Tardigrades (Anne Morgan, illus Jennifer Falkner, CSIRO Publishing)

Tardigrades: Nature’s toughest survivors is the latest nonfiction picture book from Anne Morgan, author of the CBCA Notable Book The Way of the Weedy Seadragon. Morgan showcases the remarkable microorganisms of the title, and their amazing survival skills, in a highly accessible and engaging book for readers aged 6+. Tardigrades existed before dinosaurs and could live at the highest altitudes and the lowest depths. The book explores their size, diet and appearance, and Morgan makes these creatures more relatable by comparing them to animals and insects that may be more familiar to children, such as caterpillars. Children may be interested to read how the continued study of these unique and resilient microorganisms could help scientists develop hardier vaccines and food crops to combat disease and climate change, proving how small things can also be powerful. Jennifer Falkner’s illustrations add a playful touch to Morgan’s descriptions. Her artwork makes the subject matter more accessible for young readers by giving the tardigrade a tangible presence, complete with shape, facial features and colour. The text is scientific but appropriate for the genre and includes a glossary explaining the highlighted new vocabulary introduced throughout the book. Tardigrades is ideal for fans of Sami Bayly’s work, and is an excellent resource for students with school assignments, budding scientists and curious minds.

Books+Publishing reviewer: M H Alessandrino is a Perth-based freelance writer and reviewer. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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