June Almeida, Virus Detective! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus is a beautifully illustrated, non-fiction picture book chronicles the scientist, June Almeida, and her scientific process of identifying and naming viruses, specifically the group of “crowned” coronaviruses. June Almeida, Virus Detective! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus. By Suzanne Slade Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli Published by Sleeping Bear Press (April 2021), Ages 4-8. “I wanted to give young readers more confidence in the (pandemic) world we live in by educating them about an important, influential, but unknown woman scientist – June Almeida.” Suzanne told me. Like all of us, Suzanne felt unsettled by the COVID pandemic Spring 2020. She searched for answers. A National Geographic article about June Almeida provided answers and inspiration. Learning that coronaviruses were discovered 30 years ago by a “forgotten woman scientist”, Suzanne knew she had to bring June’s story to the world. Suzanne Slade put her other book projects on hold. Sleeping Bear Press brought Elisa Paganelli on board and this amazing, inspiring picture book biography was born. I am so thankful they did. June Almeida, Virus Detective! perfectly captures how a dedicated, passionate scientist brings forth new understanding to the