What's Bugging Nurse Penny?

December 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 2-This entertaining read will inform children about a common but dreaded occurrence. Nurse Penny, the lovable, fist-pumping school nurse, can tackle anything from tummy aches to bee stings. But, one afternoon the students notice that "something chased away [Nurse Penny's] smile," and they become concerned about her. She starts to head home, but then decides to use her own situation as a teachable moment at an extra-special, last-minute school assembly. Her case of head lice, "those creepy, crawly critters," is presented through fast facts, misperceptions, and simple illustrations. Amusing depictions of known characters, such as mummies and werewolves, are shown-all of whom have been known to be affected by lice in their day. Hair-lice treatment and tips on how to avoid these "pesky little pugs" are discussed in helpful and entertaining ways. Emphasis is placed on lice not being a disease and not being a sign of uncleanliness. Additional facts about lice are included in the addendum, provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Realistic, yet whimsical, illustrations fill each spread, focusing on each character's animated facial expressions. Nurse Penny will dazzle readers with her radiant personality, ladybug handbag, and butterfly-adorned nurse's outfit. Pair this title with Catherine Stier's Bugs in My Hair?! (Albert Whitman, 2008).-Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2013
What is wrong with Nurse Penny? Nurse Penny is a fantastic school nurse. She makes student patients feel better with a fist pump and a "Eureka!...We'll banish this trouble in no time!" One day, however, when Max, Tessa and Van are awaiting treatment, they notice Nurse Penny's usual smile has deserted her. They cheer her up, and that cheer gives her an idea that leads to a surprise all-school assembly about...lice. Nurse Penny lectures the whole school on lice: What they are, where they come from and how to get rid of them. She emphasizes that getting lice is not a sign of a dirty lifestyle and that anyone can get them...even a school nurse! She leaves to treat her problem, and on her return, Max and the other students have an artistic surprise for Nurse Penny. Though not nearly as ebullient as David Shannon's Bugs in My Hair! (2013), Stier's informational picture book is entertaining without being glib or foolish; it is an interesting-enough story as well as good instruction for prevention or bibliotherapy for those infected. Beaky's expressive and bright cartoon illustrations, mostly full-bleed, feature a multicultural cast and complement the text nicely. A page of lice facts follows the story. Might incite some sympathy scratching but worth inclusion in most collections. (Picture book. 4-7)

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