ACHOO!
What’s inside...
A hilarious book about the importance of covering your nose when you sneeze, featuring the story of Sid who forgets to do so. The consequences of his actions lead to a wild, sneeze-driven adventure with elephants, pirates, acrobats, giants, princesses, and pandas. This laugh-out-loud funny story is from the bestselling and award-winning author of YOU MUST BRING A HAT and I REALLY WANT THE CAKE, and is perfect for fans of whimsical and humorous children's books.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character sneeze so loudly in the story?
How do you think the character felt when everyone was looking at them after they sneezed?
If you were in the story, how would you have helped the character feel better?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected happened to you? How did you react?
Why is it important to cover our mouths when we sneeze, based on what happened in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Express curiosity about your child's thoughts and feelings regarding the story to make them feel comfortable sharing.
Relate the character's experiences in the book to real-life situations your child might face to enhance understanding.
Encourage your child to think about the manners and health habits discussed in the book and how they apply them in their daily life.
Respond positively to your child’s answers to boost their confidence in expressing their opinions and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Caring
Explanation: In 'ACHOO!', the protagonist shows concern for others when they are sneezing and tries to help them feel better. This demonstrates the importance of being empathetic and caring towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize when someone else is feeling unwell or uncomfortable and offer their help or comfort, fostering a compassionate environment at home or school.
Example Lesson: Importance of Personal Hygiene
Explanation: The story highlights the significance of covering one's mouth while sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices like washing hands and using tissues, which are essential for their health and the health of those around them.
Example Lesson: Social Responsibility
Explanation: The characters in the book take steps to ensure they are not spreading their cold to others, showing responsibility towards the community’s health.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be mindful of their actions and their impact on others, especially in communal settings like school or during playdates.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters come up with creative solutions to handle the inconveniences caused by their sneezes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively to solve problems they encounter in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Expressing Needs
Explanation: Characters in 'ACHOO!' express when they are not feeling well and ask for help, teaching the importance of communicating personal needs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to articulate when they need help or when they are feeling unwell, promoting effective communication from an early age.