Images by award-winning Hawai'i photographer Dennis Kunkel are the foundation for the nationally published Body Battles series, which introduces young readers to their own personal "superheroes" — the cells in their bodies.

The books, for ages 9 to 12, illuminate the striking depth and detail of scientific information available to youngsters.

Kunkel, formerly of the University of Hawai'i, specializes in microscope images called micrographs. The images are taken with a scanning electron microscope. Originally the photos were in black and white. Kunkel colorizes them, which adds depth and highlights complex details.

"Your Body Battles a Stomachache," one title in the Body Battles series, begins by explaining that when we have a tummy ache, throw up or have diarrhea, it means we've caught a "bug," much like a "cold" that attacks the digestive system.

The author writes:

"A stomach ache can start when a virus enters your body, perhaps from dirty hands. A virus is a very small germ, smaller than most cells." The illustration here is brilliant. Creepy green germs marching up a hand that is touching a mouth. The invaders continue marching into the mouth, and up into the nostrils, creating a compelling image to help children literally see why it is important to wash our hands.

Kunkel's fascinating photos of nerve cells, muscle cells, bone cells and red blood cells (superheroes fighting for our health) bring to life the concept of these very tiny living things invisible to us most of the time.

Vicki Cobb, who has authored more than 80 nonfiction books for kids, writes all of the books in the Body Battles series. Illustrator Andrew N. Harris rounds out the series' creative team — putting a human spin on those superhero body cells that fight off infections.

The Body Battles series includes other titles about skinned knees, broken bones, cavities and earaches. Budding scientists in particular will find these books a treat.

Jolie Jean Cotton is a Honolulu freelance writer. Her reviews of children's books appear here on the first Sunday of the month.