore the natural world. I highly recommend it for ages 8-12.
A few books have been written about this Dutchman, and the insightful letters he wrote are available for reading. But thanks of Lori Alexander and Vivien Mildenberger, a new middle grade book introduces this most unusual science pioneer to young people.
In All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World, Alexander welcomes young readers into a most curious world. Her voice is playful yet informative. Antony’s questions are childlike yet provoking. It’s enough to inspire any reader to turn the page again and again.
The illustrations by Vivien Mildenberger are delightful and creative. I love the charming collage of Antony’s early specimens (page 31-32) and suspect that children will as well.
Alexander and Mildenberger capture the wonder of Antony’s investigations… his childhood ponderings of silkworms, the trial and error developments of his magnifiers, water here, water there, and the endless assortment of bodily fluids. Antony’s curiosity knew no end, and that’s why children should read this nonfiction biography.
Antony was a science pioneer of the highest caliber. He explored many interests and ended up impacting several of them, including microbiology, botany, zoology, and hematology. He’s a fine example of both a generalist and a naturalist.
He was an independent life-long learner who did not let his lack of a formal education slow him down. What he didn’t know, he figured out as best as he could, and the persistence he showed as he perfected his lenses is legendary. In this age of a free libraries and free internet there’s no reason why each of us can’t be more like him – curious to know and understand the natural world.
Alexander deserves credit for teasing the most intriguing and relevant facts from her sources, especially from Clifford Dobell’s biography and from the extensive and scholarly webpage, lensonleeuwenhoek.com. And her bibliography gives enthusiasts excellent destinations for learning more about Antony and his little diertgens.
Those same microbes discovered in Antony’s workshop are today revealing fascinating new secrets to scientists. Microbes play a bigger part in our health than we ever imagined, and there’s much we’re just starting to understand.
All in a Drop will surely inspire many children to follow their own curiosity and explore the natural world. I highly recommend it for ages 8-12.
April 19, 2020
All in a Drop brings the story of Antony van Leeuwenhoek to life that makes you instantly say WOW!
This fascinating story of Antony van Leeuwenhoek, the father of microbiology, engages the reader the different sites, sounds and struggles he had through out his life. The book has wonderful illustrations that are beautiful but also very instructive as she drew microbes and viruses that are things Antony would have visually seen through his developed microscopes and his life. I love how the author turned this long ago story into a modern-day marvel. This book would be best fitting for a 5th grade classroom because it explains Antony's life but then explores deeper vocabulary and scientific knowledge that makes it a fun and interesting read. This book has great potential to be used in an instructional way in the classroom because this informational text explores scientific discoveries of the past so it would be great to incorporate in the science curriculum. While using this text, you can discuss the scientific method, use it for a project, allow students to explore their own curiosities, they can "discover" their own microbe or virus and provide an explanation of it and its discovery, activate their understanding of the information with the illustrations, and simple engagement in both literature and science. By using All in a Drop, you can address two parts of the curriculum in the same lesson in limited instruction time.
One important aspect of this informational text I wanted to address is information. All in a Drop introduces readers to Antony van Leeuwenhoek and his life in a playful yet informative way. It teaches about Antony's investigations, his childhood, his trial and errors, and his curiosity. I think this makes the book even more noteworthy because not only is it providing an excellent look into his life and discoveries, it inspires children to follow their own curiosities and explore the world. This is critical for students to engage in their own inquiries, make predictions, and to have persistence. By reading All in a Drop, the children can engage in a scientific reading that provides great excitement and curiosity.
This book sends an inspirational message to readers as it communicates the wonder and thrill of science. I would recommend this book for older students since it involves scientific knowledge and vocabulary needed to understand the text. I think this book could also be great for a project on Antony van Leeuwenhoek or a project in general for science as it requires students to explore his discoveries further.
