Iris finds out that having a stomach virus is exhausting, especially when her brother, Doug, lets her know that she always gets sick at the wrong time. The sibling rivalry and misunderstanding of what germs are when they are called bugs unfold in this lighthearted story of Iris’s ordinary illness and her unfounded concerns. Arlene Alda’s engaging prose, interspersed with rhyming couplets and complemented by the quirky, vibrant cut-paper collage illustrations of artist Lisa Desimini, make this book a must-have for any child who has ever had more than a runny nose. Kindergarten-Grade 2—When Iris feels tired and sick, she goes to the doctor and learns that she has "a nasty bug." In her fevered state, she has strange dreams about different kinds of colorful bugs that walk and talk. Her dad explains that her virus-causing bug is a germ that can be seen only through a microscope. On Saturday, she feels well enough to go to her grandfather's party, but wonders where her bug went. The answer becomes immediately clear when, on the way, her brother suddenly feels sick. Alda's amusing text is a combination of rhyming couplets interspersed with prose that is sometimes awkward when read aloud: "In bed—/She tried to read her storybook,/but fell asleep before a look/at even the first page." Desimini's cut-paper collage and digital art is full of emotion, and a spread showing Iris asleep is lighthearted while evoking the strange quality that dreams can take. In a simple way, this book explains what makes children sick.— Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Home sick with a stomach virus, Iris feels especially bad after her brother Doug seems less worried about her and more worried about missing their Grandpa’s upcoming weekend birthday. After resting through the week, Iris is finally better on Saturday, but on the way to visit Grandpa, the family has to turn back toward home: Doug has the bug now. Alda sensitively captures a kid’s viewpoint on illness, from the frustration of missing potential fun to the misery of doctor’s visits and dealing with a not-so-sympathetic sibling. The straightforward text is enlivened with occasional, if somewhat erratic, rhyming couplets (Her head was hot. / She threw up in pot), as well as a fancifully rendered dream spread that explores the meaning of bug. The colorful paper-collage illustrations incorporate whimsical perspectives and scenarios. Along with a basic description of what happens when a child suffers an illness, the story also includes elements such as a teacher’s discussion about hand-washing and Dad’s explanation of viruses, all of which can provide starting points to discuss precautions to avoid illness. Grades K-3. --Shelle Rosenfeld Praise for Did You Say Pears?: “As entertaining as it is aesthetically pleasing.” — Publishers Weekly Praise for The Book of ZZZs: “. . . delightful . . . The Book of ZZZs gives us an intimate glimpse at these creatures . . . these photos will warm your heart, tickle your funny bone and, perhaps, urge you to nod off yourself.” – Today’s Parent Arlene Alda is an award-winning photographer and writer whose work has appeared in numerous galleries, as well as Life , Vogue , and People magazines. She is the author of thirteen children’s books, including Here a Face, There a Face , Did You Say Pears , The Book of ZZZs , and Morning Glory Monday , illustrated by Maryann Kovalski. Her photographs are featured in 97 Orchard Street, New York , written by Linda Granfield. A native New Yorker, Arlene Alda is the proud grandmother of eight. She lives on Long Island with her husband, actor Alan Alda. Lisa Desimini is a graduate from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Since then she has written and illustrated over thirty books for children. Her award-winning books include My House , which was deemed a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, I Am Running Away , a Bologna Book Fair honor book, and Love Letters , a Publishers Weekly Best Picture Book of the Year, BCCB Blue Ribbon Book, and School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Lisa Desimini and her husband divide their time between NYC and Northport.