Germs
Incubating time is up and that means Chickenpox, a.k.a Pox, 12087-2 now has to learn how to be a proper germ by attending the Germ Academy. Pox passes his medical exam, determining that he is indeed unhealthy enough to inflict severe illnesses on the unsuspecting public. He also meets his new roommates -- Pus specializes in mumps, Scab deals with throat sicknesses, Rash enjoys spreading measles, and Snot passes out the common cold.
Pox's four new "friends" are thrilled with their jobs and boastfully share their stories with him in their dorm after lights out. Pox doesn't understand. What's the fun in making children miserable?
For the next week Pox comes in last in all of his studies. He just can't get happy about making humans sick. When he sees a picture of Myrtle, his first mission, he can't get past how sweet-looking she is. He pleads with his superiors to abort this assignment, but his appeal falls on deaf ears. "Make 'er ill," he is ordered.
Pox is sent to Myrtle's room and finds his way inside her nose. In a short time he is surrounded by her immune system. After a heated discussion, Pox convinces the army that he is on their side and they better listen up.
The enemy germs invade and, with seconds to spare, Pox organizes a huge sneeze and out they tumble into another host. Thinking they are successful; Pus, Scab, Rash, and Snot settle in to infect. All too soon, they are enclosed by the immune army...of a dog!
Written and illustrated by Ross Collins, "Germs" gives a colorful, if fictitious, look at the life of a germ. It is loosely educational and entertaining for toddlers and elementary-aged children. The drawings are cute and a little gross, but their names alone should prepare the reader for that reality.
