Osman, Dr. Majidi. Meena and the Microbiome. Teresa Martinez, Illus. MIT Kids, 02/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2759-8. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.
Simple but detailed illustrations of a dark-skinned mother and child gardening, harvesting, and eating together lead the reader through the basic exploration of the idea of microbiomes. As the child asks questions, the mother explains the microscopic world that makes life possible, and inset illustrations make the life forms she describes both non-threatening and understandable. An analogy about the microbiome forming a community is wonderfully supported by pictures of the mother and child walking through their neighborhood and town. A really down-to-earth (literally!) and accessible way to introduce a major biological concept, this book is also fun to read with some small, humorous details hidden in the illustrations. An author’s note and additional resources are also included.
Lesley Mandros Bell—Independent