Micromonsters: Microscopic Life Up Close

When we think of life in a garden, we mostly think of gorgeous flowers, fragrant herbs, and tasty vegetables. But there's much more life than we can see there. A garden is a habitat for some tiny organisms, some so tiny that we can't see them without the help of a microscope. While many are beneficial, protecting our plants from harm, others cause harm, sometimes doing damage beyond repair. This unique book offers mind-boggling photographs, including high-magnification images, that show readers what these "micromonsters" look like, while text and fact boxes explain important life-science concepts.

Few people stop to consider they're not alone in their body. It's thought that the human body contains 10 times more bacteria than cells, in fact! Luckily, many of these microorganisms are harmless to us-and some are even very helpful. This fascinating look at nature's smallest life-forms is a high-interest introduction to the world of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. More astonishing than the data and facts are the amazingly up-close photographs on each page. Readers may squirm, but they'll also come to appreciate the remarkable habitat called the human body.

Even the cleanest house is a habitat for micromonsters! But don't worry-most are harmless. This revealing volume takes readers on a meet-and-greet tour of the tiniest organisms that live in people's homes. Full-page photographs of alien-like creatures in high-magnification will amaze, while "Monstrous Data" tables and "Gross or What?" boxes both astound and educate. Future biologists will come to appreciate that life is all around, no matter how many times we wash, but there are things we can do to keep ourselves safe from the more harmful "micromonsters."

The thought that there are organisms on or in our food might make some people a bit queasy. But without certain organisms, we wouldn't have some of our favorite foods such as bread, yogurt, and cheese. Readers are introduced to many kinds of microscopic organisms, helpful and harmful, in this eye-opening volume. Since they can't see many of these life-forms with their own eyes, magnified images reveal the creatures in highly detailed photographs. Data and fun fact boxes further enhance the appealing design, while entertaining and informative text touches on many important science concepts.