Dennis Kunkel, an award-winning photomicrographer from Kailua, has illustrated two fine nationally published books geared to middle school and home-school students. In both cases, Kunkel's fascinating photographs, of things too small to see without a microscope, are paired with engaging, kid-oriented storytelling.

SNEEZE!, by Alexandra Siy, illustrated by Dennis Kunkel; Charlesbridge, $6.95, ages 10 and up

You will never look at dust, cat hair or mildew in the same way again after seeing Dennis Kunkel's highly magnified images in this terrific analysis of a sneeze. Author Alexandra Siy leads us through the process with nine children who sneeze for nine different reasons: pollen, pepper, mites, mold, dust, down, disease, a hair and sunshine. Each sneeze-triggering culprit is explored in simple, captivating text. Notes explain how the photographs are shot and colorized.

The fact-packed book includes Web resources and a glossary. Copies can be bought at www.charlesbridge.com.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE SLIMY: THE SECRET LIFE OF MICROBES, by Sara L. Latta, illustrated by Dennis Kunkel; Enslow Publishers, $31.93, ages 10 and up

Kunkel's images of bacteria, viruses and fungi, mostly taken with a scanning electron microscope, explode to life, magnified to between 250 and a million times their true size. Kunkel's art is paired with surprising scientific and historical facts. Here's something from the book I didn't know:

"Beatrix Potter's first passion was not writing and illustrating children's stories such as 'A Tale of Peter Rabbit.' It was science. As a child and teenager, she loved to collect and sketch plants, insects, spiders and other animals. She became a superb nature artist. By the time she was in her early 20s, around the 1890s, she became fascinated with lichens, the crusty stuff that grows on rocks and tree trunks."

And for kids who like gross:

"Some of the most common bacteria in the cow's digestive system produce methane gas as a waste product. This is good for the cow, but it may be a huge problem for the environment. The roughly 100 million cattle in the U.S. alone belch and fart about 5.5 million metric tons of methane into the atmosphere each year."

You can find the book online at www.enslow.com.

"THE TSUNAMI QUILT: Grandfather's Story," by Anthony D. Fredericks, illustrated by Tammy Yee; Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95, ages 6-12

Hawai'i artist Tammy Yee has illustrated her second nationally published book for Michigan-based Sleeping Bear Press. The story opens with Kimo, who shares a tight bond with his grandfather, telling of their annual spring trek to Laupahoehoe Point. Kimo doesn't understand why his grandfather is so quiet on these trips. After his grandfather dies, Kimo learns the answer. His grandfather was a student at Laupahoehoe's school when a tsunami struck the island in April 1946. Author's notes delve into the phenomenon of tsunamis. Find the book at www.sleepingbearpress.com.

KIMO'S SURFING LESSON, By Kerry Germain, illustrated by Nicolette Moore; Island Paradise Publishing, $12.95, ages 5-8

Illustrator Nicolette Moore brings a fresh perspective to the latest in a local picture book series about young surfer Kimo. Author Kerry Germain's third book on keiki wave riders is her best yet. Now that Kimo has learned to surf, it's his turn to become the teacher, when his cousin Katie arrives from the Mainland. There's just enough angst between the athletic Kimo, and what he assumes is his "girly-girl" cousin, to keep the story flowing smoothly.

Moore's bright, colorful art is well suited to the book's young audience. Thoughtfully designed page layouts pull single items from each main illustration (such as Honolulu International Airport and puka shells) to create artwork around the borders. A pronunciation guide and a section dedicated to details about pictures in the borders makes for a well-rounded book.

"GECKOS SURF," by Jon J. Murakami; Beach House Publishing, $7.95, ages 0-3

Who doesn't enjoy the Geico gecko? The loveable lizards do much more than surf in this sweet board book with just the right amount of silliness for the very young. Set to a rhyming text, "Geckos fly and geckos hike. Geckos ride a tandem bike" — local artist Jon Murakami puts his geckos in the most unexpected places. This short, sweet and charming first book for keiki is a surefire hit.

Mom and author Jolie Jean Cotton's reviews of books for children and young adults appear here the first Sunday of every month.