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Maxine’s Critters Get the Vaccine Jitters
A shot can be a little frightening—but it’s quick, as quick as lightning!
When Maxine tells her pets, “Let’s get to the vet!”
Scott does not want a shot.
Jervis is nervous , Franky is cranky , Biffy is iffy , and Cary is wary .
Can Maxine help her critters get over their jitters . . . ?
Perfect for any child afraid of shots or needles, this rhyming book in free meter is a “must-read-aloud”! Spunky Maxine takes charge of her vaccine fears with a playful game of Her adorable stuffed animals are the patients, and Dad steps in as the “vet.”
Just in time for the kids’ covid vaccine—and relevant to any pediatric shot— Maxine’s Critters Get the Vaccine Jitters will delight children ages 5 and under who face this understandable fear. No need to be grouchy about this little ouchy!
When Maxine tells her pets, “Let’s get to the vet!”
Scott does not want a shot.
Jervis is nervous , Franky is cranky , Biffy is iffy , and Cary is wary .
Can Maxine help her critters get over their jitters . . . ?
Perfect for any child afraid of shots or needles, this rhyming book in free meter is a “must-read-aloud”! Spunky Maxine takes charge of her vaccine fears with a playful game of Her adorable stuffed animals are the patients, and Dad steps in as the “vet.”
Just in time for the kids’ covid vaccine—and relevant to any pediatric shot— Maxine’s Critters Get the Vaccine Jitters will delight children ages 5 and under who face this understandable fear. No need to be grouchy about this little ouchy!
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 15, 2022
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 20, 2021
Cute book with a clear message! Even before COVID, kids have always struggled with worries about getting shots. This text being written from a child's perspective is an important timely addition for any elementary classroom library to help ease worries and encourage vaccinations. Message aside both students and adults will enjoy the fun rhyming scheme, diverse characters, and rich illustrations.
November 15, 2022
A timely concept that tries too hard.
My favorite feature of this book is actually the end papers. Lollipops and colorful bandaids are perfect for a kids book about getting a vaccination. It’s also a cute idea for Maxine, (the little girl in the story), to take all her stuffed animals to the vet for their vaccinations in preparation for her visit to the doctor.
For me, the trouble is that this youngster has too many toys. The story was stretched to 32 pages when 24 would have been better. The rhyming scheme was often difficult; certainly not one your littles will be chanting around the house. Brightly colored artwork is more fun than the rhyming even tho’ I found some of the animals had strange expressions.
All things considered, MAXINE’s CRITTERS GET THE VACCINE JITTERS has a specific focus and appeal. Recommend for 3-6 year olds.
My favorite feature of this book is actually the end papers. Lollipops and colorful bandaids are perfect for a kids book about getting a vaccination. It’s also a cute idea for Maxine, (the little girl in the story), to take all her stuffed animals to the vet for their vaccinations in preparation for her visit to the doctor.
For me, the trouble is that this youngster has too many toys. The story was stretched to 32 pages when 24 would have been better. The rhyming scheme was often difficult; certainly not one your littles will be chanting around the house. Brightly colored artwork is more fun than the rhyming even tho’ I found some of the animals had strange expressions.
All things considered, MAXINE’s CRITTERS GET THE VACCINE JITTERS has a specific focus and appeal. Recommend for 3-6 year olds.
December 9, 2021
Maxine’s Critters Get the Vaccine Jitters
A cheerful and encouraging story to soothe kids’ covid vaccine fears
by Jan Zauzmer
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book with my soon to be 5 year old and 8 year old boys who will soon be getting their covid vaccination. As a parent I greatly appreciate the opportunity to read a book to my children that can address their fears etc of a potentially scary new thing they’ll be doing.
However as someone who has read a lot of rhyming children’s books and when I say a lot I mean - seriously a lot. At one point I even had a job where about 50% of it was literally reading rhyming picture books to K-3rd graders. I do feel that the formatting of the word placement in this book to assist the reader to find the appropriate rhythm could have been improved a small amount. Additionally the syllabic distribution of the words to create a reading rhythm could have also been improved. Rhyming books when done really well are amazing for kids, they really hold their attention and stick with them and children enjoy reading them over and over.
