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Germs Are Not for Sharing
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 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.
40 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2006
111 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Verdick
169 books50 followersElizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children, now ages 13 and 8, are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.
These days she writes books for toddlers to teens, and everything in between. She especially loves creating new board book series for toddlers—the latest series is Toddler Tools™, which helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). The Best Behavior™ series helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.
Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn™ series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social/emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary– and middle school years. Elizabeth lives with her family and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.
These days she writes books for toddlers to teens, and everything in between. She especially loves creating new board book series for toddlers—the latest series is Toddler Tools™, which helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). The Best Behavior™ series helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.
Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn™ series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social/emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary– and middle school years. Elizabeth lives with her family and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 23, 2020
Πιο επίκαιρο από ποτέ, το βιβλίο της Elisabeth Verdick, έρχεται να μας υπενθυμίσει τρόπους προφύλαξης απέναντι σε ασθένειες και ιούς. Ένα χρήσιμο, σημαντικό και ενημερωτικό παιδικό βιβλίο, στο οποίο συμπεριλαμβάνονται βασικές τεχνικές υγιεινών συνηθειών, προληπτικά μέτρα που ο καθένας πρέπει να λάβει για να αποτρέψει τη διάδοση των μικροβίων.
Αναλυτικά η άποψη μου για το βιβλίο εδώ
Αναλυτικά η άποψη μου για το βιβλίο εδώ
June 11, 2024
Elizabeth Verdick’s Germs Are Not for Sharing is an excellent resource for teaching young children about the importance of proper hygiene. The book is well-written and features colorful illustrations that capture the attention of its young audience. Verdick effectively explains what germs are, how they spread, and how they can make us sick, making complex concepts accessible to children.
The narrative is engaging and straightforward, ensuring that children not only understand the information but also remember it. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, complementing the text perfectly and keeping children interested throughout the book.
A standout feature of this book is the section at the back that provides more details for discussion. This section is incredibly helpful for parents and educators who want to reinforce the lessons and provide a deeper understanding of the importance of hygiene.
Overall, Germs Are Not for Sharing is a valuable educational tool for teaching children about hygiene in a fun and informative way. It’s well-suited for young children who are just starting to learn about health and cleanliness.
The narrative is engaging and straightforward, ensuring that children not only understand the information but also remember it. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, complementing the text perfectly and keeping children interested throughout the book.
A standout feature of this book is the section at the back that provides more details for discussion. This section is incredibly helpful for parents and educators who want to reinforce the lessons and provide a deeper understanding of the importance of hygiene.
Overall, Germs Are Not for Sharing is a valuable educational tool for teaching children about hygiene in a fun and informative way. It’s well-suited for young children who are just starting to learn about health and cleanliness.
February 6, 2025
A matter-of-fact (and English/Spanish bilingual!) look at germs and how to reduce them, which obviously dates from way before the coronasniffles malarkey – and is all the better for it. It points out that they are on our body as a matter of life, but still tells us how to not share them, by sneezing into tissues, coughing into fabric, our elbow or somewhere else safe, and how to thoroughly scrub our hands and when. I don't know what we're going to gain by thinking germs are on the poles for carousel horses – but that randomness aside this is packed with common sense. Germs ought not be shared, but this could well be to great positive effect. Four and a half stars.
July 13, 2024
good dual language English spanish book on germs for kids & beginners
Fun to read. Instructive. Good dual language spanish to english, or vice versa, book on germs and how to avoid spreading them.
Fun to read. Instructive. Good dual language spanish to english, or vice versa, book on germs and how to avoid spreading them.
October 23, 2024
Perfect book to use in the classroom to help emphasize and ingrain handwashing!!!
September 7, 2025
This is a great book to teach children the importance of hygiene for good health.
November 8, 2016
1. This book has not received any awards.
2. This book can be used for kindergarten through 2nd grade.
3. This book talks about germs and children sharing their germs with other children. This book goes into the basic principles of what to do when you are sick. It tells the children just how important washing their hands really is. It also tells them that they need to cover up when they sneeze or cough. And even though they may want to give hugs and kisses while they are sick, it is in the other persons favor not to do so.
4. This book is a cute book to teach children the dangers of sharing germs. It uses vibrant colors and child friendly language to reach the children. I enjoyed reading this book. It brought me back to elementary school and all the germs being spread around. I think it is very important to teach children about germs and how they can prevent the spread of them.
