A List of Preschool Hand Washing & Germ Books
We've spent the last couple weeks compiling the best preschool books about washing hands and germs that we could find. Unfortunately, we are living in unprecedented times. But one thing is for sure. More than ever, we need to teach our children about the importance of hand washing and the harm of germs. Fortunately, there a several great books with familiar and lesser-known authors that handle this subject with fun, cleverness and knowledge.
We've even included bonus printables and related activities inspired by the book to create a more exciting experience. So be sure to click on the bonus content.
Book:
Benjamin Monkey Wash Your Hands by Spencer Noodle
Bonuses:
Summary:
Are you looking for an entertaining way to teach your children about the importance of good hygiene? Then grab the newest Benjamin Monkey book! Benjamin was a good little monkey, but sometimes he could get a little dirty. And sometimes he forgot to cover his mouth when he coughed and sneezed! Perfect for preschool children ages 3 to 5, the book tells the story of a quirky monkey who comes to remember the importance of good hygiene habits. It aims to help parents teach kids the importance of washing hands and covering your mouth when you are coughing and sneezing in a way that is both funny and entertaining. Like other preschool books about washing hands, the book reference germs and best behaviors. It makes a great gift. It includes printable bonus material, including coloring pages and handwashing checklist and more!
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Book:
Germs Are Not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick
Summary:
Sneezes, coughs, runny noses, spills, and messes are facts of everyday life with children. And that’s why it’s never too soon to teach little ones about germs and ways to stay clean and healthy. This book is a classic among preschool books about washing hands and 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 warm, inviting, full-color illustrations that show real-life situations kids can relate to. A special section for adults includes ideas for discussion and activities.
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Book:
The Backeria Book by Steve Mould
Summary:
In this funny, fact-packed science book for kids, readers will discover the bacteria, viruses, and other germs and microbes that keep our bodies and our world running. Meet a glowing squid, traveling fungus spores, and much more in this dynamic and engaging book all about bacteria, viruses, and other germs and microbes. The Bacteria Book walks the line between "ew, gross!" and "oh, cool!," exploring why we need bacteria and introducing readers to its microbial mates--viruses, fungi, algae, archaea, and protozoa.
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Book:
Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak
Summary:
In this interactive children’s picture book, microbiologist Idan Ben-Barak and award-winning illustrator Julian Frost zoom in on the microscopic world found on everyday objects―and in our bodies―warning readers Do Not Lick This Book. Min is a microbe. She is small. Very small. In fact, so small that you’d need to look through a microscope to see her. Or you can simply open this book and take Min on an adventure to amazing places she’s never seen before―like the icy glaciers of your tooth or the twisted, tangled jungle of your shirt.
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Book:
Tiny Creatures The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies
Summary:
Find out how the smallest things on the planet do some of the biggest jobs in this intriguing introduction to the world of microbes. All around the world — in the sea, in the soil, in the air, and in your body — there are living things so tiny that millions could fit on an ant’s antenna. They’re busy doing all sorts of things, from giving you a cold and making yogurt to eroding mountains and helping to make the air we breathe. If you could see them with your eye, you’d find that they all look different, and that they’re really good at changing things into something else and at making many more microbes like themselves! From Nicola Davies comes a first exploration for young readers of the world’s tiniest living organisms.
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Book:
Noses Are Not for Picking by Elizabeth Verdick
Summary:
We've all seen it— the nose-picking habit starts as early as the toddler years, and no child is the exception. Young children pick their noses for a variety of reasons, from colds to allergies to curiosity or boredom. This board book for toddlers and preschoolers is the answer to the age-old question "how can i get my child not to pick, especially not in public?"with gentle humor and kid-friendly support, this board book for toddlers and preschoolers helps guide little ones away from nose picking toward healthier habits, like using a tissue and washing their hands. Catchy words help children remember what to do; vibrant full-color illustrations bring the words to life. Throughout, the positive message shines through: noses are for breathing, sniffing, smelling. . . But not for picking!part of the award-winning best behavior series.
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Book:
Germs Make Me Sick! by Melvin Berger
Summary:
Germs are all around us, but they're too small to see. Many germs are harmless, but two kinds, viruses and bacteria, can make you sick. How? Read and find out! This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is all about germs, how they can make you sick, and how your body works to fight them off. This book features rich vocabulary and simple diagrams to explain why you feel poorly when you're sick and how your body keeps you healthy by producing antibodies. Both text and artwork were vetted for accuracy by Dr. Melanie Marin. An excellent resource in this time of COVID-19.
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Book:
A Germ's Journey by Thom Rooke M.D.
Summary:
Where did your cold germ come from? And ACHOO! Where is it going next? A germ's journey is filled with snuffles, sniffles, and sneezes. Pack your bags, and get ready to follow it! This is a perfect book for explaining the immune system to children at home or at school.
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Book:
Sick Simon by Dan Krall
Summary:
Are germs gross, or great? Sick Simon learns how to be health-conscious during cold and flu season in this clever picture book from the author-illustrator of The Great Lollipop Caper. Simon is going to have the best week ever. Who cares if he has a cold? He goes to school anyway, and sneezes everywhere, and coughs on everyone, and touches everything. Germs call him a hero! Everyone else calls him…Sick Simon. When will it end? How far will he go? Will the germs take over, or can Sick Simon learn to change his ways?
