Discover the extraordinary world of viruses, from their creation and transmission to what we can do to stop them, in this science-based resource for kids 8 to 12.

If we didn't know it before, we certainly know it now: Viruses can be powerful—so powerful, in fact, that they can hold the world in their grip for months at a time. But what exactly is a virus? Where do they come from and what do they do to our bodies? How do they spread, and what can we do to protect ourselves?

Author Marc ter Horst tackles these questions with playfulness and humor, while Wendy Panders' quirky and enlightening illustrations bring the text to life. Snot, Sneezes, and Super-Spreaders is an accessible and engaging guide to help young readers understand our current world, with information on:

• Pandemics, addressed in an age-appropriate way that goes beyond doom and gloom.
• The value and importance of vaccines for addressing viral diseases.
• Fascinating, icky diseases of the past—and those that still hang around today.
• The science behind how to protect ourselves and our communities from current and future viruses.

Marc ter Horst's profile page

Wendy Panders' profile page

Laura Watkinson's profile page

JENNIFER GARDY, PhD, is the head of British Columbia’s Center for Disease Control Genome Research Laboratory and Adjunct Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. In addition to her research and teaching, Gardy does speaking engagements and is often found on TV and radio talking about germs and diseases. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Jennifer Gardy's profile page

"Comprehensive… relevant and engaging."
—Booklist

Praise for Palm Trees at the North Pole written by Marc ter Horst, illustrated by Wendy Panders

"Bring[s] the urgency of climate change front and center for upper-elementary and middle school readers."
—Horn Book

"An entertaining... overview of climate change.... this visually appealing account is inviting and ultimately reassuring."
—Booklist

"I would recommend this book to any child who is concerned about the environment and also wants to do something about it…. Great for a classroom."
—Youth Services Book Review

Praise for Hey There, Earth Dweller! by Marc ter Horst, illustrated by Wendy Panders

"Earth science engagingly presented for middle-grade readers."
—Kirkus