Basher Science: Biology: Life As We Know It
Basher Science Series
What’s inside...
Dan Green’s Basher Science: Biology turns the living world into a cast of colorful, first-person cartoon characters who introduce key ideas such as cells, DNA, body systems, plants, evolution, and ecology. Each double-page spread pairs a friendly ‘biological narrator’ with a concise, fact-packed paragraph, glossary terms, and a striking Simon Basher illustration. The result is an accessible primer that lets middle-grade readers grasp how life works—from microscopic microbes to vast ecosystems—while laughing at the quirky personalities of Nucleus, Mitochondria, Sneaky Virus, and more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which character helped you understand biology the most and why?
How do the cell 'workers' remind you of jobs in a community?
What new fact surprised you about evolution or ecosystems?
How can we protect the habitats mentioned in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create character trading cards together to reinforce facts.
Relate body system pages to everyday healthy choices like exercise.
Visit a local park or aquarium to observe real-life examples.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Systems cooperate for survival.
Explanation: Cell organelles and ecosystems show interdependence.
Real-World Application: Encourages teamwork in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Small things can have big effects.
Explanation: Microbes influence health and environment.
Real-World Application: Promotes good hygiene and mindful actions.
Example Lesson: Adaptation drives success.
Explanation: Evolution section explains natural selection.
Real-World Application: Teaches resilience and flexibility in challenges.
Example Lesson: Knowledge inspires stewardship.
Explanation: Environmental pages link facts to conservation.
Real-World Application: Motivates recycling and protecting nature.