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Book:
Cutie Sue Fights the Germs by Kate Melton
Summary:
The adventures of Cutie Sue continue! One day our brave little girl and her younger brother Charlie got tummy ache. What happened with the siblings? Find that out reading this terrific rhyming story! In the book #2 of the "Cutie Sue"series, the little readers, aged 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and up will find out how Cutie Sue and her little brother will be learning to fight the germs and recovering from their illness, as their mother brings them to the doctor. If your child is afraid of the hospitals, this book for kids will be a magnificent way to show them there is nothing frightening about doctor’s visits, and on the contrary, they can even be fun.
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Book:
Sherm the Germ by John Hutton
Summary:
Baby play, baby play, all day, hooray!
Suddenly—aachoo! Sneeze, cough, boo-hoo!
Shiver, rashy, fever, squirm, oh no—Sherm the Germ!
Baby’s perfect day of play is interrupted by an unwelcome, microbial visitor—Sherm the Germ. Written by a pediatrician and brought to life through playful illustrations, this fun, rhyming book describes the stages of becoming sick and then getting better. A perfect read-aloud for those wishing to get well soon or any budding physician, this board book uses a loveable character to teach readers on the basics of what it means to catch a cold or virus and how the healing process works.
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Book:
Teach Your Dragon Good Hygiene by Steve Herman
Summary:
Having a pet dragon is very fun!
He can sit, roll over, and play…
He can candle a birthday cake, lit a campfire, or so many other cool things…
But what if your dragon is having problems with personal hygiene?
What if he refuses to brush his teeth, claiming that his baby teeth would eventually fall out anyway?
What if he doesn’t want to wash his hands, seldom changes his clothes, and never cover up his nose when he has to sneeze?
What if he HATES taking a bath, arguing that the water is too hot, too cold, and soap gets in and hurts his eye?
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Book:
Wash, Wash, Wash! by Pamela Chanko
Summary:
Board Book
It's never too early to start healthy habits. This rhyme will inspire little ones to wash their hands. Rookie Toddler books offer fun ways to engage with little ones during story time and play time. Each book includes story-related tips that help extend the reading experience and emphasize key learnings. Engaging photographs and illustrations will delight your toddler while encouraging a love of reading.
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Book:
Germs by Ross Collins
Bonuses:
Summary:
Pox is not an ordinary germ. Sure, like other germs he takes the bubonic bus to Germ Academy, and he proves that he is unhealthy before he attends school. But Pox just doesn't understand why he should want to make a person miserable. Poor Pox is stuck at the bottom of his class. Luckily, Pox is smarter than his friends and teachers believe, and when he's sent to infect an innocent little girl named Myrtle, he makes some new friends and finds himself a much more suitable, healthy home. A delightfully silly-and educational-story from the nearly germ-free Ross Collins.
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Book:
A Germ's Journey Dirty Hands! Clean Hands! by Katie Laird
Summary:
Board Book
This delightful board book follows the journey of a germ using unique heat-sensitive pages and combining interaction, play and learning, showing pre-schoolers the importance of clean hands. The journey, from the toilet seat to the tummy (and out again!), explores the concepts of germs being invisible to the naked eye, multiplying and causing illness. By placing their warm hands on the thermochromic patches, the multiplying germs are revealed. The simple, bright and bold illustrations by Charlie Evans allow children to develop an understanding of science and health from a young age, while having fun in the process.
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Book:
The Super Silly Wash Your Hands Dance by
Katie Taylor
Summary:
Washing hands saves lives, literally, and I wanted to give YOU a chance to DANCE while you clean! Whether its with the kiddos I support in the hospital or with my own kiddos at home, I find that singing a song while we do something makes the task at hand much more enjoyable. This goes for chores, taking medicine, and especially washing hands! Encourage a child to pick their favorite animals from this story and sing their song while they wash their hands. Talk about when handwashing is appropriate like before and after meals, after coughing and sneezing, and when playtime ends.
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Book:
I Don't Want to Wash My Hands! by Tony Ross
Summary:
The Little Princess does not want to wash her hands. After all, she's already washed her hands so many times! She's washed her hands before eating and after going outside. She's washed her hands after sneezing and using the potty. Why should she wash her hands anymore? Well, because of germs and nasties, she's told, which are too small to even see! But if they get inside your body, they can make you ill. Not even a Princess wants to be in bed all day!
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Book:
What Are Germs by Katie Daynes
Summary:
What are germs? Where do they live and how do they spread? It's time to zoom in for a closer look… This informational book for very young children has amusing and friendly illustrations, and children will love peeking under the flaps to find out all about germs and hygiene.
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Book:
Curious George Discovers Germs by H. A. Rey
Summary:
In this exciting new Curious George series all about discovery, George comes down with a cold and can’t wait to feel better. In the meantime, it’s straight to bed for this monkey. But when George drifts to sleep, his dreams take him on a wild ride inside the body to learn all about germs, how they affect us, and how to avoid and get rid of them. Based on the Emmy-winning PBS show, this story is filled to the brim with additional facts, real photos, experiments, activities, and more. Learning about science has never been so much fun!
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