I have been amazed by the quick response of many authors and publishers to the current covid-19 crisis. I’ve seen some excellent books about the virus and trying to explain why we need to socially-distance from those we love.

Yesterday, a new title about the importance of hand-washing arrived through my letterbox. Now that more and more of our very youngest students are returning to school, I can imagine ‘Now Wash Your Hands!’ being a very useful book to be able to share.

A very special guest called Doris the Doctorpus is visiting the school today. She’s armed to talk to the students about what germs are, where you can find them, and how simply washing your hands can scare them away.

I love the knock-out colour palette of Matt’s story and the very simple, but clear way it explains how important hand-washing is to stop us from spreading germs. Although a very relevant message at the moment, it’s actually something which should be discussed in schools and homes as a general part of good hygiene at any time – for example, washing your hands after you’ve been to the toilet or have been playing outside in the mud.

It’s quirky characters and humorous illustrations, rhyming text and hand-washing song help deliver the information in a non-threatening and easy to understand way, which is perfect for the very youngest of children. Something every home and school need to have (and share) during the current crisis and beyond.

Matt has also produced some amazing free hand-washing posters to accompany the book, which can be downloaded HERE. A donation of 50p for every copy sold will be made to the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

Happy hand-washing!

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Scholastic for sending me this title to review*