Official Review: When a sneeze was a sneeze by J. M. Verdi

[Laura Lee]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "When a sneeze was a sneeze" by J. M. Verdi.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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When A Sneeze Was A Sneeze is a very timely book written by J. M. Verdi. This book, written for children, addresses the social impact of living conditions when everyone must wear masks and maintain a social distance of six feet apart. While there is no storyline per se, When A Sneeze Was A Sneeze is invaluable in that it provides something more: affirmation for a child’s feelings of confusion when life is disrupted by lockdown restrictions and social distancing requirements.

The book begins with a comparison between what being sick was like before COVID-19 versus what it is like now. It discusses the changes children will see, such as increased hand washing, wearing masks, and social distancing, to name a few. The language used is simple and appropriate for toddlers.

The true value of the book is found in the opportunity it provides to have a discussion with children about the changes they are experiencing during the current pandemic. This is the element I liked best. In age-appropriate language, the reason for all the social changes is explained. Furthermore, the book validates a child’s feelings of confusion, frustration, and sadness over how lockdown restrictions impact his or her life. The book can be a springboard for further discussion, enabling a young child to put into words what he or she may have only felt but been unable to verbalize.

There were a few very minor issues with editing. For example, in a couple of places, a single sentence was punctuated as two sentences. However, there was nothing that made it difficult to understand what was being said. Aside from these minor issues, there was nothing I disliked or thought could use improvement. Another enjoyable aspect of this charming little book is the many illustrations beautifully rendered by Kat Spencer. Every page is covered in full-color illustrations.

I am pleased to give When A Sneeze Was A Sneeze four out of four stars. This straightforward discussion of big issues that impact little lives ending on a cheerful, hopeful note, all accompanied by beautiful illustrations, deserves nothing less. If you have a young child in your life, I heartily recommend this well-written children’s book as a useful tool in helping them understand the changes in their lives during this time of upheaval.

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When a sneeze was a sneeze
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[Kelyn]

I'll definitely be getting this one for my grandson. He was crushed when he couldn't have the large birthday party he's used to, and then trick-or-treating was canceled. How is a six-year-old supposed to understand, "The whole world could get sick if a lot of us get together."? I'm glad someone that someone thought to create a book like this. Excellent review, as always.

[Eutoc]

This is really interesting. A lot of author's would have gone more technical on this issue but Verdi didn't. The user friendliness of the book makes children understand that some of the irregularities they are experiencing isn't anyone's fault. That's encouraging.
Even as an adult I would love to read this also.

[PeterRabitt20]

I can empathize with the children in this story. Thanks for your enjoyable review.

[Deval Sodha]

Yes indeed now time has changed a lot and nowadays a sneeze is not just a sneeze and we all can not be carefree like before.
You wrote a wonderful review.

[Vivian Jabeya]

This is a wonderful book. I am glad that the author took his time to write it since it is suitable for children.

[MsH2k]

What a timely book. Oh, the days when someone near you sneezed, and your only response was “Bless you!”
Thank you for a lovely review.