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Project Penicillin

The Race to Develop a Life-Saving Antibiotic

Illustrated by Weston Wei
Paperback
5.63"W x 8.31"H x 0.35"D   | 8 oz | 52 per carton
On sale Mar 24, 2026 | 96 Pages | 9798217134168
Age 9-12 years

Join the race against time to turn a 'miracle mold' into a life-saving cure in this action-packed STEM book for kids.

Enter the high-stakes world of the 1940s and relive the thrill of a medical breakthrough alongside Alexander Fleming and his team as they discover a way to save millions of lives. This is the story of penicillin, humanity’s greatest shield against infection - and the brilliant minds who made it happen.

Learn all about one of the greatest moments in the history of medicine in this exciting, fast-paced narrative, from the discovery of a ‘miracle mold’ in a messy lab to the life-and-death race against the clock of World War II.

Join the team of scientists and discover:
  • An exciting, action-packed narrative with historical accuracy that allows readers to deep-dive into how this life-saving antibiotic was developed.
  • Atmospheric illustrations that give a moody graphic novel vibe, perfect for keeping kids aged 9-12 engaged.
  • Accessible STEM learning through light-touch diagrams and microbiology explanations that reveal how the medicine was made possible.

The perfect STEM gift for young scientists, Project Penicillin is a must-have science adventure book that will inspire you to look at the microscopic world through the eyes of a scientist and discover your own path in STEM.

More in the series
Explore more of the greatest moments in science history, told as exciting adventure stories with DK Science Stories. Next, experience the historic Apollo 11 mission from Earth to the moon in Moon Landing.
Isabel Thomas has written more than 150 books about science for young readers and has been shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize, the Association of Science Education Book of the Year, the English 4-11 Picture Book Awards and the Blue Peter Book Awards.

Aurélie Guillerey studied at the Ecole Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg and now works as an illustrator in France. Her characters are often inspired by her children and she likes to work with bright, bold colours to create energetic illustration. View titles by Isabel Thomas
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About

Join the race against time to turn a 'miracle mold' into a life-saving cure in this action-packed STEM book for kids.

Enter the high-stakes world of the 1940s and relive the thrill of a medical breakthrough alongside Alexander Fleming and his team as they discover a way to save millions of lives. This is the story of penicillin, humanity’s greatest shield against infection - and the brilliant minds who made it happen.

Learn all about one of the greatest moments in the history of medicine in this exciting, fast-paced narrative, from the discovery of a ‘miracle mold’ in a messy lab to the life-and-death race against the clock of World War II.

Join the team of scientists and discover:
  • An exciting, action-packed narrative with historical accuracy that allows readers to deep-dive into how this life-saving antibiotic was developed.
  • Atmospheric illustrations that give a moody graphic novel vibe, perfect for keeping kids aged 9-12 engaged.
  • Accessible STEM learning through light-touch diagrams and microbiology explanations that reveal how the medicine was made possible.

The perfect STEM gift for young scientists, Project Penicillin is a must-have science adventure book that will inspire you to look at the microscopic world through the eyes of a scientist and discover your own path in STEM.

More in the series
Explore more of the greatest moments in science history, told as exciting adventure stories with DK Science Stories. Next, experience the historic Apollo 11 mission from Earth to the moon in Moon Landing.

Creators

Isabel Thomas has written more than 150 books about science for young readers and has been shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize, the Association of Science Education Book of the Year, the English 4-11 Picture Book Awards and the Blue Peter Book Awards.

Aurélie Guillerey studied at the Ecole Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg and now works as an illustrator in France. Her characters are often inspired by her children and she likes to work with bright, bold colours to create energetic illustration. View titles by Isabel Thomas

Photos

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