Faculty Member Brings Microbiology to Children Through New Book

During the height of the pandemic, Professor of Biology Opeyemi Odawale was getting asked a lot of questions about coronavirus, which got him thinking of ways to educate more people about viruses and microbes in general. It was that impetus that drove him to write, "Cooties on Norma Flora's Cookies".

While the title began as joke (a play on words referring to the "normal flora" that around found on humans), "Cooties on Norma Flora's Cookies" became a full-fledged microbiology journey in the form of a children's book. While the book has an educational slant, Odawale infused the story with pop-culture and comical moments that make the material more accessible.  

"There is a pervasive notion that scientific terminology can be a source of deterrence. However, I conclude that if a third grader can be taught different names of dinosaurs (i.e., Tyrannosaurus Rex), why not introduce names of microbes (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus) which I believe is practical to learn considering the impact of microorganisms in our everyday lives,"  Odawale said, adding,"My hope with the book was to provide some level of appreciation for how the different types of microbes are classified and to highlight that there exists a symbiotic relationship between us and certain microbes, which we referred to as our “normal flora or microbiome."

The story follows a young bicultural girl's exploration and discovery of microbes, which she affectionately refers to as cooties. She learns through discussion with her parents about different microbes that exist on inanimate objects and those that live in and on her body. The climax of the book lies in her witty discussion with her father, a microbiologist, about the viral microbe that causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019).

Odawale said that while publishing a book was unfamiliar territory, he enjoyed the journey and his favorite part of the writing process was going through different phases of revisions with family, friends and colleagues such as Professor of English Amy Beaudry.

Initially, the book was self-published, but once it became available on different online platforms, several publishing companies reached out to Odawale. He is currently working with Dorrance Publishing Company to get the book to reach a wider audience.

"Cooties on Norma Flora's Cookies" is available at local bookstores Root & Press, Tide Pool Book Shop and Books on the Square ,as well as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.