Proteins

The human body relies on proteins for many of its most important processes. When we contract our muscles, we use proteins. We need proteins to fight disease and help blood cells transport oxygen. Proteins are the building blocks of life, and what’s more, they’re fascinating.

Written by structural biologist Tali Lavy, this book is a playfully illustrated exploration of proteins and their importance in human biology. Children will learn how proteins are composed of amino acids, how DNA encodes proteins, and how proteins affect life at a molecular level. Entertaining drawings of an amino acid “shop,” proteins’ “playground,” and “candies” given to an enzyme will clarify complicated concepts and make learning fun!

Lavy’s pictures may be whimsical, but they’re also accurate. Each protein and amino acid illustration is created using professional scientific software. For children interested in science and biology, such images will offer a fascinating glimpse of how scientists visualize molecular compounds.

Part of Lavy’s Explore the Molecules of Life series, Proteins is an ideal resource that explains the importance of proteins and amino acids without dumbing down concepts for young readers—something rarely found in children’s science books.