Wheels What Is A Virus? written by Melannie Baum is a children’s picture book featuring a tractor named Wheels. A simple book about viruses that include washing hands, why we wear masks, and reassuring words.
While my grandson age 4 is not the intended reading group, he along with his six-year-old sister enjoyed meeting Wheels and Farmer Tom. The premise is cute and allows for numerous topics to be discussed between the farmer and his tractor Wheels.
The illustrations enhanced the story and allow early readers to pick up context clues as they read. It also allowed my grandson to read the story to me. He of course began with, “Once Upon A Time…” which I found endearing.
When Farmer Tom leaves the TV on in the barn where Wheels is stored, he overhears a news story about a virus. When Farmer Tom awakens, Wheels asks him what a virus is. Farmer Tom gives a simple but accurate description of a virus, how it can spread and steps to prevent it all while reassuring Wheels.
My grandchildren would definitely enjoy more questions from Wheels.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What I noticed right away about this boo is the font. I love this font, it's bold, it's not too busy and it's easy to read.
I also noticed the illustrations and I'm not sure how I feel about those. It's kind of blurry and has a lot of dark colors. I'm also not sure about the picture of the virus particles, it looked a bit scary maybe, for smaller children?
The story overall was educational, but it didn't point out anything new that youngsters haven't heard. There is a huge chance in a picture book like this to talk more about the feelings of children, of not understanding, of being scared.
When I got to the end of the book, there was a lovely surprise. There are some pages where children can be actively involved in this book. I've not seen that before in a picture book; very unique!
A fun read for new readers or for reading to those not quite up to reading it themselves. Obviously inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic, this does a good job of explaining the basics of how a virus spreads, at least this virus, and the proper steps to limit your risk of catching it. These are all the things we’ve been hearing constantly for the last year: social distancing, mask wearing, and frequent hand washing. Hopefully your young reader has already learned these things and been practicing them for a long time. I’m hopeful that vaccines and other factors mean we’re on the downhill side of this pandemic. But as a fun way to emphasize that we aren’t there yet, occasionally reading this book to your youngster for his or her nightly bedtime story as a reminder seems like a reasonable idea.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Children often have a tendency to be inquisitive. This book clearly speaks to the children, so to have a better understanding about what is a virus. I like the activity pages. I recommend this book
This little book is a great way to explain the covid virus to young readers. Wheels the tractor is a cute character that kids will enjoy as they read along. Wheels is worried that he could also get sick and has lots of questions about viruses. The farmer explains to Wheels what a virus is and how it's spread. After their conversation Wheels is reassured and happy to know that he can't get sick because he is a tractor.
This unique book is a must have!! I love how the author made learning fun. The author used a tractor as the main character which really help my 3 year old son connect with the story. I love the vibrant colors and I love how the author kept it age appropriate for the kiddies
Innovative way to teach about new normal The story is about the curious tractor, Wheels who had many questions about the changed life of humans during the pandemic. His owner, Tom tried to answer the questions. Funny and innovative way to teach about the new normal - washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing. Nice job. I read the book on KU to a 6 years old during the lockdown.
Very sweet story of Farmer Tom who explains what a virus is to his trusty tractor Wheels and gives tips on how to avoid getting sick. So relevant - and told in a very cute way that children will be able to process and comprehend. Includes a photo of the real Farmer Tom (sucg a sweet touch to the book!). Recommend!
Children who are into tractors will love the main character’s curiosity about viruses. It simple subtle ways, the author shares the various ways to keep from getting sick and following the CDC guidelines to protect against Covid-19. The activities is the back are an extra added bonus!
Perfect book to talk about COVID with the little ones. I’m quite taken with the illustration of the virus itself :) Sweet book that delivers the important message but in a cheerful way. Enjoyed it!
This is a great book that helps kids understands that handwashing, a mask and social distancing helps to keep them safe. Great lessons and important questions asked by a tractor.
Farmer Tom & Wheels do a great job at helping kids better understand the details of what a virus is and germs and the importance of washing hands, masks, and social distancing. This book is a must-read for children across the globe. Five stars.
Hooray for Farmer Tom and Wheels for doing a great job at helping kids to understand what is happening in their world and the importance of personal hygiene! The storybook was a lot of fun to read and it explained a lot in a friendly kid version.
This is a sweet tribute book to a Farmer and family man. It’s about a tractor who watches the news and behind to ask his owner questions about viruses and how they can be transmitted. Great for helping kids understand covid.
This book teaches kids about a virus and how to protect themselves in a fun way. It’s easy to read and understand for young kids. A must read for all tractor/farm loving kiddos!
This is a great way to teach kids about the virus in an engaging way they can connect with. The tractor character is my favorite and kids love this book.
This tractor is curious about learning all about a virus. He learns what a virus is and how humans protect themselves from a virus and how to protect others. This is a great book with great instructions for kids to learn from. I love the tip that the tractor learned about how people should wash their hands. I will definitely have my kids practice this tip. This is a must read especially for the day and time.
What a crazy year it has been! This fun, innovative book is a great introduction to the pandemic we are currently fighting! I honestly loved the illustrations because they are very unique. If only we could Alll be tracktors! Great Read!