Germs are everywhere and it’s a good idea to encourage young children to develop good handwashing and hygiene habits early.
Here are some fun books that will get kids of all ages inspired (and knowledgeable) about germs and healthy hygiene so that it becomes a daily habit. My 7yo still has trouble ‘remembering’ to flush the toilet and wash his hands!
Finally, here’s an informative message from Sesame Street! It shows the steps that kids can take to keep healthy, with the help of Elmo and his mummy.
All in a Drop
All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander was named of the best books for kids in 2019 by the New York Public Library.
The chapter book biography shows how a self-taught scientist was the first to observe the microbial life in and around us by building his own microscope.
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Germs Are Not for Sharing
Germs Are Not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick teaches kids age 4-7 years about germs and ways to stay clean and healthy. This book is a short course for kids on what germs are, what they do, and why it’s so important to cover them up, block them from spreading, and wash them down the drain. Simple words complement colour illustrations that show real-life situations kids can relate to.
A special section for adults includes ideas for discussion and activities. There’s even a bilingual Spanish version.
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The Magic School Bus Chapter Book: The Giant Germ
My kids are fans of the TV science series The Magic School Bus (available on Netflix, Youtube and Google Play) and the show has a spin-off range of The Magic School Bus books.
In The Magic School Bus: The Giant Germ Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a class picnic in the park which becomes an exploration of the mini world of microbes. Ms. Frizzle and her class get into trouble when they run into a giant germ!
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What Are Germs?
What Are Germs? by Katie Daynes is a lift-the-flap board book that introduces toddlers and preschoolers to germs, how they spread and how medicines help. It includes tips on hand-washing and blowing noises.
For the super-inquisitive kid it comes as a double box set with What is Poo? as well.
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The Giant Book of Germs
The Giant Book of Germs by Lorna Hendry is suitable for primary-age kids as there’s quite a lot of text.
It discusses questions like: how many germs live on your hand? How do germs make you sick? Do the germs in your gut really keep you healthy?
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A Germ’s Journey
A Germ’s Journey by Katie Laird is an interactive board book that follows the journey of a germ, from the toilet seat to the tummy (and out again!)!
There is also an interactive website A Germ’s Journey website designed to reinforce the message and where children can play while learning the importance of hygiene.
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It’s Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes
Microbiologist Jennifer Gardy, who calls herself a disease detective, picks up her microscope to bring expert insight to the microbes that are all around us but are too small to see.
It’s Catching discusses a range of germs and the diseases they cause, from the common cold to food poisoning to the Ebola virus. The book comes with a fun board game so you can play and learn! It’s suitable for middle to older primary kids.
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I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands
I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands by Tony Ross is part of the ‘Little Princess’ series of books for toddlers and preschoolers.
In this book, the Little Princess refuses to wash her hands…until she finds out all the germs that can make her sick.
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Teach Your Dragon Good Hygiene
Teach Your Dragon Good Hygiene by Steve Herman is part of the ‘Teach Your Dragon’ series of books teaching kids about emotional regulation, social and personal skills.
In this rhyming tale, a boy has to teach his dragon how to keep good hygiene and why it’s important socially and emotionally.
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Do Not Lick This Book
Do Not Lick This Book (It’s Full of Germs) by Idan Ben-Barak is an award-winning interactive picture book that introduces children to the strange, unseen world of microbes all around them.
The book teaches kids about how germs spread, the importance of cleaning teeth, clothes and your hands and body. You might recognise the little characters too – they are by the same animator that created the ‘Dumb Ways To Die’ campaign for Metro Trains in Melbourne!
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The Bacteria Book
I’m assuming it’s a coincidence that the author of The Bacteria Book is called Steve MOULD!
In this informative science book kids learn about bacteria, viruses, and other germs and microbes. It contains lots of fun facts and is aimed at kids 7-9 years.
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