Pandemics for Babies

by Chris Ferrie, Neal Goldstein, Joanna Suder

Overview

A timely and simple explanation of the science behind pandemics, from the #1 science author for kids. The perfect tool to explain current events to toddlers, or give as a funny keepsake or gift for babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic!

Pandemics for Babies is an engaging, basic introduction for youngsters (and grownups!) to the complex concepts like transmission, quarantine, and social distancing. Full of scientific information and written by experts, this newest installment of the Baby University board book series is perfect for enlightening the next generation of geniuses about the science of pandemics. After all, it's never too early to become a scientist!

"Explaining and understanding the COVID-19 pandemic can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Explaining it so it can be understood by children can be even harder... Carefully written to explain concepts without stigmatizing any individuals or groups, [this book] includes steps that children can take after reading, like washing their hands and wearing a mask. Plus, the books end on positive messages, and use colorful illustrations to provide visuals to complex, heavy topics."—Drexel Now

Be sure to check out other Baby University books, including:

Quantum Physics for Babies

ABCs of Biology

Climate Change for Babies

Germ Theory for Babies

Rocket Science for Babies

and more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728234168
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	10/27/2020
Series:	Baby University Series
Pages:	24
Sales rank:	374,260
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	AD440L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 Months to 3 Years

About the Author

Chris Ferrie is an award-winning physicist and Senior Lecturer for Quantum Software and Information at the University of Technology Sydney. He has a Masters in applied mathematics, BMath in mathematical physics and a PhD in applied mathematics. He lives in Australia with his wife and children.

Neal Goldstein is a PhD epidemiologist who focuses on infectious diseases. Joanna Suder is a public health attorney with expertise in disease control and maternal & child health.

Joanna Suder is a public health attorney with expertise in disease control and maternal & child health.

Editorial Reviews

2021-03-31
Simple graphics and straightforward text introduce little ones to epidemiology.

As in other Baby University offerings, balls are used to illustrate complex topics, here representing people and populations. A disembodied, round head with white skin covered in magnified viruses is shown spreading the disease to other heads with a variety of complexions, from white to dark brown. Next readers see a map of Australia sprinkled with even larger viruses, which spread across the globe. Health-worker heads surveil and trace contacts while the sick circles who are exposed isolate or quarantine. The text provides basic definitions for key concepts, highlighting specialized vocabulary in bright colors (usually red, but in one instance yellow—a poor choice for legibility against the white background). It is a laudable goal to introduce the youngest to this of all topics, but much of the content misses the mark for the intended audience. Youngsters may be confused by the oversized viruses, and the giant swab demonstrating testing is more scary than reassuring. By the same token, there’s not nearly enough attention paid to what children are experiencing every day, like hygiene and distancing. As with many other entries in this series, the book is best suited to preschoolers and early-elementary children—not babies and toddlers.

The makers of Baby University should take Child Development 101, as this entry is best for those long out of diapers. (Board book. 3-5)

Kirkus Reviews