1st Place: STEM category; 2019 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Honorable Mention: Picture books (6 & older) category; 2019 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Honorable Mention: Best illustrations category; 2020 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Honorable Mention: Best interior design category; 2020 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Esie leaves her twin Es behind to explore a world teeming with beneficial bacteria. Could Esie be one of them? Or is she just a nasty germ, as some people say? On her rugged journey through air, water, and a cow's guts, Esie meets new friends who help her find the answers she seeks. Esie Explores Beneficial Bacteria reassures kids that the world isn't always a scary place. Not all bacteria cause disease: many bacteria are beneficial, and life on our planet would be impossible without them. Esie's story of friendship and discovery is accompanied by lively illustrations and scientific facts about bacteria. Yet the facts don't distract from the story. Kids (ages 6-8) can enjoy Esie's adventures and decide which facts they want to read, and when. A young reader, who previewed the book, wondered: "Since this is such an interesting subject for kids . . . why has no one written a book like this before?" Esie Explores Beneficial Bacteria concludes with a glossary and an activity section about the diverse bacteria introduced in this story.