Official Review: When a sneeze was a sneeze by J. M. Verdi
Posted: 04 Dec 2020, 10:40
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "When a sneeze was a sneeze" by J. M. Verdi.]
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
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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.
******
When a sneeze was a sneeze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
