Children’s Books with Poison Prevention Messaging

Bites and Stings byAlvin Silverstein, Nonfiction, Ages 8-10
This book discusses bites from insects, pets and wild animals, how the human body reacts to different types of bites, and how to treat and prevent bites and stings.

Clifford’s Spring Clean-Up by Norman Bridwell, Fiction, Ages 2-5
Watch out, it’s spring cleaning time, Clifford style. Although Clifford uses his tongue to clean windows, a discussion about types of cleaners the mother probably uses, where she keeps them and how to use them and stay safe could start here. The book ends on an Earth Day message that encourages us to keep the outdoors clean and safe, also. Read Aloud on YouTube.

Fancy Nancy: Poison Ivy Expert by Jane O’Connor, Fiction, Ages 4-8
Fancy Nancy thinks she is a poison ivy expert as she picks a bouquet of wildflowers. However, to her surprise experts can always learn something new. You will have to read the book to find out what happens to Fancy Nancy. As you read, this book can lead to a discussion about what poison ivy is, what it looks like and that even though some plants may look pretty they can still be poisonous. Read Aloud on YouTube.

Happy, Healthy, Lead-Free Me! By Gail C. Gettens and Knatalie Vetter, Nonfiction
This book is aimed at engaging children and educating parents on lead poisoning prevention and the importance of pediatric lead level testing. Read Aloud on YouTube.

Hog-Eye by Susan Meddaugh, Fiction, Ages 5-6
A little piggy gets caught by a big, bad wolf who makes plans for a tasty pig stew. Luckily, this is a resourceful little piggy who figures out the wolf cannot read and uses this to her advantage. You'll have to read the book to find out how poison ivy saves the day. While in real life, wolves do not own cookbooks and pigs do not talk, children do encourage each other to do things they should not, like roll around in poison ivy. A discussion about what one does in that situation and how, even though we may be encouraged to do it, it can still be bad or poisonous for us. Read Aloud on YouTube.

Let’s Talk About Poison Ivy by Melanie Apel Gordon, Nonfiction, Ages 6-8
A great book to read before summer vacation or for those children who are just plain curious outdoors. This book discusses how to identify poison ivy, how to prevent getting a rash, what the rash looks like and feels like, and how to best promote healing.

Little Yau: A Fuzzhead Tale by Janell Cannon, Fiction, Ages 5-8
Little Yau’s friend has been poisoned and is very sick. With guidance from the elder Fuzzheads, Little Yau goes on a search to find the plant that will create an antidote to save Trau’s life. This
book reinforces that poisons can make us sick, and it is important to ask adults for help so they can treat the sickness. 

Ouch! by Richard Walker, Nonfiction, Ages 8-14
From blistering bee stings to pus-filled pimples, this eye-popping book takes readers on a virtual tour of all the grossest, gooiest and most fascinating events that bodies have to endure. Featuring incredible 3-D graphics that reveal the action and body's response in microscopic detail, Ouch! combines kid-friendly gross-out value with cutting-edge anatomical and biological expertise.

Poison Alert!: My Tips to Avoid Danger Zones at Home by Gina Bellisario, Fiction, Ages 5-8
Big brother Matthew knows how to stay safe at home and is determined to rescue his brother from household poisons. As you read, this book could lead to discussions about what poisons are (household cleaners, medicines, plants, etc.), where they may be found and ways to help adults poison-proof the home. Read Aloud on youTube.

Poison! Beware! by Steve Skidmore, Nonfiction, Ages 7-10
Humorous illustrations accompany information about substances that are harmful, including bacteria, plants, animals and chemicals. Also instructs on what to do if you encounter a poison.

Poisons Make You Sick by Dorothy Chlag, Fiction, Ages 6-8
A little girl named Tammy explains why you should never put things in your mouth. This is a great book to read to pre-K or early readers to discuss poisons around the house. Read Aloud on YouTube.

Snow White, Fiction, Ages 5-8
There are many versions of this favorite fairy tale, but nearly all will contain a poisoned apple. Disaster befalls Snow White when she does not follow the instructions of the trusted dwarves and eats the apple. This story can prompt a discussion about how people can trick us and poisons can look harmless. Read Aloud on YouTube.

Taking Medicine (Looking After Me) by Liz Gogerly, Fiction, Ages 5-8
Jimmy tries to make his teddy bear all better by giving him some medicine. However, Jimmy soon learns that medicines are not magical and can actually cause harm if they are not taken properly. This book opens a great opportunity to talk about the importance of medicine safety, the different types of medicine and how to always ask an adult before taking medicine.

The Bubble Wrap Queen by Julia Cook, Fiction, Ages 4-8
Pairing up bubble wrap with personal safety rules: Who would have thought? Injury prevention with children has taken a whole new twist! The Bubble Wrap Queen uses the BASICS (Be aware and safe in common situations) to creatively address playground safety, poison control, automobile safety, bicycle safety and more. Includes parent safety tips. Endorsed by National Safety Pediatric Experts Dr. Marilyn Bull and Dr. Laura Jana.

The Kid’s Guide to First Aid by Karen Buhler Gale, Nonfiction, Ages 7-12
This book covers a wide range of situations needing first aid, including insect bites, stings and poison ivy. Poison is specifically addressed on pages 99-103 with facts, first aid and activities.

The Story of Babar by Jean deBrunhoff, Fiction, Ages 4-8
This story presents a wonderful opportunity to teach children to never eat a mushroom found outside. In this story, Babar the Elephant returns to the jungle and learns that the King of the
Elephants has died from eating a poisonous mushroom. The poison lesson comes from the line, “Alas, that very day, the King of the elephants had eaten a bad mushroom.” Read Aloud on Youtube.