Children's books on looking after your body
Take a look at these children's titles about looking after your body.
See inside germs by Sarah Hull, Peter Allen
Lift the flaps to discover the microscopic world of germs - bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Find out what these tiny living things are, how they can make you ill, how your body fights them and what vaccines and antibiotics do to help, as well as some of the useful things they do for us, such as making food and keeping your body working.
What are germs? by Kate Daynes, Marta Alvarez Miguens
How do germs spread? Can my body fight germs? How do medicines help? Children are told to wash their hands and blow their noses to avoid spreading germs, but do they really know what germs are? This friendly and approachable book takes a closer look at those mischievous, microscopic bacteria and viruses.
Now wash your hands!, by Matt Carr
There's a very special guest at the school for little animals, and her name is Doris - Doris the Doctorpus. She's here to help the animals learn to wash their hands because of something very very small called germs! Doris explains that washing your hands can send germs packing and she's got her very own hand-washing song too. A funny and reassuring story that's perfect for calming worried little ones while reinforcing the importance of keeping hands super-clean.
Atchoo!: the complete guide to good manners, by Mij Kelly
This is the story of Suzy Sue and the fateful day when she went 'Atchoo!'. Suzy Sue sneezes but forgets to cover her mouth. The animals are astounded and decide it's time to teach her some manners.
The yoga ogre by Peter Bently, Simon Rickerty
Ogden the Ogre was worried one night. 'My jim-jams have grown far too short and too tight! How has my tum got so terribly wide? I only eat 12 meals a day!' Ogden sighed. The people said, 'Jim-jams too tight and too short? Overweight ogres should take up a sport!' So Ogden does take up a sport - and he does it with gusto!
The crocodile and the dentist by Taro Gomi
Oh, it's time to go to the dentist! Crocodile has a toothache, but he's afraid of the dentist. The dentist wants to help, but he's afraid of Crocodile. Never fear! Bestselling author-illustrator Taro Gomi cleverly and humorously presents both sides of the story, as the crocodile and the dentist learn to be brave and face their fears - of what might happen in that dentist's chair and of each other!
Borrow The crocodile and the dentist →
The tooth brushing badge by Lauren Holowaty, Sam Morrison
It's a sunny day and Duggee and the Squirrels are on a lovely walk until they meet a lion with VERY smelly breath! Join your favourite Squirrels as they teach the lion a special song to help him learn how to brush his teeth for two minutes. Featuring all of your favourite characters from the triple BAFTA-winning CBeebies show, this board book story is perfect for reading as part of the morning and bedtime routine with little Hey Duggee fans.
Borrow The tooth brushing badge →
We're going to the dentist by Marion Cocklico, Amanda Gummer
In We're Going to the Dentist, Nancy and Teddy go for a dental check-up. This novelty book with a sweet story has fun flaps to lift and mechanisms to move, as well as practical tips for parents and carers on each page, endorsed by leading Early Years Consultant, Dr Amanda Gummer.
Borrow We're going to the dentist →
Why should I brush my teeth by Katie Daynes, Marta Alvarez Miguens
Discover how animals look after their teeth, why teeth wobble and fall out and how you can keep your own teeth healthy and white.
Borrow Why should I brush my teeth →
How your body works by Rosie Dickins, Ocean Mecklenburg
Discover what really happens inside your body, from breathing and eating to thinking and growing. Packed with fascinating facts, this is the perfect introduction to the amazing machine that is the human body.
I don't want to wash my hands!, by Tony Ross
The Little Princess loves getting her hands dirty. The trouble is, she hates washing them. Until she learns all about the nasties, the dirties and all the other horrible things that lurk and make you ill.
Borrow I don't want to wash my hands! →
Everybody has a body, by Jon Burgerman
Everybody is different in some way - and being different is okay! Whether your body is big, small, wide or tall, it is something to celebrate and be proud of. This comical, picture book contains a positive, empowering message about being confident in yourself and is aimed at younger children.
Bodies are cool, by Tyler Feder
My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL! This heart-warming, inclusive book filled with detailed and friendly illustration is a celebration of every kind of body that exists in the world. Through an empowering, rhythmic text that is perfect for reading aloud, little ones can explore various skin tones, body shapes, hair types, and more, in an accessible way that instills body positivity and confidence.
This is how we keep healthy: for little kids going to big school
No matter what grown-ups tell you, being little is hard work; there's so much to learn when it comes to staying healthy - from how to wash your hands properly, to learning how to keep calm, to remembering what foods are good for you - and a whole bunch of other things too. Don't panic, this book is here to guide you along the way by teaching you the skills you need to look after yourself and keep in tip-top condition.
Borrow This is how we keep healthy →
Wash your hands, Mr Panda, by Steve Antony
Are you ready to wash your hands, Mr Panda? Join Mr Panda and friends as they learn all about hand washing, sneeze catching and other good hygiene practices. With a lightness of tone and a gentle humour throughout, this book in the 'Mr Panda' series is perfect for helping little ones to stay safe in a Coronavirus/Covid 19 world.
Borrow Wash your hands, Mr Panda →
The great big body book, by Mary Hoffman
Our bodies come in all shapes and sizes and they change throughout our lives, from newborn babies and children through to teenagers, and maybe to mums and dads and grandparents. This book teaches readers about growing and learning, big and small, keeping fit, breaks and bruises, the five senses, using our minds, how we are the same and how we are different.
Borrow The great big body book →
Love your body, by Jessica Sanders
Bodies come in all different forms and abilities. All these bodies are different and all these bodies are good bodies. There is no size, ability or colour that is perfect. What makes you different makes you, you - and you are amazing! 'Love Your Body' introduces the language of self-love and self-care to help build resilience, while representing and celebrating diverse bodies, encouraging you to appreciate your uniqueness.
Kay's anatomy: a complete (and completely disgusting) guide to the human body, by Adam Kay
Do you ever think about your body and how it all works? Like really properly think about it? The human body is extraordinary and fascinating and, pretty weird. Yours is weird, mine is weird, your maths teacher's is even weirder. This book tells you what's actually going on in there, and answers the really important questions, like: Are bogies safe to eat? Look, if your nose is going to all that effort of creating a snack, the least we can do is check out its nutritional value. (Yes, they're safe. Chew away!) and How much of your life will you spend on the toilet? About a year - so bring a good book.
Take a look at this helpful guide from Childline on staying healthy.