All in a Drop

May 1, 2019
In the latter half of the 17th century, Antony van Leeuwenhoek devised his first microscope by cleverly grinding a bit of glass into a near-spherical shape and mounting it into his own custom-made frame. It would change his world. By grinding his lenses nearly round, he stumbled upon the secret to creating a substantially more powerful microscope than the few then currently in use. With his ability to take a clear look into the microscopic world, he became the first to identify microbes, organisms far too small to be viewed with the naked eye. Although other scientists initially rejected the concept--and he was unwilling to share his microscope design to help them make their own discoveries--an English scientist was later able to replicate his work using his less-sophisticated microscope. Still, Antony's groundbreaking studies seemed to spark little enthusiasm in others for further research. It would be well over 100 years later that Louis Pasteur finally realized that some microbes caused disease. As Alexander describes him, "Antony watches patiently, thinks deeply, and reports carefully." By breaking his work down into simple, understandable steps and incorporating Mildenberger's delicately childlike cartoon illustrations to complement the present-tense narration, this effort makes Antony's life's work accessible to a young audience that is sure to be intrigued and inspired. Excellent backmatter rounds out this fascinating tale. Methodical young scientists will see themselves in the "Father of Microbiology." (Biography. 8-11)

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May 20, 2019
In this well-researched biography, immediate present-tense narration by Alexander (Famously Phoebe) allows readers to feel that they’re making discoveries right alongside scientist Antony van Leeuwenhoek in 1670s Netherlands. Though van Leeuwenhoek didn’t invent the microscope, his refinements of the instrument and endless curiosity resulted in the discovery of hidden microbial realms. Ten short chapters describe how the “father of microbiology,” who viewed hundreds of specimens, succeeded despite lacking formal training. Naïf full-color illustrations
by Mildenberger (Famous Family Trees) depict a ruddy-cheeked van Leeuwenhoek going about his work, while numerous sidebars contextualize and expand the story. One, for example, shows a diagram of van Leeuwenhoek’s first microscope; others explore topics such as convex versus concave lenses and bubonic plague. A timeline, glossary, bibliography, and index wrap up Alexander’s highly engaging account of how one man’s ingenuity and curiosity led to big discoveries of small worlds. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 7–10.

August 1, 2019

Gr 2-5-In this current era of the electron microscope, it is difficult to imagine when the microscopic world was not only unknown but unimagined. With no university education or formal training in the sciences, 36-year-old Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) was exposed to English scientist Robert Hooke's investigations during a London vacation. Galvanized by this blossoming curiosity, he taught himself to grind superior lenses in order to closely examine the hidden world of various objects. He then diffidently shared his findings with the Royal Society and despite initial skepticism was ultimately elected a Fellow. Alexander's clear text, accompanied by simple color illustrations, outlines topics such as bubonic plague, scientific nomenclature, the perils of E. coli and giardia, and the physics of microscope lenses. All is rounded off by an extensive author's note, a time line from van Leeuwenhoek's birth to the development of the electron microscope, a glossary, source notes, and a bibliography. VERDICT This pleasantly readable biography of Antony van Leeuwenhoek illuminates the unexpected journey of a Dutch draper from anonymity to becoming the "Father of Microbiology." Readable, informative, and a celebration of dedicated curiosity.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2019
Grades 3-5 *Starred Review* In 1646, 14-year-old Antony van Leeuwenhoek began his draper's apprenticeship at a linen merchant's shop. Later, he opened his own shop in Delft. On a visit to London in 1668, he was fascinated by Robert Hooke's best-selling book Micrographica. Though he couldn't read English, the detailed pictures of tiny objects (a flea, a poppy seed) filled him with wonder and spurred his curiosity. Soon, he was patiently grinding his own lenses, building small microscopes, and examining details of the animals, plants, and substances around him. His discovery, in 1674, of tiny living creatures in lake water stunned the scientists of his day and, much later, led to the study of microbiology. Alexander tells his story here in an accessible, down-to-earth way, portraying a man with limited education and resources but an active mind, as well as boundless energy and diligence. She notes that historians' opinions differ on certain dates. The back matter includes a descriptive time line and an informative glossary. From the Delft-tile inspired endpapers to the many engaging illustrations in a naive style, Mildenberger's artwork reflects the tone of the text while helping to define the period. An attractive, very readable book on an important figure in the history of science.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

November 1, 2019
In the prosperous city of Delft, in seventeenth-century Netherlands, Antony van Leeuwenhoek was a cloth merchant. But even without formal scientific training, and possessing abundant curiosity and technical skill, Antony became instead interested in lenses and magnification. He went on to create the most advanced microscopes in the world, eventually amassing a collection of over five hundred, each affixed to an individual specimen. He was secretive about his cutting-edge technology, which allowed him to be the first person ever to see many varieties of microbes-which he called diertgens (little animals), translated into English as "animalcules." Alexander's excellent, accessible overview of Leeuwenhoek's life gives upper-elementary chapter-book readers a feel for both the person and the historical context. Well-chosen quotes from Leeuwenhoek's letters reveal the sometimes tentative but ultimately persistent pioneer and reflect a time when scientific inquiry was open and encouraging to those with the means to pursue their passions. Mildenberger's cartoony illustrations, both spot art and full-page drawings, include intricately rendered details of the people, places, and microbes of Leeuwenhoek's world. Danielle J. Ford

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)