Zobi and the Zoox is a tale of microbes, molecules and mucus

Zobi and the Zoox“Zobi and the Zoox is an illustrated science-adventure story starring microbes, molecules and mucus – members of the tiny symbiotic society who live within a coral polyp named Darian.” You know I had such fun writing that down that I’m going to back Zobi and the Zoox’s Pozible project just to say ‘thank you for existing’: I mean an illustrated story about microbes, molecules and mucus – how could you not love that idea?

When their home is under threat Zobi (a brave Rhizobia bacterium), teams up with a family of slow but steady Zoox (zooxanthellae). The ocean gets too hot, the coral is gravely ill and the other bacteria go crazy…so Zobi and the Zoox have to work together to try to save the day.

A proper science book inside a beautifully illustrated story aimed at kids that emphasises cooperation, about a part of the World that’s usually ignored. I so, so hope this gets funded to the point of bibliogenesis.

Zobi and the Zoox is the second, science-adventure story in the Small Friends book series. Initiated and self-published by art-science collective Scale Free Network, the series aims to create beautiful stories about some of the many intimate symbiotic relationships between the very small (microorganisms) and larger forms of life found throughout nature. Based in Melbourne, the Scale Free Network has an eight year track record of dreaming up workshops, exhibitions and interactive installations for children and adults, combining artistic and scientific themes.

So why, other than for the sheer joy, are the authors working on this book?

For us, these books are about telling positive stories about our small microbial friends – without which, life as we know it would not exist.

The Pozible campaign is seeking just over $14,000 and they’re almost halfway there. The nice thing is that in return for your pledge you get an actual book. The great thing is that it’s a book about microbes and mucus. Truly we live in wonderful times.

For all the sticky, fascinating details see the Zobi and the Zoox Pozible page.

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