Kati’s Tiny Messengers: Dr. Katalin Karikó and the Battle Against Covid-19

Hoyt stresses perseverance in this moving biography of scientist Katalin Karikó (b. 1955), whose against-the-grain mRNA research resulted in a game-changing coronavirus vaccine. Beginning with the Hungarian protagonist’s early days living in a one-room house without running water, detailed text emphasizes Karikó’s arc to professional success, including learning English for university, moving to America, and navigating a seemingly never-ending lack of support—both financial and intellectual—for her work. Washed in dusty grays and hazy blues with warm highlights, Mildenberger’s smudgy mixed-media illustrations have a somber vibe, while squiggly cell illustrations spotlight the science behind Karikó’s discoveries. The story takes a momentous turn with the arrival of Covid-19: “with more than thirty-five years of experience, mounds of research, and thousands of lab experiments behind her, Kati was ready,” and the rest is recent history. Back matter includes a note from Karikó and more about the science behind the vaccine. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)