"It is easy to be grossed out by fungi or worry about its impact on our health. While both are valid concerns, fungi and mold are actually important to our everyday lives. Like bacteria, fungi exist almost everywhere on the planet. They are hardy organisms the thrive in places you might not expect. Also like bacteria, they are essential in the breakdown of dead and decaying matter. One important group of fungi that does this is known as saprophytes....

"Why do things start to rot? Is mold dangerous? Questions such as these are answered as readers explore the fascinating process of forest decay through accessible text and full-color photographs that help readers understand this important natural process." --

"¿Sabías que las primeras bacterias aparecieron hace 3600 millones de años, mucho antes de que llegaren los humanos? ¿O que hay un increíble tip de bacteria tres veces más pegajosa que el pegamento? Echa un vistazo a las bacterias, los virus y otros gérmenes y microbios en tu divertido primer libro de microbiología"--back cover. "In this fun, fact-packed science book for kids, young readers will discover the bacteria, viruses, and other germs...