Germs Are Not for Sharing -- Board Book

Elizabeth Verdick's Germs Are Not for Sharing, board book format, is the perfect introduction to washing hands for young children. Simple words printed on sturdy pages are easy enough for young listeners to understand. Accompanying illustrations further demonstrate hygienic practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes. The characters in these illustrations are also the same age as the intended audience of children ages 0-3.



Children also learn to not eat food that has fallen on the floor and to avoid giving kisses when sick. Instead, throw away germs or wash them down the drain! Stand back and blow kisses! When reading this book with young ones, practice acting out the pictures.

In the back of the book are tips for parents and caregivers to prevent germs in the environment, and how to teach even the youngest children to be healthy.

I tested this book out on my class of 3-6 year-olds, even though they are slightly older than the intended audience. Their eyes lit up as they looked at the pictures, and they enjoyed acting out the handwashing and covering techniques.

Germs Are Not For Sharing is a timely book, as we entering into cold and flu season, including fears of the H1N1 virus. Educators can use it to supplement their curriculum. Families can read it as a reminder to be hygenic at home, as well. The sturdy board book format allows the youngest readers to peruse the books anytime they want.

Germs Are Not For Sharing is one of the many books in the award-winning Best Behavior series by Free Spirit publishing. Other topics include kicking, hitting, biting, kind words, pet care, and easing pacifier dependence.

Purchase Germs Are Not for Sharing (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series)

Cover image used with permission from Free Spirit Publishing.