The intention of this book is exceptional and very timely. I do feel the reasoning behind becoming vaccinated could have been further addressed. As a parent who has explained this many many many times only one reason was given in this book - so you - the kid getting the shot doesn’t get sick. While that is valid there are many reasons for vaccination. So that children who are unable to get vaccinated due to immune system complications or youth don’t get sick for example. The last thing any empathetic person would want is to take a child who is already severely ill with cancer and to give them a severe illness on top of that. I understand that the concept of kids with cancer is a whole other can of worms that not everyone would want to address at the same time but for me personally I try not to shield my children too far from the realities that other children face.
So all in all, great purpose, engaging colorful pictures, good use of introducing the topic with pretend play involving stuffed animals and then bringing home how it applies to the child with her own visit. Great to show the Dad very involved.
4/5 for us.
A cheerful and encouraging story to soothe kids’ covid vaccine fears
by Jan Zauzmer
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book with my soon to be 5 year old and 8 year old boys who will soon be getting their covid vaccination. As a parent I greatly appreciate the opportunity to read a book to my children that can address their fears etc of a potentially scary new thing they’ll be doing.
However as someone who has read a lot of rhyming children’s books and when I say a lot I mean - seriously a lot. At one point I even had a job where about 50% of it was literally reading rhyming picture books to K-3rd graders. I do feel that the formatting of the word placement in this book to assist the reader to find the appropriate rhythm could have been improved a small amount. Additionally the syllabic distribution of the words to create a reading rhythm could have also been improved. Rhyming books when done really well are amazing for kids, they really hold their attention and stick with them and children enjoy reading them over and over.
The intention of this book is exceptional and very timely. I do feel the reasoning behind becoming vaccinated could have been further addressed. As a parent who has explained this many many many times only one reason was given in this book - so you - the kid getting the shot doesn’t get sick. While that is valid there are many reasons for vaccination. So that children who are unable to get vaccinated due to immune system complications or youth don’t get sick for example. The last thing any empathetic person would want is to take a child who is already severely ill with cancer and to give them a severe illness on top of that. I understand that the concept of kids with cancer is a whole other can of worms that not everyone would want to address at the same time but for me personally I try not to shield my children too far from the realities that other children face.
So all in all, great purpose, engaging colorful pictures, good use of introducing the topic with pretend play involving stuffed animals and then bringing home how it applies to the child with her own visit. Great to show the Dad very involved.
4/5 for us.
December 2, 2021
Concern about vaccines and shots is a common issue for young kids, even before COVID. This book follows young Maxine who takes all of her various critters to the vet for their shots before going to get her own. Kids will enjoy seeing the wide range of animals on the page and can listen for rhyming words at the end of each line.
Maxine's critters have varying reactions to the prospect of their vaccine, which is validating for kids. They will be able to relate to seeing the various animals work through the same feelings they may have had. None of the characters are shamed for their feelings and the overall tone threads the needle well between realistic (yes, it will hurt a little bit) and reassuring (it's no big deal and everyone will be fine). This is a great resource to discuss getting vaccines and staying healthy and would be a great addition to pre-K and early elementary school and classroom libraries.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Maxine's critters have varying reactions to the prospect of their vaccine, which is validating for kids. They will be able to relate to seeing the various animals work through the same feelings they may have had. None of the characters are shamed for their feelings and the overall tone threads the needle well between realistic (yes, it will hurt a little bit) and reassuring (it's no big deal and everyone will be fine). This is a great resource to discuss getting vaccines and staying healthy and would be a great addition to pre-K and early elementary school and classroom libraries.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
February 3, 2022
This was such an adorable book! First, Maxine's little critters are anxious about getting their vaccine shots so she eases their anxiety and congratulates them all for getting their shots. And then, Maxine goes to the vet to get her actual shot, and her and her critters all celebrate together.
