Rub & Scrub! Germs Are Not for Sharing! by Elizabeth Verdick

What are too small to see, but can have the power to make you sick?

Disease-producing microbes can be a difficult concept for the very young. Tiny things, everywhere, too small to see, but which can make you really ill if they get inside you? It's hard to imagine these microscopic bad guys! But in a time when certain diseases are "going around" in a class or in a school or in a worldwide pandemic, learning certain behaviors is a first-line primary way of self-protection. And hand-washing is key.

GERMS! They are in the air.

On your body and on things you touch!

GERMS ARE NOT FOR SHARING.

GERMS! They can be everywhere! Kids are used to hearing "Keep your hands to yourself!" But when disease is going around, there's a reason to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, with tissues or with your elbow. But most germs are spread with the hands, and the rule is to keep the germs on your hands from spreading to everyone else. Germs on hands are quickly spread to doorknobs, toys, pets, shoes, devices, and toilets.

But most germs can be removed with a good scrub with plenty of soap and water and plenty of rub-a-dub-dub in the suds, long enough to sing the "ABC Song or "Happy Birthday" all the way through, before following up with a good rinse and drying with a disposable towel.

DOWN THE DRAIN!

BYE, BYE, GERMS!

ALL CLEAN!

For early childhood education groups, Elizabeth Verdick's Germs Are Not for Sharing (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series) (Free Spirit Press) is a gentle introduction to the germ theory which emphasizes, not the dangers, but the actions that small children can follow to keep themselves well. While detailing the importance of careful hygiene routines, the author briefly suggests that while there are germs that make us sick, not all of them are bad, preparing the way for later learning about beneficial biomes, antibiotics and immunity in the upper grades and the ways good health habits--nutrition, exercise, fresh air, and sunshine--can protect us from contagious diseases. Artist Marieka Heinlen adds charming child-like illustration to illustrate protective behaviors, and veteran author Verdick appends a child-friendly list of Ten Good Times to Wash Your Hands to reinforce the information in this useful board book. Other books is this appealing Best Behavior series are Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series) and Words Are Not for Hurting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series).