Partners in Slime

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the FOMO (fear of missing out) that comes with a long illness or a restrictive social 'label' like lice. It is the perfect remedy for the child who feels isolated or left behind while their friends are off having fun at parties or school events. The story follows the contrasting but equally messy lives of best friends Quinny and Hopper. Quinny is dealing with the itchy, social stigma of lice, while Hopper is stuck at home with a miserable case of tonsillitis. Through humor and alternating perspectives, the book explores how friendship sustains us during physically and emotionally uncomfortable times. It normalizes the 'gross' parts of childhood health while focusing deeply on loyalty and the anxiety of being replaced. For children aged 7 to 10, it offers a comforting, laugh-out-loud look at how true friends stay connected even when they are physically apart or feeling their worst. It is an excellent choice for building empathy and teaching kids how to support friends through minor crises.