Looking for books on microbes? Most folks start with “germ” – a term making you squirm. (I can’t resist the rhyme this time.) Generally, you’ll open germ books up and learn about the importance of washing your hands. This “Reading Round-up” features several newer “germ” kids’ books, including ones that balance the stories of sickness and “germs” with non-pathogenic microbes and scientific advances! Here’s one microbiologist’s reviews. Germs Up Close Sara Levine. Millbrook Press. (2021), Ages 4-8. “A classical reference book on common pathogenic viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi”. Summary: Germs Up Close is a great reference book for kids looking for lists of microbes that cause disease. Made up of sections based on the broad classifications of microbes, there is an initial introduction to the microbial group followed by profiles of individual microbes of that group. Each microbe has their own “rap sheet”: Name, pronunciation, appearance, habitat, diseases it causes, more to know. What I like: Germy Science: The Sick Truth about Getting Sick (and Staying Healthy) Edward Kay, author and Mike Shiell, illustrator. Kids Can Press. (2021), Ages 7-11. Summary:  “A kids encyclopedia of “germs” from ancient to modern times.” Germy Science: The Sick Truth about Getting Sick