"The world's oceans and freshwater environments teem with beneficial microscopic organisms called diatoms ...Franco-Feeney's well-conceived work, sure to spark a sense of discovery, grade school-age readers are introduced to these creatures and to the essential roles they play in the aquatic food chain, medicine... and the very health of the planet... In the first half of the book, pleasantly illustrated by the author, Bart and his sister, Amy, go scuba diving with their grandfather Saba. He promises to show them the "jewels of the sea"-not a pirate's treasure, as they hope at first, but a rainbow of diatoms so tiny they can be seen only through a microscope or the special "micro-goggles" Saba has invented... they provide the world with "almost a quarter of all the oxygen we breathe" through their process of photosynthesis...Saba's "oxygen-gathering machine" allows for a visit to the ocean floor, where dead diatoms, forming a substance called diatomaceous earth, contribute to life, too. (Young readers' jaws may drop when they learn that this substance, found in such prosaic products as cat litter and toothpaste, was used centuries ago in building the pyramids.) The more substantial second half of the book, intended for adults to experience with children, expands on this information in captivating detail. A lively, fact-filled work about sparkling ocean creatures and their crucial roles."-Kirkus Reviews

"...a phenomenal job of taking the microscopic world of diatoms to a macroscopic scale, giving readers an appreciation for their beauty and significance. The combination of imagination and reality takes us on an unforgettable treasure hunt. Come get immersed in this delightful exploration!"-Shelly Wu, Science Educator, K-12, Texas Christian University

"...a dazzling new children's book that explores one of the tiniest and mightiest creatures - diatoms. Part treasure hunt, part scientific primer... it introduces young readers to diatoms and supplies them with...scientific and historical knowledge...; from...building of the pyramids of Egypt to how they're used today in medicine and industry. Bursting with facts and color, this...is sure to inspire young readers to explore and appreciate Earth's tiniest of wonders."-Tina Chesterman, MSLIS candidate, Pratt Institute, @bookoyster

"As a diatom researcher, I tell my students that diatoms are the most important organism people have never heard of. This book will take the reader on a whimsical adventure into the microscopic world of diatoms that highlights their importance in the world. (I wish microgoggles were real!) The included activities will encourage young scientists to explore the diatoms in their own backyard. This is a wonderful introduction to diatoms and a celebration of their beauty, diversity, and versatility." -Dr. Victoria Chraibi, Tarleton State University

"I think books like this are especially important as children increasingly have so few chances to experience nature first hand...I look forward to the actual invention of microgoggles!"- Dr. Edward C Theriot, Professor, Director, Department of Integrative Biology, Texas Memorial Museum