I'm a huge fan of the artwork! I think that this is such a delightful book for children getting all of the shots they need to and can be so useful. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to help ease the anxiety of little ones needing their shots - it does so in such a fantastic, beautifully illustrated way. So make sure you get a copy either for your little ones, or anyone with young children.
Thank you to the publisher, the authors/illustrators, and to NetGalley for providing an advanced readers copy for an honest review.
I'm a huge fan of the artwork! I think that this is such a delightful book for children getting all of the shots they need to and can be so useful. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to help ease the anxiety of little ones needing their shots - it does so in such a fantastic, beautifully illustrated way. So make sure you get a copy either for your little ones, or anyone with young children.
Thank you to the publisher, the authors/illustrators, and to NetGalley for providing an advanced readers copy for an honest review.
December 8, 2021
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I got this book for my daughter because vaccine is truly a part of our everyday conversation now. I wanted her to read a book that can ease her jitters about vaccines. In this book, Maxine helped to get all of her animal friends vaccinated, as well as herself while explaining things like "I loved this line "Let's let out a cheer! The science is clear, as clear as a bell: Vaccines keep us well!"
Very cute story, bonus points because the whole book rhymes.
I got this book for my daughter because vaccine is truly a part of our everyday conversation now. I wanted her to read a book that can ease her jitters about vaccines. In this book, Maxine helped to get all of her animal friends vaccinated, as well as herself while explaining things like "I loved this line "Let's let out a cheer! The science is clear, as clear as a bell: Vaccines keep us well!"
Very cute story, bonus points because the whole book rhymes.
February 17, 2022
This is a cute and diverse book about the importance of vaccines and how to deal with the very normal feeling of being afraid. While it is especially useful in the current push to get kids vaccinated against Covid, it will also be helpful for the myriad of vaccines kids receive throughout their childhood. I loved the bright illustrations!
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
May 10, 2022
In this rhyming story, Maxine helps her stuffed animals face their fears about the "vet." When it's her time to get a vaccine, she is nervous, but her newly checked out critters help encourage her. It's okay to be nervous. The rhyming gets to be a little over-the-top, but it's simple humor to offset the scariness of shots. I wish this book was out when the first COVID-19 vaccine was available for 5+.
June 24, 2022
Maxine announces to all of her critters that today’s the day they all need to get their shots! As her animal pals begin to get nervous, Maxine takes the time to explain why vaccines are important and necessary. The readers see that all goes well at the vet and afterwards, Maxine is on her way to get her own vaccine. Fun rhymes and colorful illustrations bring a positive and encouraging tone to this story.
January 19, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ebook.
I read it to my 6 year old and he thoroughly enjoyed trying to guess the next word in the book, since most of the book rhymed.
He enjoyed the story and I had a lot of fun reading it with him.
The illustrations were cute and colorful which is great for keeping young children engaged.
I read it to my 6 year old and he thoroughly enjoyed trying to guess the next word in the book, since most of the book rhymed.
He enjoyed the story and I had a lot of fun reading it with him.
The illustrations were cute and colorful which is great for keeping young children engaged.
October 28, 2024
This is a very realistic book for children that brings a sense of playfulness to the scary concept of getting shots at the doctors. This is something that a lot of young children struggle with, which is why the book can ease these fears in our students. It encourages students to be brave and get their vaccines to stay healthy, which is an important topic for children.
December 23, 2021
What a great way to explain about getting a shot. Sure everyone gets nervous and a bit anxious about needles. But Maxine’s pets were brave as they finally got their shots. Then Maxine got hers. Wonderful way to present an uncomfortable situation.
March 11, 2022
Cute book about how important vaccines are! It rhymes too!
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May 4, 2022The rhyming felt forced at times, but the premise was good.
June 3, 2022
Roles are not clear, but my young child asked for this book repeatedly.
August 24, 2022
Cute art!
January 12, 2023
The poetry is really bad.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews