It’s that season—the sniffling, sneezing, coughing cacophony of wintery colds. Your household may have already been hit. And, yes, it may be hit again. The germ mafia is on the loose.
So what’s a parent to do? Well, you can ensconce yourself in Purell and pull that germy Kindergartener on your lap. SICK SIMON by Dan Krall is here to delight and educate you both with disgustingly charming clarity.
Kids love oozing yuckiness and ridiculously-behaving characters, so you can say SICK SIMON has it all.
Simon begins his week thinking it will be the best ever! But his nose becomes a bulbous faucet of green slime. An eerie radioactive glow surrounds him as he trudges through school. His sneezes coat the classroom in a putrid fog. Kids shriek and escape in horror-movie-style terror.
Simon remains germed up as the school eventually empties, leaving Friday’s highly-anticipated kickball game with just one player—the baron of bacteria himself, Sick Simon.
Of course, the germs are THRILLED. They hail Sick Simon as their hero!
Author-illustrator Dan Krall even drew these microscopic cretins of crustiness with amazing accuracy. Just look at these guys and their real-life counterparts!
Being that we are obsessed with story ideas on this blog, I asked Dan what prompted his newly-released viral sensation. It was none other than his young daughter, who became a bacterial beacon as soon as she began school. (We parents know this all too well.)
I asked Dan if we could see early incarnations of his main character. Was his nose always so gross?
You betcha!
GROSS is GREAT. Kids love it.
And you’ll love it, too, because SICK SIMON teaches kids how colds and viruses get around in an entertaining, silly, slimy way. You’ve got a hapless character, oozing greenish gooeyness, and grateful germs.
And, if you leave a comment below, SICK SIMON may show up on your doorstep!
Don’t worry, though–we’ll wash it off with an antibacterial wipe first. We’ll throw in a laminated poster, tissues and hand sanitizer to ensure you stay healthy, too.
Dan Krall is an author, illustrator, and an animator. He worked as a character designer on the popular films How to Train Your Dragon and Coraline. He was also the art director for the television shows Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated; Chowder; and Samurai Jack; as well as a Development Artist for Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, The PowerPuff Girls, and Dexter’s Laboratory. He lives with his wife and daughter in Los Angeles.
His newest book, SICK SIMON, is available now from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
158 comments
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January 15, 2015 at 11:41 am
danielle hammelef
I love this kind of book and humor. This is a must read for me. Thanks for telling us about the book and for the giveaway.
January 15, 2015 at 11:42 am
Irene
What a timely review of this book. It seems everyone around me is sneezing and coughing and it’s not just the little noses. This book puts a fun and informative spin to this seasonal sneeze fest.
January 15, 2015 at 11:42 am
writeknit
This is delightfully horrible! Sure to be a winner for kids, parents and teachers 🙂
January 15, 2015 at 11:43 am
Sue Poduska
Thanks for highlighting this important scientific tome.
January 15, 2015 at 11:43 am
gayleckrause
Kids love gross! This sounds like he hit the jackpot! Good luck.
January 15, 2015 at 11:44 am
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner
Snoterific! I’m sure it will be a bestseller!
January 15, 2015 at 11:45 am
Sandy Perlic
Oh my goodness: what a clever book. Disgusting, but clever. Kids will love it! Thanks for the hilarious review.
January 15, 2015 at 11:51 am
Susie
What a great idea! I had a student, poor thing, who always had green slime dripping. Kids will love this. Thanks for the review
January 15, 2015 at 11:52 am
Sarah Kilfoil
My students will love this book!
January 15, 2015 at 11:53 am
Sheri Roloff
I love the depictions of the germs! Can’t wait to check this one out. 🙂
January 15, 2015 at 11:59 am
Kim Sebastian
You’d think booger humor in kidlit has grown old but Dan’s book proves it’SNOT (haha- get it??) Can’t wait to share it with my germy critters on their next sick day home!!!
January 15, 2015 at 12:03 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
OH how I wish I had this book to teach Kindergarteners with! SUCH a good idea.
