As you work to get kids to practice healthy habits at school, may we suggest these books? Theyâre a great way to teach kids everything from what germs are to how they were discovered to how they spread (not to mention what kids themselves can do to help prevent the spread of germs). Check out our list of best kidsâ books about germs:
1. Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak
This little gem was penned by a microbiologist! Follow Min the microbe into the microscopic world found on everyday objects (and inside your body) in this interactive book. The zoomed-in photos of the surface of your teeth and the fabric of a shirt are seriously cool.
2. Sick Simon by Dan Krall
Simon sneezes everywhere, coughs on everyone, and touches everything. But heâs about to learn that having a cold isnât as fun as he thought. This book presents a nice list of dos (and definitely donâts) during cold and flu season and is even more relevant in todayâs world!
3. Cutie Sue Fights the Germs by Kate Melton
Cutie Sue has taken on being afraid of the dark and the importance of exercise. Now sheâs back with the basics of personal hygiene and ways to stay healthy. When Cutie Sue and her brother get sick, their mom takes them to the doctor, who imparts important advice. The two kids are determined!
We will win the fight! Our germs will not spread if we do these things right.
Weâll sneeze into tissues and throw them away, And clean all our toys with some good cleaning spray.
4. A Germâs Journey (Follow It!) by Thom Rooke, M.D.
From where a germ comes from to where itâs off to next, we love this book for explaining how a germ travels from one host to another. A great primer on the immune system written for kids by a real doctor.
5. Wash Your Hands, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony
Weâre suckers for Mr. Panda, whether heâs teaching us manners or showing us how to rub-a-dub-dub. And the âsneeze catchingâ is a bonus.
6. Germs vs. Soap (Hilarious Hygiene Battle) by Didi Dragon
Donât miss this hilarious book about the secret world of germs. Theyâre out to steal everyoneâs âenergy cupcakes,â but not if Soap has anything to do with it. Grab this one to support your handwashing lessons!
7. The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really Tiny Microbes by Steve Mould
With in-depth and full-color diagrams, this fact-filled science book is a great choice for slightly older readers. Definitely check out the close-up of a bacteria cell. Did you know bacteria with tails (bacteria can have tails?!) can swim 100 times their own length in one second? Take that, Michael Phelps!
9. Louis Pasteur (Genius Series) by Jane Kent
Check out this cool autobiography about the visionary who helped advance the field of microbiology and is best known for developing the very first vaccine as well as the process of pasteurization.
9. All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander
For another great historical option, try this award-winning book about the first scientist to observe the microbial life in and around us. This oneâs a chapter book, but it features beautiful full-color art.
10. Giant Germ (The Magic School Bus Chapter Book) by Joanna Cole
Our list wouldnât be complete without a little Ms. Frizzle action. On this particular field trip, a class picnic in the park turns into an exploration of the miniature world of microbes. A great chapter book for your independent readers.
