Noses Are Not for Picking

October 13, 2014
This ninth title in the Best Behavior series aims to guide readers’ fingers away from that most tempting of targets in the center of their faces. “Noses are for sniffing, mmmm,” writes Verdick. “But noses are not for picking, and fingers are not for licking!” (“Yuck,” thinks a pet cat in the chunky accompanying cartoon, as a curly-haired boy sticks out his tongue in disgust.) Didactic by design, the book provides children with reasons to avoid picking their noses (avoiding germs), alternatives (“Pick a tissue not your nose”), and extensive suggestions for parents wrangling with this particular habit at home. Up to age 3.

December 1, 2014

PreS-K-These simple, straightforward guides are a boon to parents, daycare providers, and nursery school teachers, gently reinforcing best practices and reassuring toddlers and preschoolers that they are in control of their bodies and their health. The rhyming texts and appealing art contribute to the positive and affirming messages. The first title, now available in English and in Spanish, explains how and why to use the potty and encourages kids with practical advice to try and to succeed. The second title explains what noses do and why it's important to use tissues: "Blow. Toss./Wash and dry./Tell those germs good-bye." Both books offer tips for parents and caregivers at the end. An excellent series.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The latest addition to the Best Behaviors series encourages little ones to "Pick a tissue, not your nose."/p> The opening spreads inform readers that noses are for breathing and sniffing but not for picking. The rhyming text, with a couple of clever lines, describes using a tissue, throwing the tissue away and washing hands to "Tell those germs good-bye." Heinlen's art, which is a step above other titles of this instructive, didactic ilk, uses a diverse cast of cartoon kids and grown-ups to model appropriate behaviors, rendering them with a bold black line and warm colors. The last two pages offer extensive tips for parents and caregivers on ways to gently discourage nose-picking through modeling, respect, redirection and persistence. A positive approach to a difficult subject. (Board book. 2-4) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2015
The latest addition to the Best Behaviors series encourages little ones to "Pick a tissue, not your nose."The opening spreads inform readers that noses are for breathing and sniffing but not for picking. The rhyming text, with a couple of clever lines, describes using a tissue, throwing the tissue away and washing hands to "Tell those germs good-bye." Heinlen's art, which is a step above other titles of this instructive, didactic ilk, uses a diverse cast of cartoon kids and grown-ups to model appropriate behaviors, rendering them with a bold black line and warm colors. The last two pages offer extensive tips for parents and caregivers on ways to gently discourage nose-picking through modeling, respect, redirection and persistence. A positive approach to a difficult subject. (Board book. 2-4)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.