5. One way this book can be used is for a lesson on the importance of washing our hands. In this lesson the book can be read and then the children can actually go to the sink and wash their hands. In reading the book the children will understand just how important it is to wash our hands, especially when we are sick or if our friends are sick.
Another lesson that we can teach off this book is, then importance of covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. During allergy season and especially during cold and flu season many children begin coughing and sneezing. In reading them this book we can show them the importance of covering up. This book will teach them that in covering up, they can stop the spread of germs and their sickness.
2. This book can be used for kindergarten through 2nd grade.
3. This book talks about germs and children sharing their germs with other children. This book goes into the basic principles of what to do when you are sick. It tells the children just how important washing their hands really is. It also tells them that they need to cover up when they sneeze or cough. And even though they may want to give hugs and kisses while they are sick, it is in the other persons favor not to do so.
4. This book is a cute book to teach children the dangers of sharing germs. It uses vibrant colors and child friendly language to reach the children. I enjoyed reading this book. It brought me back to elementary school and all the germs being spread around. I think it is very important to teach children about germs and how they can prevent the spread of them.
5. One way this book can be used is for a lesson on the importance of washing our hands. In this lesson the book can be read and then the children can actually go to the sink and wash their hands. In reading the book the children will understand just how important it is to wash our hands, especially when we are sick or if our friends are sick.
Another lesson that we can teach off this book is, then importance of covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. During allergy season and especially during cold and flu season many children begin coughing and sneezing. In reading them this book we can show them the importance of covering up. This book will teach them that in covering up, they can stop the spread of germs and their sickness.
April 26, 2018
(how-to book)
Germs Are Not for Sharing, written by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, is a children's book for how to stay healthy. This story presents multiple scenarios in which germs could be easily spread by children, and asks the repetitive question of, "What do you need to do?" when you encounter the situations of coughing, sneezing, using the restroom, etc. Step by step instructions for how to properly wash your hands and when you should wash them are included. The story also discusses what germs are and why you should "send those germs down the drain". Such important information is presented in such simple and relatable ways that it makes it very easy for all readers and listeners to understand. The bright and bubbly pictures and full color backgrounds are also intelligibly illustrated so that you know exactly what actions the children are doing. They depict real life scenarios that children come across, making this book even more relatable. I recommend this book for the ages specified, 4-7. There are two versions of this book, one for ages 0-3, and this version for ages 4-7. This book could easily be used for lessons on health, and as a science tie in for germs and cell bodies. A fun lesson/activity to go along with this story could be to have students cover their hands in different colors of glitter and go around the classroom or playground touching objects to see how easily their "glitter" germs are spread, followed by the books steps of how to properly wash your hands.
Germs Are Not for Sharing, written by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, is a children's book for how to stay healthy. This story presents multiple scenarios in which germs could be easily spread by children, and asks the repetitive question of, "What do you need to do?" when you encounter the situations of coughing, sneezing, using the restroom, etc. Step by step instructions for how to properly wash your hands and when you should wash them are included. The story also discusses what germs are and why you should "send those germs down the drain". Such important information is presented in such simple and relatable ways that it makes it very easy for all readers and listeners to understand. The bright and bubbly pictures and full color backgrounds are also intelligibly illustrated so that you know exactly what actions the children are doing. They depict real life scenarios that children come across, making this book even more relatable. I recommend this book for the ages specified, 4-7. There are two versions of this book, one for ages 0-3, and this version for ages 4-7. This book could easily be used for lessons on health, and as a science tie in for germs and cell bodies. A fun lesson/activity to go along with this story could be to have students cover their hands in different colors of glitter and go around the classroom or playground touching objects to see how easily their "glitter" germs are spread, followed by the books steps of how to properly wash your hands.
January 30, 2013
This book, "Germ Are Not for Sharing", shows how much important handwashing in children's lives. Most children do not know why they have to wash their hand, so this book is effective. If children reads this book, they can follow step by step easily.
Extension: After reading the "Germs Are Not for Sharing", I will explain how important hand washing after using the bathroom and before eating. I will tell what germs are and how it can spread in their lives, and also how children can prevent it from spreading. I will put my hands under a black light after making my hands dirty to show the glowing color that represents germs. Then I will turn on the audio for hand washing song. I will show how to wash hand with a song. I will put soap on hand and scrub the tops, scrub my palms. Wash for as long as it takes to sing the ABCs or Happy Birthday(twice) as it mentions in the book. Finally, I will place my hands under a black light to show children how clean my hands are after hand washing.
