Germ Theory for Babies (Baby University)

In this latest installment of the Baby University board book series, mathematician and scientist Ferrie collaborates with epidemiologist Goldstein and public health expert Suder for an introductory explanation of germs and sickness. The collaborators offer a brief history (“We used to think getting sick was caused by bad air”) before identifying germs as the tiny “creatures that can make us sick,” and explaining where some can be found and how they spread. Each page features simple, geometric-based digital illustrations by Ferrie, composed in bright colors against ample white space. Names of germs (“Aspergillus”), multisyllabic diction (“Wear a mask when necessary”), and high-level concepts (microscope use) make this an advanced read for the intended audience, but its clear sanitation guide may help normalize proper hand-washing and sickness-prevention techniques for a notoriously hygiene-avoidant demographic. Ages up to 3. [em](Feb.) [/em]