At a time when the federal government is spreading harmful misinformation about vaccines, and states like Florida are moving to end vaccine mandates altogether, it’s more important than ever to share accurate information with children.

Picture books offer a powerful tool to counter this misinformation, grounding kids in truth while showing how vaccines keep us, and those we love, safe. The truth is, vaccines have saved countless lives throughout history, and have protected communities and families from devastating diseases.

To help you talk with your little learners about the protective power of vaccines, I’ve curated this bundle of picture books. Reading these stories together helps children understand why vaccines matter, and why protecting one another is both a necessity and our responsibility.

Picture Books Highlighting the Necessity of Vaccines

Find the full list on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below:

A Vaccine is Like a Memory by Rajani LaRocca | Explains how our bodies remember past illnesses and how vaccines help protect us from new ones. Shares the history of vaccines, how vaccines work, the effectiveness of vaccines, the use of vaccines during Covid-19, and the protective power of vaccines.

The Secret Life of Viruses by Mariona Tolosa Sisteré | Introduces kids to what viruses are, how they spread, and how our bodies fight them. With engaging facts about vaccines, pandemics, and staying healthy, this empowering book helps ease fears and gives children the tools to understand the science of viruses.

How do Vaccines Work? by Katrina Liu | Getting a shot can feel scary for kids, but this beautifully illustrated STEM picture book helps ease fears by explaining the science behind immunizations. With clear, engaging language, it prepares children for doctor visits while turning worry into curiosity and confidence.

Thank You, Dr. Salk! by Dean Robbins | Tells the story of Dr. Jonas Salk, the quiet and determined scientist who developed the polio vaccine. Motivated by the Jewish value of tikkun olam ~ healing the world ~ Salk dedicated his life to stopping the spread of disease. His groundbreaking discovery saved countless lives and changed history. An author’s note includes additional insight into Dr. Salk’s life and influences, and the history of vaccines.

Baby Medical School: Vaccines by Cara Florence | An educational board book introduces kids to how vaccines work and why they’re important for protecting against measles, flu, COVID, and more. With engaging illustrations and simple explanations, it empowers young readers to approach doctor visits with courage and curiosity while sparking a love of science.

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What We’re Reading this Week

A mini update of what’s being read in our household (and to keep us accountable to reading for fun!)

Me: Dive by John David Anderson

Husband: $100M Money Models by Alex Hormozi (still very into this)

Toddler: Songs that Go by Cottage Door Press (Plays vehicle themed songs and the pages share the lyrics)

Baby: Indestructible: Baby Loves Fall (She can chew, bite, and pull on this book to her hearts content ~ and it stays indestructible!)

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Be on the lookout for this upcoming week’s bonus book lists!

Happy Reading,

Maya