Back Off Sneezy!: A Kids' Guide to Staying Well

Gr 2–4—This series encourages kids to take control of their eating, exercise, germs, and hygiene—and does so with a rare and refreshing burst of humor. Attractively designed and featuring diverse children, each book includes "Try This," "Did You Know?" and "Just Joking!" sidebars that will pique students' interest. Though the text per page is sparse, it's crammed with rich information, including photo captions ("Jumping rope helps build strong bones"). None of the advice seems obvious, even when it is basic; for example, the suggestion to wear loose clothes when exercising is followed with the pointer that merino wool or polyester helps us stay cool. Playful cartoons and jokes add levity ("Q: What kind of music do rabbits like? A: Hip-hop!"). The safety information here is illuminating, such as the suggestion to keep bike helmets snug. Self-assessment quizzes at the end make this series a home run.