January 15, 2015 at 12:04 pm
mona861
Slimey, grimey….uggghh-yuck!!!! (not from a kid’s pov, as you can see!)
January 15, 2015 at 12:04 pm
Joseph Miller
Great idea!
January 15, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Angie Quantrell
Love it! Kids will love the grossness, too!
January 15, 2015 at 12:10 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
What a fun way to teach kids about germs! Thanks for bringing this book to my attention!
January 15, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Doris Fisher
Ickiness sells! Can’t wait to read this germy book!
January 15, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Rita Antoinette Borg
It’s good that it educates children on germs and how not to get sick
January 15, 2015 at 12:16 pm
pathaap
Gross, gooey – what isn’t there to like! Love it and I know kids will too!
January 15, 2015 at 12:21 pm
yangmommy
“Sick Simon” looks like a perfectly gross book to read, especially given the time of year! I just want to slather my hands in sanitizer right now 🙂 Kids will enjoy this so much!
January 15, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Janny J Johnson
Well, Dan, this totally grosses me out, so that means my grandkids will LOVE it!
January 15, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Wendi Silvano
I love to see the evolution of characters! Thanks for sharing this book!
January 15, 2015 at 12:41 pm
Heather Hatch
Nice work. Between the covers… can’t think of a better place I’d like sick germs to be, this season!
January 15, 2015 at 12:43 pm
Diana-Marie Bombardieri
Gross is where it’s at! Awesome! There’s nothing kids like more. Definitely a clever idea and I’m sure it’ll adorn many children’s book shelves 🙂
January 15, 2015 at 12:45 pm
writerjodimoore
LOL! This is infectious. 😀
January 15, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Tara Lazar
Ooooh, good one, Jodi!
January 15, 2015 at 12:46 pm
martymi6
Funny, fun & informative. A great combo. Ideas are truly everywhere.
January 15, 2015 at 12:49 pm
shiela fuller
I noticed the pun “viral sensation.” How appropriate!! This looks like a fun book to bring awareness to cold and flu season!
January 15, 2015 at 12:54 pm
winemama
Love it, thanks for sharing Tara!
January 15, 2015 at 1:02 pm
cantsing1
Sounds just like boy humor ; ) My grandson would love it. Good yuck!
January 15, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Natasha
Good info for children, described with yucky humor!
January 15, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Charlotte
What a wonderful way to “hide” some important personal health lessons inside a wrapper of grossness. Brilliant! Should not only be in classrooms, but also in doctors’ offices everywhere! Translate it and spread the word – not the germs – to kids in other countries, too!
January 15, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Buffy Silverman
Oh what a slimy sensation! Love those germy critters.
January 15, 2015 at 1:18 pm
Dana Murphy
This couldn’t be more timely, could it? Achoo. Kids would love this book for all it’s grossness. They might learn a little something too.
January 15, 2015 at 1:35 pm
Lori Alexander
Love this idea! What a fitting winter release.
January 15, 2015 at 1:35 pm
Dawn Young
Cute book. Hopefully kids will read the Prevention tips too and do what “Simon says” 😉
January 15, 2015 at 1:36 pm
bucherwurm65
This is the PERFECT book to read to my kindergarten class! I love this idea!!
January 15, 2015 at 1:39 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Sick Simon is scandalously sensational. Drip on, dude!
January 15, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Carleen Tjader
Children will love this book…so will I!
January 15, 2015 at 1:53 pm
Carol Jones
Kids love stuff that’s gross. Can’t wait to see the whole book.
January 15, 2015 at 1:55 pm
nicole popel
Aaaachooooo!
January 15, 2015 at 1:55 pm
Laurie Theurer
The only thing better than potty humor is snot humor! And loving the prevention tips for kids. 🙂
January 15, 2015 at 2:09 pm
topangamaria
OMG This looks so SIC!!!LOL
January 15, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Maria Bostian
LOVE the illustrations!
January 15, 2015 at 2:27 pm
Karen Calloway
Slime truly is a beautiful thing, and this book sounds grossly wonderful. Nice review, Tara!
