Cells

August 1, 2019
A stylish introduction to the structures and functions of cells, starting on "the derrière of a Boston terrier." Congratulating readers on being the owners of "37 trillion high-performance cells," canine skin cell Ellie defines them as the difference between living and nonliving things. She then goes on to explain that each "itty-bitty building block" from red blood cell to sperm and egg has one or more jobs, how mitochondria and other organelles contribute to the effort, and (with help from a "cellfie") how cells make more cells. Fisher incorporates text large and small in hand-lettered styles into swirling, exuberant painted images that more often suggest rather than clinically depict various sorts of cells and creatures made up of them; they definitely capture the breezy vein of the cellular tour, however. Ellie doesn't get to a few things--meiosis, for instance, or viruses--but she covers considerable territory...and once she's done ("I gotta split!"), the author finishes off with jokes, a source note for the "37 trillion" claim, and leads to more-detailed surveys of the topic. A lively once-over that gets further beneath the skin of its subject than first glances might suggest. (Informational picture book. 6-8)

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November 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 3-Congratulations! You are the owner of 37 trillion high-performing cells (give or take a few trillion), just like every other human being. This nonfiction picture book takes readers on an entertaining, informative journey, guided by Ellie the cell, who lives on a dog's gluteus maximus. Readers learn that cells are itty-bitty building blocks that work together to make dogs, cats, humans, and every other living thing. Cells look different because they have different jobs, like making bones, blood, or babies. Cells can even make new cells to help grow and repair bodies. Fisher makes the scientific text accessible and easy to understand, with gorgeous images of cells. Some are magnified up to 1,500 times under a microscope and fly off the pages in vibrant colors and patterns. VERDICT A must for all libraries, this work proves that science can be fun.-Elizabeth Blake, Fields Corner Library, Dorchester, MA

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