Toymaker turns germs, viruses and cells into cute companions
By Sophie Rosevear, 13, and Tori Wiese, 12.

What is your first thought when you think of germs? Drew Oliver thought of plush toys.

From the common cold to malaria, Oliver, and his Connecticut-based company GIANTmicrobes, Inc., has a cuddly new take on these germs. The company has found a breakthrough way to talk about germs, viruses and cells with kids and young adults through its cool toy invention, GIANTmicrobes.

These stuffed dolls can help young people understand viruses such as chicken pox, bacteria and even brain cells. The bacteria and other microorganisms are enlarged millions of times more than the actual germs they represent. Imagine cuddling a large version of the common cold when you are in bed at night!

The plushy toys have exploded in popularity all around the world, but they are not as well known or as widely available in the Upper Peninsula. So, if you are a parent or a teacher having trouble getting information about microorganisms into the heads of your kids or students, check out GIANTmicrobes. 8-18 media interviewed Oliver, CEO and founder of GIANTmicrobes, Inc.

8-18: How did you come up with the idea?
Oliver: I read something once a long time ago written by a famous scientist named Richard Feynman. He described how alive and almost conscious microbes appeared to be to him as they moved to escape the glare of his microscope's lamp. It occurred to me that while most people think of microbes as little blobs that are all about the same and don't do much, in fact, they are quite distinct and indeed have little lives of their own. From that small germ of an idea, the company was born.

8-18: When did your idea take off? Can you give us a brief history?
Oliver: About a year after we launched the GIANTmicrobes website [2002], the humorist Dave Barry wrote some approving words about our products. This generated a wave of national exposure that produced a lot of interest in the product. Many stores started carrying it, and the company grew significantly.

8-18: Do you think your idea helps kids stay healthy?
Oliver: I hope so! No one likes to be lectured about how to stay healthy. But a bit of humor helps the medicine go down. And I think our products provide an easy way to talk about a number of subjects that many people would prefer to avoid.

8-18: Have you heard of any practical uses for GIANTmicrobes?
Oliver: Many people buy our products just because they make them laugh. But a lot of people also use them for educational purposes. We sell a lot to schools, and doctors, and pharmaceutical companies -- and even Moms and Dads who want to help their children learn.

8-18: How many GIANTmicrobes are there?
Oliver: Over a hundred now––and we release about a dozen new designs each year.

8-18: What are some of the best sellers?
Oliver: As far as the medical dolls, Common Cold sells very well. Brain Cell sells very well too…and lots of people like our Amoeba doll.

8-18: Do you have a personal favorite?
Oliver: The Common Cold was the first of the GIANTmicrobes to be released, and that makes it a favorite of mine. But as their "father," I really love them all just about the same.

8-18: Are all of your products suitable for children?
Oliver: Most of the GIANTmicrobes® are appropriate for all ages. However, some of the dolls relate to adult issues [sexually transmitted diseases for example], and are not suitable for children.

8-18: What kinds of feedback have you gotten, good and bad?
Oliver: We get lots of great feedback from our fans, and we love getting it. It
helps us to improve our product and our company. And, since the great
majority of the feedback we receive is extremely positive, it makes us feel
good about what we do.

8-18: What do you think is in the future for Giant Microbes?
Oliver: Our animated characters are still taking baby-steps towards their future. But as they develop, I think they will define the next stage of the company. We are working on games, and stories, and new products designed around their world.

8-18: How can people purchase Giant Microbes?
Oliver: GIANTmicrobes can be purchased from our website at www.giantmicrobes.com.They are also sold in thousands of stores in the United States. We also distribute to most countries around the world.