Extension: After reading the "Germs Are Not for Sharing", I will explain how important hand washing after using the bathroom and before eating. I will tell what germs are and how it can spread in their lives, and also how children can prevent it from spreading. I will put my hands under a black light after making my hands dirty to show the glowing color that represents germs. Then I will turn on the audio for hand washing song. I will show how to wash hand with a song. I will put soap on hand and scrub the tops, scrub my palms. Wash for as long as it takes to sing the ABCs or Happy Birthday(twice) as it mentions in the book. Finally, I will place my hands under a black light to show children how clean my hands are after hand washing.
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July 31, 2018Germs are not for sharing goes through the directions of what to do in order to not spread germs. It shows children how to throw away a used tissue after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing; how and when to wash their hands; and what to do if food falls on the floor. There are also tips for parents and caregivers.
Los germenes no son para compartir muestra las instrucciones para que hacer para no se pasan los germenes a otros. Les muestra a los niños como tirar un pañuelo usado después de usarlo para la nariz, de toser, y de estornudar, como y cuando se lavan las manos, y que hace cuando la comida se caye en el suelo. Tambien, hay consejos para los padres y los cuidadanos.
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library:
https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/client/en_US/vpd/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:2443195/ada?qu=germs+are+not+for+sharing&lm=VPD
Los germenes no son para compartir muestra las instrucciones para que hacer para no se pasan los germenes a otros. Les muestra a los niños como tirar un pañuelo usado después de usarlo para la nariz, de toser, y de estornudar, como y cuando se lavan las manos, y que hace cuando la comida se caye en el suelo. Tambien, hay consejos para los padres y los cuidadanos.
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library:
https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/client/en_US/vpd/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:2443195/ada?qu=germs+are+not+for+sharing&lm=VPD
March 20, 2018
As children go through their everyday lives, this book gives them tips on how to keep germs from spreading.
The text is simple and easy to understand. The children would not have a difficult time reading this book.
The illustrations are simple, but they get the point across. Sometimes the reader may have to look twice to get a few details.
As an informative book, it gives great tips on keeping a person's germs to themselves. However, it doesn't touch on what a germ is at all, or where they come from. This may be difficult for children to understand and may cause questions to arise.
I give this book a 2 out of 5 stars because even though it is informative, I'd say it isn't informative enough.
The text is simple and easy to understand. The children would not have a difficult time reading this book.
The illustrations are simple, but they get the point across. Sometimes the reader may have to look twice to get a few details.
As an informative book, it gives great tips on keeping a person's germs to themselves. However, it doesn't touch on what a germ is at all, or where they come from. This may be difficult for children to understand and may cause questions to arise.
I give this book a 2 out of 5 stars because even though it is informative, I'd say it isn't informative enough.
May 3, 2021
This book would be great for a science lesson! It is definitely geared toward very young, beginning readers as it talks about how to prevent germs from spreading. It emphasizes the importance of washing hands, using tissues, and other sanitary habits. It tells how to do all of this in a very fun way with easy-to-understand words and interesting pictures. If I taught kindergarten or first grade, I would definitely have this in my classroom. At the end of the book, we could take a trip the the bathroom to practice washing our hands properly, including the part where we sing the ABC's or Happy Birthday!
November 30, 2016
This book is great for students in Kindergarten through 1st grade. It is very informational and tells the readers how to deal with when you sneeze, when you drop something you eat on the floor, what to do when you go to the bathroom, and how to wash your hands.
I would use this as an activity. I found a great song that goes along with the book. I would read the students the book and then teach them the song that way anytime they go to the bathroom, lunch, etc. , they can remember what steps to do to keep nasty germs out!
I would use this as an activity. I found a great song that goes along with the book. I would read the students the book and then teach them the song that way anytime they go to the bathroom, lunch, etc. , they can remember what steps to do to keep nasty germs out!
December 5, 2016
"Germs are Not for Sharing" is a great book to use for younger students. The story is very informative and easily includes the importance of being clean and hygienic in an understanding method.
Teachers can use this story in their classrooms by exhibiting the importance of getting rid of germs and cleanliness. Teachers can use this story as a reminder for students when they use the restrooms, before going to lunch, and after returning from recess to wash their hands before and after certain activities.
