For many people, the word "bacteria" evokes thoughts of harmful germs and illness. While it's true bacteria can often be responsible for getting a person sick, they can also be very helpful. Readers of this innovative book will learn about the good and the bad sides of bacteria, and why humans and other animals would never be able to thrive without them. Key topics are presented using concise text paired with colorful photographs, helping readers...

Though most of them are too small to be seen with the naked eye, bacteria are everywhere. They appeared on Earth more than 3 billion years before the first dinosaurs. Some bacteria cause deadly diseases, but many of them are helpful to us. They fertilize the soil by breaking down dead material, and they are an essential ingredient in many foods. Bacteria in our own bodies are a vital part of the digestive process. --