This fascinating story of Antony van Leeuwenhoek, the father of microbiology, engages the reader the different sites, sounds and struggles he had through out his life. The book has wonderful illustrations that are beautiful but also very instructive as she drew microbes and viruses that are things Antony would have visually seen through his developed microscopes and his life. I love how the author turned this long ago story into a modern-day marvel. This book would be best fitting for a 5th grade classroom because it explains Antony's life but then explores deeper vocabulary and scientific knowledge that makes it a fun and interesting read. This book has great potential to be used in an instructional way in the classroom because this informational text explores scientific discoveries of the past so it would be great to incorporate in the science curriculum. While using this text, you can discuss the scientific method, use it for a project, allow students to explore their own curiosities, they can "discover" their own microbe or virus and provide an explanation of it and its discovery, activate their understanding of the information with the illustrations, and simple engagement in both literature and science. By using All in a Drop, you can address two parts of the curriculum in the same lesson in limited instruction time.
One important aspect of this informational text I wanted to address is information. All in a Drop introduces readers to Antony van Leeuwenhoek and his life in a playful yet informative way. It teaches about Antony's investigations, his childhood, his trial and errors, and his curiosity. I think this makes the book even more noteworthy because not only is it providing an excellent look into his life and discoveries, it inspires children to follow their own curiosities and explore the world. This is critical for students to engage in their own inquiries, make predictions, and to have persistence. By reading All in a Drop, the children can engage in a scientific reading that provides great excitement and curiosity.
This book sends an inspirational message to readers as it communicates the wonder and thrill of science. I would recommend this book for older students since it involves scientific knowledge and vocabulary needed to understand the text. I think this book could also be great for a project on Antony van Leeuwenhoek or a project in general for science as it requires students to explore his discoveries further.
June 3, 2025
Children's biography. After enjoying two other scientist biographies by this author, What's a Germ, Joseph Lister?: The Medical Mystery That Forever Changed the Way We Heal and Seeds of Discovery: How Barbara McClintock Used Corn and Curiosity to Solve a Science Mystery and Win a Nobel Prize, I was excited to go back and read this one. I remember the name Antony van Leeuwenhoek from science classes, but only vaguely associated him with the microscope. This book is interesting because van Leeuwenhoek was not a scientist by trade, he actually started with lenses to check the thread count of the cloth he sold. On a trip he came across Robert Hooke's book called Micrographia and is inspired to create new lenses upon his return. Soon he takes a sample of pond water and magnifies it to see what he calls "diertgens," Dutch for little animals. The word eventually became "animalcules" until being replaced by the now familiar term "microbe".
This book narrates his discoveries, how he hired artists to record his findings before sharing with the Royal Society in London, and a list of some of the specimens he studied. The illustrations throughout are approachable but still scientific. Back matter includes a 5 page timeline of both his life and the broader world, a glossary, and selected bibliography. An engaging well-rounded biography of an important figure in science.
This book narrates his discoveries, how he hired artists to record his findings before sharing with the Royal Society in London, and a list of some of the specimens he studied. The illustrations throughout are approachable but still scientific. Back matter includes a 5 page timeline of both his life and the broader world, a glossary, and selected bibliography. An engaging well-rounded biography of an important figure in science.
November 14, 2023
I love Vivien Mildenberger's illustrations - especially apropos for this biography of Antony van Leeuwenhoek, the first practitioner of microbiology - because, even without any formal education, he taught himself to make precise drawings of the tiny creatures he saw with his own handmade microscope lenses.
I picked up the book because I had recently traveled to the Netherlands, and the Dutch ceramic tiles, the quaint townhouses, and the historic 17th-18th century fashions are so sweet to look at and reminded me of my boat+bike trip that I adored. Leeuwenhoek's house looks just like Rembrandt's preserved home in Amsterdam!
Although the text seems a bit on the long side in comparison to the overall layout of colorful detailed period illustrations and occasional hand-drawn diagrams, charts, & graphs, I believe this book will work well for 3rd to 5th graders doing book reports, who must write about a non-fiction book. It's short enough to read quickly, is packed with relevant information about the scientific process, the capacity of an individual to create a field of science by following their own instinct and curiosity.
If a teacher is using How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention, they might want to grab this book, as an excellent example of how creating the drawings builds knowledge and furthers the scientific exploration.
