Today's read has a few unique things, which perked my interest. First, it heads in the nonfiction direction but with a playful twist to make it more accessible for young readers. Second, it should also incorporate a few messages about being 'unseen'. Third, it's written by a teenager and is part of a larger initiative she's started to help young readers gain more interest and understanding when it comes to the realm of science. This book centers around microbiomes...and you don't see that on the picture book bookshelf every day.
So, let's take a peek!
THE BRAVE FUZZY
A Microbiome Story
by Eliana Miao
Pen & Pipette
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 3 to 10
A warmhearted story about being overlooked, reaching out, and the surprising science happening inside all of us.
There was an orange fuzzy who was looking for a home…
There was also a busy village of blue fuzzies who had their own rhythms…
…until a huge storm destroyed their village and the orange fuzzy blew in.
Find out what happens when these two worlds collide. Is this the home the orange fuzzy always dreamed of? Will the blue fuzzies let the orange one stay?
With a mix of evocative and cozy watercolors, this tender story comes to life from award-winning author Eliana Miao and the Pen & Pipette team.
Culminating in a final twist, readers learn that the world of fuzzies lives inside them, introducing young readers to the science of the gut microbiome.
Written by high school students who wanted to create the science picture books they wish they had growing up, The Brave Fuzzy passes their passion for science and stories to a new generation.
Targeted for children ages 3-11, this book is perfect for kids (and their parents) interested in belonging, science, microbiology, and nutrition. It sets up opportunities for parents to talk to their kids about eating different foods to help their own microbiomes and fuzzies grow.
Learn how tiny lives can make a difference both inside and out!
There was an orange fuzzy who was looking for a home…
There was also a busy village of blue fuzzies who had their own rhythms…
…until a huge storm destroyed their village and the orange fuzzy blew in.
Find out what happens when these two worlds collide. Is this the home the orange fuzzy always dreamed of? Will the blue fuzzies let the orange one stay?
With a mix of evocative and cozy watercolors, this tender story comes to life from award-winning author Eliana Miao and the Pen & Pipette team.
Culminating in a final twist, readers learn that the world of fuzzies lives inside them, introducing young readers to the science of the gut microbiome.
Written by high school students who wanted to create the science picture books they wish they had growing up, The Brave Fuzzy passes their passion for science and stories to a new generation.
Targeted for children ages 3-11, this book is perfect for kids (and their parents) interested in belonging, science, microbiology, and nutrition. It sets up opportunities for parents to talk to their kids about eating different foods to help their own microbiomes and fuzzies grow.
Learn how tiny lives can make a difference both inside and out!
MY TIDBITS
A warming story with cute creatures mixes with lovely illustrations to not only deliver a message about community but also open the door to the world of microbiomes.
The book begins with a fuzzy, litte, and adorable creature, who lives with other fuzzy and adorable creatures of the same color in a forest. Their village is cute (obviously) and holds a touch of fantasy-feel. There are storms, which batter the village heavily and demand repair as well. Then, one day, a new colored fuzzy wanders into the village, and readers see what happens from there, especially since no creature in the village is ready to accept it...outside of that first, little fuzzy. And that makes all the difference.
The story aspect of the book is presented with only a short sentence or two on each page, making it a smooth, quick read-aloud. While the text keeps the direction and meaning of what's happening clear, it's actually the illustrations which carry much of the load...and they do this very well. The scenes present a forest and nature foundation, while letting the village and creatures hit with fantastical flair. It's calming and edging on magical. The story delivers a few messages about feeling alone, accepting others, and working together, giving everything a wholesome, rounded touch.
While the story would be delightful book all on its own, it opens the door to the realm of microbiomes. At the end of the story, the last two-page spread dives directly into the science of microbiomes and the importance they carry in the digestive tract. This information is placed in short descriptions and hits a broad range quickly in a way young readers can understand. It's not deep (nor should it be) but gives a wonderful, first introduction. I, personally, would have liked to have seen this section drawn out just a tad bit more. There's a lot to unpack and placing it on just that short page amount felt rushed...like a quick throw-on to the story. Just an extra two-page spread would have given it much more smoothness and left a little more room to deepen a connection with the tale's characters. But those are just my two-cents.
I'd definitely recommend this read to classrooms, homeschoolers, groups, and even individuals who enjoy learning more about the world around us, but in a cute, very enjoyable way.
And here she is...
ELIANA MIAO debuted an award-winning illustrated science book in 2023. Inspired by that experience, she founded Pen & Pipette, a nonprofit inspiring the next generation of readers and scientists through exciting educational books and classroom events.
She loves learning about the world through reading. Even before she could read, she always asked to have “How Things Work” and lift-the-flap books read to her. Based on her own experience, she understands the power that books have to teach and inspire. You can find Eliana in the Bay Area hanging out with friends and trying new foods.
Pen & Pipette is a nonprofit on a mission to ignite a passion for science in kids. Founded by high school students who love both stories and science, the team creates the kinds of stories they wish they had growing up. Knowing that kids look up to teens, they visit classrooms to get kids excited about science and writing. To learn more, visit penandpipette.org and follow Pen & Pipette on Instagram: @penandpipette and TikTok: @penandpipette
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