We Breathe

We Breathe by Elizabeth Rusch invites readers to explore the fascinating process of breathing, a vital act shared by humans, animals, insects, mushrooms, and even eggs. Beautifully illustrated by debut artist Amy Healey, this informational picture book examines how air sustains and connects us all. This book is perfect for fans of Diana Hutts Aston, Kate Messner, and Miranda Paul, and includes extensive backmatter.

Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale.

You breathe in through your nose or mouth, filling your lungs with oxygen. Grasshoppers have tiny holes all over their bodies that they use to breathe. Geese breathe in loops that help them fly at high altitudes where the air is thin. Small hairs on clams and mussels extract oxygen from the water.

All of us—humans, animals, plants, and fungi alike—share the unifying need to breathe in and exhale out, albeit in different ways. Award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch delves into this universal experience in her poetic, informative, meticulously researched text. Debut illustrator Amy Healey enriches the narrative with her mixed-media, collage-style artwork, rewarding curiosity and attention.

We Breathe is an exceptional STEM picture book that will appeal to a wide audience and is a perfect choice for science classrooms, curious kids, and nature lovers. It's an excellent read for fans of Over and Under the Snow, A Butterfly is Patient, and Water is Water.

This book features substantial backmatter about the science of breathing, including:

• Diagrams
• A note on the author’s research
• Introductions to scientists in the field
• Resources for additional reading and viewing