I picked up the book because I had recently traveled to the Netherlands, and the Dutch ceramic tiles, the quaint townhouses, and the historic 17th-18th century fashions are so sweet to look at and reminded me of my boat+bike trip that I adored. Leeuwenhoek's house looks just like Rembrandt's preserved home in Amsterdam!
Although the text seems a bit on the long side in comparison to the overall layout of colorful detailed period illustrations and occasional hand-drawn diagrams, charts, & graphs, I believe this book will work well for 3rd to 5th graders doing book reports, who must write about a non-fiction book. It's short enough to read quickly, is packed with relevant information about the scientific process, the capacity of an individual to create a field of science by following their own instinct and curiosity.
If a teacher is using How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention, they might want to grab this book, as an excellent example of how creating the drawings builds knowledge and furthers the scientific exploration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2020
Very well suited to upper elementary students. The information is well presented and understandable. The story draws you in and keeps your attention.
A well done book that introduces Leeuwenhoek as both a curious person and a scientist, which he was loathe to claim as a title. This book shows Leeuwenhoek as a young child growing in Delft, going off to boarding school and then being apprenticed to a linen merchant. Although he never had a science class or studied any language other than his own Dutch, he hand made and perfected a very small microscope that could magnify items up to 261 times greater than the specimen. Even Robert Hooke, the acclaimed inventor of the microscope did not have that ability with his instruments.
Leewuwenhoek carefully studied his selections and kept meticulous notes.
The Royal Society did not believe that Leeuwenhoek saw the tiny little animals that he wrote about. Finally the eminent Robert Hooke visited Leeuwenhoek and observed the proof and observed that his magnification was superior to his microscope. Leeuwenhoek never shared or sold his microscopes.
The important message to all is that a curious person is normal. And you never know what they will do with that curiosity.
A well done book that introduces Leeuwenhoek as both a curious person and a scientist, which he was loathe to claim as a title. This book shows Leeuwenhoek as a young child growing in Delft, going off to boarding school and then being apprenticed to a linen merchant. Although he never had a science class or studied any language other than his own Dutch, he hand made and perfected a very small microscope that could magnify items up to 261 times greater than the specimen. Even Robert Hooke, the acclaimed inventor of the microscope did not have that ability with his instruments.
Leewuwenhoek carefully studied his selections and kept meticulous notes.
The Royal Society did not believe that Leeuwenhoek saw the tiny little animals that he wrote about. Finally the eminent Robert Hooke visited Leeuwenhoek and observed the proof and observed that his magnification was superior to his microscope. Leeuwenhoek never shared or sold his microscopes.
The important message to all is that a curious person is normal. And you never know what they will do with that curiosity.
March 29, 2020
o Genre: Nonfiction – Sibert award
o Awards: Sibert award nominee 2020
o Grades: 3-8
o Topic of this book: Antony van Leeuwenhoek creating the first microscopes as we know them today and discovering microbes.
o Child-friendly?: This book is perfect for upper elementary and middle school. It is written in easy to understand language, despite being about very scientific and technical things. The pictures are also engaging and add to the ability for children to understand and be interested in the book. There is a timeline and glossary at the back of the book to aide in comprehension.
o Text features: this book has diagrams, a glossary, a timeline, an author’s note, quotes, a map, and picture captions.
o How and when could this be used with children: This would be a great book to do an integrated reading and science lesson. I could picture myself reading a chapter a day for a week when we’re learning about microscopes, germs, and/or microbes. This would also just be a good book to have in your classroom library for students who are passionate about science or who need to do a project or research on someone famous.
o Awards: Sibert award nominee 2020
o Grades: 3-8
o Topic of this book: Antony van Leeuwenhoek creating the first microscopes as we know them today and discovering microbes.
o Child-friendly?: This book is perfect for upper elementary and middle school. It is written in easy to understand language, despite being about very scientific and technical things. The pictures are also engaging and add to the ability for children to understand and be interested in the book. There is a timeline and glossary at the back of the book to aide in comprehension.
o Text features: this book has diagrams, a glossary, a timeline, an author’s note, quotes, a map, and picture captions.
o How and when could this be used with children: This would be a great book to do an integrated reading and science lesson. I could picture myself reading a chapter a day for a week when we’re learning about microscopes, germs, and/or microbes. This would also just be a good book to have in your classroom library for students who are passionate about science or who need to do a project or research on someone famous.