Teachers can use this story in their classrooms by exhibiting the importance of getting rid of germs and cleanliness. Teachers can use this story as a reminder for students when they use the restrooms, before going to lunch, and after returning from recess to wash their hands before and after certain activities.
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April 17, 2013Developing healthy habits with relation to hygiene is an important physical developmental milestone for children age 4-5. As the book Germs Are Not for Sharing relates, the child is able to comprehend that the daily routine of washing hands is to promote a healthy body. Suitable for 4-5 year olds, the shared reading of this book supports a child’s literacy and social development (comprehends to relationship between dirty hands and germs) by intentionally reading and talking about this text.
April 12, 2017
This book describes what germs are, what they can do to you, how they are shared and ways to prevent yourself from sharing germs.
I gave this book a 3 star rating becuase I think it is really important for children to learn how to stay healthy and not get others sick when they are. The book itself is very basic and does a great job of keeping children entertained with pictures while sharing important information about hygiene and cleanlines.
I gave this book a 3 star rating becuase I think it is really important for children to learn how to stay healthy and not get others sick when they are. The book itself is very basic and does a great job of keeping children entertained with pictures while sharing important information about hygiene and cleanlines.
December 12, 2017
I'm glad these books exist to help teach kids, although I wish handwashing was featured more prevalently. As the number one way to prevent illness, I personally think handwashing should be on practically every page, especially after the nose blowing page! This edition is slightly more detailed than the copy for younger children; mostly this one just explains germs and where they might "hang out" in addition to the other information
April 27, 2018
This book describes what germs are, what they can do to you, how they are shared and ways to prevent yourself from sharing germs.
I gave this book a 3 star rating because I think it is really important for children to learn how to stay healthy and not get others sick when they happen to become sick. The book itself is very basic and does a great job of keeping children entertained with pictures while sharing important information about hygiene and cleanliness.
I gave this book a 3 star rating because I think it is really important for children to learn how to stay healthy and not get others sick when they happen to become sick. The book itself is very basic and does a great job of keeping children entertained with pictures while sharing important information about hygiene and cleanliness.
April 23, 2020
We borrowed this from our local library's Overdrive catalog because it was one of about 30 books they added about germs, colds, flu, and viruses when Covid19 started and the library had to close. This was the most childish-looking of the bunch and consisted of facts and tips on germs and how to get handle them, from covering your sneezes and coughs to washing hands regularly, paired with some simple illustrations.
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February 19, 2019Germs are one of my favorite subjects to teach about. This book teaches about the importance of washing your hands. This is good to help kids get in the habit of washing their hands. You can use it to show how germs are spread and can cause you to get sick. The title of the book is my favorite part.
February 20, 2019
Children get to experience and see animation of germs and why we dont want to do certain things so that we can stay healthy and not sick. Some children dont get to have these types of conversations or learning experiences all the time so it is a good way to start a conversation and story with them so that they can learn ways to keep healthy for themselves and friends.
December 18, 2016
Germs are not for Sharing teaches the basics of not spreading germs to those around you. This book is incredibly child-friendly in its words, and colorful illustrations help young ones learn how to stay healthy and clean. This book is a great introduction to health.
April 6, 2017
Buy the book!
I downloaded this for my class but all the pages are squashed to fit on the screen. You could barley tell what the images are. Don't downloads this just buy the real book.
I downloaded this for my class but all the pages are squashed to fit on the screen. You could barley tell what the images are. Don't downloads this just buy the real book.
January 7, 2021
For: readers looking for a book that explains how to prevent the spread of germs (with some additional talking points for parents/caregivers in the back).
Possible red flags: anthropomorphic germs may be too scary for some readers.
Possible red flags: anthropomorphic germs may be too scary for some readers.
October 2, 2008
all ages are appropriate for this book. you are never to young or to old to learn good hygiene
April 2, 2015
A short book your 4-7 year old can read to you, about germs and good hygiene. Adults read staring on page 28 to their child, more details regarding germs, and our bodies.
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December 6, 2016This would be a great book to read to small children about washing their hands and being sanitary.
December 13, 2016
Preschool 2 & 3 Groups; TLE
February 10, 2017
Basic book explain where germs live and how to avoid spreading them.
May 21, 2018
Child friendly language and illustrations. Good for classroom read aloud. Topics in the back allow for more discussion. Good content vocabulary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews