Small Matters: The Hidden Power of the Unseen

Need the Actual Book, Not Just Audiobook (Audiobook Review) Having now reviewed several children's nonfiction audiobooks, I’ve found that they usually don’t stand well on their own. Having the physical book or ebook with the pictures is crucial for understanding and enjoyment. This is the perfect book to demonstrate this. There doesn't seem to be much text in this book, with each animal or insect’s attribute that can't be seen by the naked eye discussed only briefly. I certainly found myself wondering what the pictures in the book looked like. There seem to be two distinct parts of this book, a part meant for children and a part for adults to look at and share as well (I guess??). Again, as I reviewed the audiobook, the intent is not clear. I did like the way the second section discussed the electron microscope and had further information on some of these hidden attributes. By the way, I did check out the Look Inside at Amazon, and the photographs using the electron microscope are amazing! The physical book or eBook is beautiful in how it depicts the "unseen." I did not like the way this book was narrated. The narrator speaks each word very distinctly and leaves a long pause between words in the children's section. It isn't the way people naturally read at all, and it sounds really bad to my ear. I understand that if a child is supposed to read along, it is easier if they can read along slowly, but I think the book should still be read naturally even if slower. The second section, and this is why I say it's for the adults, is read at a regular speed without the sharp distinction between words. Unless you actually get the book, too, I don't see this as being a valuable audiobook on its own. From the sample I saw of the eBook, I would give this 5 stars, but as a standalone audiobook, it hovers between one and two. As I am not wild about the narrator, I'll give the combo here 4 stars. I split the difference with my rating here. I received this as a free audiobook, but that did not affect my review.