Germs Are Not For Sharing -- Paperback

Germs Are Not For Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick is a great book for preschoolers through early elementary children. It is a more advanced version of its board book counterpart. Children learn about where germs lurk and how to prevent their spread. Scrubbing hands while singing the ABCs and coughing or sneezing into arms instead of hands are two of the most effective ways to do this.

The book's language is easy enough to understand, yet doesn't talk down to the kids or sound babyish. Illustrations include relatable children of similar ages and diversities. The back includes a follow-up read-together section that goes into even more detail about germs, in a more scientific, yet child-friendly, fashion.

Educators can use this book to supplement their health curriculum. One reading could be done in a group circle. Then the supplemental section in the back can provide a springboard for further classroom discussion and research.

I shared this book with my class of 3-6 year-olds, and they loved it! Together we acted out proper covering of the nose and mouth for sneezing and coughing, and how to properly wash our hands. I used it as a springboard for a demonstration on the proper use of a tissue. The afternoon class of older children enjoyed our discussion of germs, based on the back of the book.

Families should also use this book as a reminder for everyone, regardless of age, about proper hygiene procedures. They can work together to make sure the house is properly cleaned, and that there are adequate supplies available. Extra attention is imperative, as we are entering cold and flu season!

Germs Are Not for Sharing is just one of several titles in the award-winning Best Behavior series published by Free Spirit Publishing. Other topics include using kind words, hitting, and gentle pet care.

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Cover image used with permission from Free Spirit Publishing

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.