January 15, 2015 at 2:37 pm
marlainagray
This is totally gross and I love it. Also, Dan appears to have worked on a lot of TV shows and films that I love (“Powerpuff Girls,” “Coraline”), so thanks for that!
January 15, 2015 at 2:44 pm
kathydoherty1
I. LOVE. SICK. SIMON!
January 15, 2015 at 2:46 pm
gweddle
What a great idea!
January 15, 2015 at 2:51 pm
Wendy
If it is too gross, I will read with one closed.
January 15, 2015 at 2:54 pm
Andrea Allen
What a fabulous idea!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on this one 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
January 15, 2015 at 2:55 pm
Kristin
Eww! This is disgusting. (My kids will love it!) This author has done a lot of TV work. My boys love all his shows, especially Fosters. Obviously, Krall knows his target market!
January 15, 2015 at 3:02 pm
Matt Tesoriero
I love a bugger of a story! Love the illustrations. Great job Dan!
January 15, 2015 at 3:03 pm
Doris Stone
This sounds like a book I need to get my grandson!
January 15, 2015 at 3:15 pm
Kelly Hochbein
This is hilarious (and all to familiar!).
January 15, 2015 at 3:42 pm
daynesislendesign
What every family needs. I love all the tie in merchandise.
January 15, 2015 at 3:42 pm
Joanne Toft
Perfect! Could have used this book this morning!
January 15, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Donna Rossman
Wow Sick Simon looks great!! Love it! Love it! Love it!
January 15, 2015 at 3:59 pm
Pat Miller
I foresee thousands of copies–covered with crud–circulating and read frequently. Thanks for this latest attack on germs!
January 15, 2015 at 4:13 pm
aliciaminor
Somebody went the sick route? Why not? The grosser, the better. Congrats! More gross ideas.
January 15, 2015 at 4:18 pm
cartwomey
this book sounds fab! Looking forward to reading it!!
January 15, 2015 at 4:24 pm
Erika Hitchcock
Love the illustrations!
January 15, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Anne Bromley
This one is a keeper! Thank you, Dan, and thank you Tara, for sharing this fun read.
January 15, 2015 at 4:36 pm
jeanjames
I’m a nurse, and a mother, so I am constantly surrounded by Sick Simons. I love this idea, and will definitely be adding it to our bedtime reading!! Very clever!
January 15, 2015 at 5:10 pm
akronwald
Yes. A disgustingly wonderful idea.
January 15, 2015 at 5:15 pm
marciecolleen
Oh my goodness! This looks amazing! I love the horror-movie style. Too funny! It looks sure to be a fun read.
January 15, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
This book sounds hilarious! My little ones would definitely get into this kind of thing! Thanks for sharing.
January 15, 2015 at 5:33 pm
Ally Canning
Great review! SICK SIMON sounds like a totally rad picture book! I can see my grand kids delightedly grossing-out already.
January 15, 2015 at 5:33 pm
Keila Dawson
Really cool idea! Our indie children’s bookstore is owned by a pediatrician. He will love this book.
January 15, 2015 at 5:44 pm
Romelle Broas
Sick Simon. LOVE IT! My son is just learning about viruses in school. This would make learning about it more fun. Thanks for the wonderful review, Tara!
January 15, 2015 at 6:07 pm
tinamcho
I think every parent and teacher will want this! Looks hilarious yet at the same time very informative for kids! Thanks for sharing!
January 15, 2015 at 6:07 pm
naomimgruer
Slimey, yucky, gooey, sneezy–so fun!
January 15, 2015 at 6:21 pm
Stephan Stuecklin
I’d love to introduce my kids to Simon, King of Snot!
January 15, 2015 at 6:35 pm
Annette
Horrible enough=wonderful!
January 15, 2015 at 7:06 pm
Jennette Mutolo
Disgusting, funny, and informative! What could be better?!?!
January 15, 2015 at 7:08 pm
DaNeil
Ick! But my students will love it. 🙂
January 15, 2015 at 7:08 pm
Rebecca Sheraton
Looks funny. Kids will love this
January 15, 2015 at 7:16 pm
LovableLobo
The ewwier the better!
