Germs!

Reach for this book when your child is in a 'gross-out' phase or struggling with a touch of sibling envy. It is a perfect choice for the early elementary reader who needs to see that their messy, imperfect impulses are shared by others. The stories follow Dirty Bertie, a boy whose habits are questionable but whose adventures are relatable. Through tales of trying to catch a cold to skip school and navigating a dance contest with his grandmother, the book explores themes of family dynamics and self-acceptance. While the humor leans heavily into the 'yuck factor,' the underlying emotional arc touches on the desire for attention and the awkwardness of growing up. It is a lighthearted, low-pressure read that validates a child's sense of humor while subtly reinforcing the value of family bonds. Parents will appreciate how it turns everyday hygiene struggles and sibling squabbles into moments of shared laughter rather than lectures.