April 20, 2021
Anton Van Leeuwenhoek - a name most students of science will have heard of and especially in microbiology.
He’s such an eminent figure in science, and a name that was always mentioned throughout my studies. This short little succinct book definitely shed some more light on the man, on his personal life and his venture into science and into the creatures too small to be previously seen by the eye.
I found it amazing to read the background into how he made his microscopes and observations and I had no idea he had no formal scientific education!
The illustrations were fantastic and it was great to learn more about the man behind the microscope. His early life, his road to Microscope making and some of the specimens he viewed under his new creations. There was also a handy timeline of his life and world events as well as a glossary at the end so it made for very easy reading and can be read by all who wish to know more about this man, whether you’ve studied science or not - it’s a lovely little short read.
He’s such an eminent figure in science, and a name that was always mentioned throughout my studies. This short little succinct book definitely shed some more light on the man, on his personal life and his venture into science and into the creatures too small to be previously seen by the eye.
I found it amazing to read the background into how he made his microscopes and observations and I had no idea he had no formal scientific education!
The illustrations were fantastic and it was great to learn more about the man behind the microscope. His early life, his road to Microscope making and some of the specimens he viewed under his new creations. There was also a handy timeline of his life and world events as well as a glossary at the end so it made for very easy reading and can be read by all who wish to know more about this man, whether you’ve studied science or not - it’s a lovely little short read.
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July 22, 2023Great Book! I am one of the right readers for this.
Here are history and science, differences of opinion like the view of van Leeuwenhoek's work from Delft and from London, and beautiful illustrations. Lori Alexander has researched deeply and given us the context in the 1670s (e.g. Netherlands had the world's largest merchant fleet, Amsterdam is an international center, where differences are accepted). She clearly explains the tedious and meticulous methods van Leeuwenhoek used and hid from other scientists, and shows how the science knowledge and the tools advanced over time. It's a Sibert Informational Book Medal Honor title, of course.
At just under 100 pages my guess is that some youngn's will jump into this, aware of the fun in reading science history, and maybe this would be better as a read-aloud (bit by bit) for those who aren't already alert to the novelties and surprises of reading history.
(I am weaning myself off of stars, it really does matter who the reader is)
Here are history and science, differences of opinion like the view of van Leeuwenhoek's work from Delft and from London, and beautiful illustrations. Lori Alexander has researched deeply and given us the context in the 1670s (e.g. Netherlands had the world's largest merchant fleet, Amsterdam is an international center, where differences are accepted). She clearly explains the tedious and meticulous methods van Leeuwenhoek used and hid from other scientists, and shows how the science knowledge and the tools advanced over time. It's a Sibert Informational Book Medal Honor title, of course.
At just under 100 pages my guess is that some youngn's will jump into this, aware of the fun in reading science history, and maybe this would be better as a read-aloud (bit by bit) for those who aren't already alert to the novelties and surprises of reading history.
(I am weaning myself off of stars, it really does matter who the reader is)
August 18, 2019
Lori Alexander and Vivien Mildenberger do a fantastic job of bringing the story of Antony van Leeuwenhoek to life in "All in a Drop," this fully illustrated, perfect for STEM/biography learning chapter book! Lori brings the sites, sounds and struggles of Antony, father of microbiology, to the page, and it easily reads like a fascinating story that any young reader would love to dive into. She doesn't shy away from the "gross" factor, which I think young kids will love, and the illustrations by Vivien are not only beautiful and stylistic, but very instructive, too, as she drew microbes and viruses--things Antony would have seen through his highly developed microscopes, as well as scenes from his life and times. I think every elementary classroom or library (especially if they care about science!) should carry this book! Definitely a five-star biography chapter book.
