Special thanks to Steve Parker for answering 5 questions about his recently featured book – Microlife That Rots Things (Amazing World of Microlife)

Steve Parker is an author, editor and consultant specializing in information about the natural world, biology, technology and general sciences. Steve has a First Class Honours BSc in Zoology and is a Senior Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. He worked on the staff at London’s Natural History Museum, and in house at various publishers including Dorling Kindersley and Haymarket. Steve’s books range from younger KS1 to KS2, KS3, family reference and the semi-academic field. – From Steve’s Homepage

Steve’s Homepage: http://www.steveparker.co.uk

#1 – What was the impetus for Microlife Things That Rot?

Part of a nonfiction series on raising awareness of microlife in its various occurrences and relevance, including microbugs on and in the human body, and helpful microlife such as yeasts that raise bread. One title focuses on microlife that makes us ill and has important health hygiene messages, which was a major factor in conceiving the series

#2 – How did you put together the beautiful electron microscope images that go into the book?

These were bought in from specialist photographers who have equipment to take very high-power light photos or scanning electron micrographs – equipment which costs many thousands if not millions and is used in scientific and medical research.

#3 – What is it about rotting and tiny things that excites children?

Probably most things that are unseen and mysterious excite interest, and children like to be scared by images of monster-like bugs and alien-looking mini beasts.

#4 – How did you go about your research for the book? How did you try to translate this information in a way that would be useful to children?

We used academic reports to ensure the basic facts were correct, and translated them into more easily understood language with the help of reading consultants and child development language specialists

#5 – Are you working on any new books/projects you can tell us about?

I have just finished a large work Evolution: The Whole Story which is more for older students and adult readers, out Sep 2015

Also some books for younger readers Journey Through – Space and Journey Through … Human Body with acclaimed illustrator John Haslam, whose simple yet charming style I really admire

[Image Credit: http://www.dissexpress.co.uk/webimage/1.6334818.1412259711!/image/3344687139.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/3344687139.jpg ]