As a parent or educator, one of the best ways to teach kids about germs and personal hygiene is through engaging and educational picture books. Here are the top 10 picture books that will help your little ones understand the invisible world of germs and why it’s critical to keep them at bay.
1. Germs Are Not For Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen
This colorful book focuses on proper hygiene habits like hand washing, nose blowing, and overall cleanliness in a way that resonates with young readers.
2. A Germ’s Journey by Thom Rooke, M.D.
Follow the journey of a germ from its initial contact point to its eventual defeat by the immune system in this informative yet fun picture book that introduces kids to the basics of germs and immunity.
3. Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost
An engaging interactive book that focuses on familiar microbes found in everyday items like a pencil or a toothbrush. This book helps kids grasp how even tiny things can have significant effects.
4. Sid the Science Kid: The Trouble with Germs by Jennifer Frantz
Sid learns about germs and how they can make people sick as he navigates through a school day filled with sneezes, coughs, and nose wipes.
5. Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton
Follow the microscopic organisms’ journey throughout our world, diving into what they are, where they live, and how they affect us.
6. Curious George Discovers Germs by H.A. Rey
Join Curious George as he uncovers the mysteries of germs! In this adventure-filled guide, children will learn all about viruses, bacteria, and vaccines.
7. The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really Tiny Microbes by Steve Mould
This visually engaging book takes a fun look at the world of bacteria, from their many shapes and sizes to what they are, where they live, and what they do.
8. Germs Make Me Sick! by Melvin Berger and Marylin Hafner
Discover the basics of germs, how they spread, and what our body does to fight them off in this informative beginner’s guide to microbiology.
9. Meet Bacteria! by Rebecca Bielawski
A journey into the world of good and bad bacteria, introducing young readers to ideas about infection, cleanliness, and antibiotics in an entertaining way.
10. The Amazing World of Germs: A Children’s Guide to Microbes by Mike Clark
This colorful and engaging book teaches kids about bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa while also highlighting the importance of hand washing and keeping a clean environment.
These picture books offer an excellent starting point for teaching children about germs in a fun and engaging way. Grab one of these books for your next storytime and start spreading knowledge about germs while preventing them from spreading too!