February 5, 2020
Antony van Leeuwenhock was a self taught scientist. He built his own microscope and studied the living things he found under his lens. Academics like the Royal Society didn't believe his research because he was not well educated, however, once other scientists could replicate his findings, he was made a fellow of the society. Before van Leeuwenhock, people thought the world was only what we could see with our eyes, these discoveries changed everything.
Alexander's biography is full color illustrated with the occasional captioned photograph. I learned a lot in this short chapter book, perfect for the 3rd to 5th grade reader, and a great STEM connection, but also accessible for middle school students. What would you look at if you had a microscope? Includes a timeline, glossary and source notes.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
Alexander's biography is full color illustrated with the occasional captioned photograph. I learned a lot in this short chapter book, perfect for the 3rd to 5th grade reader, and a great STEM connection, but also accessible for middle school students. What would you look at if you had a microscope? Includes a timeline, glossary and source notes.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
March 15, 2020
I've said it before, I love children's books that present information about a historical figure in a way accessible for children and I love them even more when it's a person I had not previously heard of. Today's children don't know how lucky they are!
This book was a bit lengthy but it was absolutely fascinating. Like many books about historical figures, there was a heavy emphasis on perseverance. This book also speculated a bit at the end about how Leeuwenhoek's lack of formal education might have been useful but also how his secretiveness might have done a disservice to the world. Both ideas were presented in a way to make the reader think and not to provide a definitive answer.
This book made me want to learn more about microscopes and microbes. I hope it does the same for the younger readers who get their hands on it.
This book was a bit lengthy but it was absolutely fascinating. Like many books about historical figures, there was a heavy emphasis on perseverance. This book also speculated a bit at the end about how Leeuwenhoek's lack of formal education might have been useful but also how his secretiveness might have done a disservice to the world. Both ideas were presented in a way to make the reader think and not to provide a definitive answer.
This book made me want to learn more about microscopes and microbes. I hope it does the same for the younger readers who get their hands on it.
August 17, 2020
A fascinating look at the life of Antony van Leeuwenhoek. While Antony did receive a basic education, he came from a working class family so he was never received a "classical" education which would have included science and learning other languages. But he was a very curious person. And at the age of 40, with much perseverance and trial and error - he created a lens and constructed his own microscope -- and over 500 more microscopes! He discovered unbelievable things with his patient exploration of the world. Seriously - it took him years to convince the Royal Society in London that he had actually discovered microbes and wasn't just imagining them. I liked that the author pointed out Leeuwenhoek's contributions but also admitted that some of his secrecy and unwillingness to share his design methods may have slowed down advancements in the field of microbiology.
October 21, 2019
This book was fantastic. Not only do we learn about an unknown and unsung Dutchman but we learn about germs. (Honestly, I had a medium rare stake the other day and I though "crap, what if there is e coli in it" How long does it take for symptoms to appear??.... )
I love the artwork, and of course Antony who started to discover things "for fun" not looking for accolades or awards.
I like that he looked at all sorts of things, like his poop, blood, vomit and a host of all other things.
Gross but informative!
And now, my trip I am planning to the Netherlands... we totally have to go to Delft... with pleasure!
I love the artwork, and of course Antony who started to discover things "for fun" not looking for accolades or awards.
I like that he looked at all sorts of things, like his poop, blood, vomit and a host of all other things.
Gross but informative!
And now, my trip I am planning to the Netherlands... we totally have to go to Delft... with pleasure!
May 7, 2020
A biography about how Antony van Leeuwenhoek discovered microbes and his subsequent years of observation and recording. Is that not the most boring annotation you’ve ever read? The book is much better about showing what Antony was about and what he was seeing in an interesting way. My favorite part about this book is that the language is kept simple without over simplifying the concept - it is accessible. I also think that this book could lead to classroom debates that extend learning: “what would have happened if AvL had shared (or even sold) his microscope to others?” etc. A simple, fascinating chapter book to inspire learning in older elementary grades.
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