what we're reading now: cold and flu season edition

Thus far, the W household has been extremely fortunate to have completely avoided the flu (knocking on wood + quick prayers commencing).  This has been managed by a combination of flu shots, copious amounts of soap and sanitizers, and relentless avoidance of any individuals bearing the slightest hint of illness.  No such preparations, however, can totally eradicate that nasty demon, the common cold.  We know him intimately, and for a while there, it felt like he might take up residence permanently in our house.  Baby A suffered through a cold on an almost weekly basis pretty much from Thanksgiving to mid-January.  I had one of the worst colds I've had in years right after New Year's, and only two weeks after that, my SH and I were simultaneously blasted with yet another obnoxious cold.  Needless to say, there has been lots of tissue, nasal aspirating, and cuddles during the winter season around here.

Without further adieu, our favorite "home sick" books:

The Sniffles for Bear.  The series by Bonnie Becker is truly delightful.  I'll admit that I snatched up our first title, A Visitor for Bear, because I adored it.  I can now honestly tell you that Baby A does too.  Bear is rather melodramatic about his illness, reminding me of a certain dad that I know.  Of mine.  

Don't You Feel Well, Sam?  Easily one of the most popular books in our house, whether anyone is sick or not.  My little A even learned to cough on command because of poor stricken Sam.  We love all of Amy Hest's books, but I have a soft spot for this one because of its ending, when Mama Bear snuggles with Sam on her lap all night long, until the snow starts falling.  I always thought that sounded so cozy and wonderful.  I am lucky enough that A still spends a lot of time curled up in my lap, but I know those days won't last forever.  

Llama Llama Home with Mama.  Of course.  If I could count the number of times the word "llama" has been uttered by my little A, I would be a millionaire.  Several times over.  This particular book isn't my favorite of the series, but I like pulling it out when one of us isn't feeling well.

There are lots of other great "home sick" books, a short list of which I've included.  I just opted to write about the titles that we actually do read all the time, even when we're not sick.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee
How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?
Old Bear and His Cub
Patrick and the Get Well Day

Happy reading!