Unseen Jungle by Eleanor Spicer Rice, illustrated by Rob Wilson

One of my favorite adult nonfiction reads is Never Home Alone by Rob Dunn. It's a fascinating exploration of microbes, insects, and the things that share our homes and bodies. So I was delighted to discover this new nonfiction series that is basically a humorously illustrated version of my favorite book for middle grade readers!

Colorful cartoons dot the pages of this sometimes gross, sometimes funny, but always informative book. It begins with an introduction that explains the different kinds of microbes, from bacteria to algae, and including the controversial virus. The book's chapters each focus on a different area where microbiomes flourish and include interviews with scientists. In "House" we meet zombified house flies, learn about how cats communicate with anal gland secretions, go deep into dog doo, and learn about roaches and bed bugs. Then we go out to the "yard" and learn about cicadas, caterpillars and birds and the microbes that live in on and on them. In "food" readers will learn, whether they want to or not, what goes on inside bees, how cow fats and their microbes cause pollution, and hear the stories of Harry and Sally (nematode and bacteria) and Hamilton the aphid bacteria. Humans, of course, have their own bacteria, good, bad, and indifferent and you'll learn all about them, plus bonus explanations of microbes that can be transferred from animals like rabies and Toxoplasma gondii.

Back matter includes fun drawing exercises, references to explore for more information, and a dense, chapter by chapter bibliography.

Verdict: Hand this to kids who love science, especially the grosser aspects, and also those who enjoy a good narrative nonfiction with plenty of facts to share with friends and adults! Recommended.

ISBN: 9781536226461; Published May 2023 by Mit Kids Press; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library