January 15, 2015 at 7:18 pm
jodelle55
This seems like a great idea. I can’t wait to read it.
January 15, 2015 at 7:30 pm
Cecilia Clark
ew and yuck and oh kids do love slimy and gross. That is why Roald Dahl was so popular.
January 15, 2015 at 7:40 pm
lindamartinandersen
Sick Simon is needed in every home, preschool, and elementary school. Now, that would be a tall order! A hit for sure!
January 15, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Cathy Breisacher
The picture of Sick Simon cracks me up. Kids will definitely love this.
January 15, 2015 at 8:43 pm
carolmunrojww
I want to read this book! Right now! Poor Simon. Poor schoolmates. It’s going to be a classic, Dan.
And I love the education about germs. My husband is currently wearing the strand of blue pearls. I’m going to go show him how his germs look.
January 15, 2015 at 9:07 pm
Jim Chaize
Looks like a great story! As you wrote, kids love gross. Definitely want to read this.
January 15, 2015 at 9:45 pm
Sandi Lawson
I love it! (Giggling)
January 15, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Virginia Law Manning
Reminds me of Babette Cole’s “Dr. Dog.” I love your Protozoa!
January 15, 2015 at 10:18 pm
Jill
My daughter just asked tonight what is bacteria!
January 15, 2015 at 11:04 pm
Christie Wright Wild
I have a nephew named Simon. But he’s healthy. : )
January 15, 2015 at 11:21 pm
Michael Vogel
Dan what perfect timing for Sickapalooza! Sick Simon is a brilliant idea.
January 16, 2015 at 12:01 am
Carrie Charley Brown
It’ snot what you do…It’s how you do it! THIS is a cool way to teach! 🙂
January 16, 2015 at 12:21 am
Sharon Giltrow
Great idea for a story….. I would have sent Sick Simon home but maybe he got the teacher sick before she could :-). Great way to teach children about how germs spread
January 16, 2015 at 12:37 am
rgstones
This is right up my kids’ alley. 🙂
January 16, 2015 at 12:42 am
Teresa Daffern
Love it! As a Kindergarten teacher, I can totally identify with this scenario.
January 16, 2015 at 12:56 am
Patricia Tilton
What a great idea for a book. Love it!
January 16, 2015 at 2:37 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
Oh, I think Sick Simon is a member of my class! (Yes, I work in the Petrie dish that is elementary school.)
January 16, 2015 at 7:06 am
Alberto Martín "NiñoCactus"
Really funny. Love those germs!
January 16, 2015 at 7:22 am
Ali Pfautz
Completely, fabulously gross and brilliant! Love it!
January 16, 2015 at 8:40 am
Nancy Tupper Ling
Boy do we need this at our library. Everyone’s been falling like flies. Eww!
January 16, 2015 at 10:02 am
Sheri Rad
Wow, an illustrator author, makes it interesting. This book could be a great classroom read, now I see why people are home schooling.
January 16, 2015 at 11:55 am
Jabeen
I love the topic! As soon as my kids started kindergarten I found myself arming myself and them with globs of Purel, I can totally relate to this story.
January 16, 2015 at 12:12 pm
kathalsey
Those germs ARE gross and real. Great topic for science and health classes. i’d love to see these germinators on my doorstep.
January 16, 2015 at 12:23 pm
claireannette1
Awesome book! Perfect timing since our school is a breeding ground for all these germs.
January 16, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Sandee Abern
I catch everything from my grandchildren….but from them, it is okay! After three weeks of coughing, sneezing and a dripping nose, I can’t wait to get ahold of this book and read it to my munchkins,,,,
January 16, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Mary Warth
With the flu flying all around town this is the perfect book to feature. Love it!
January 16, 2015 at 2:04 pm
sardyhar
I’m so squeamish about this sort of thing that I don’t know if I could write about anything “slime” related, but I find it fascinating to know how drawn to and entertained kids are by this. You are a brave author (in my mind) to take it on.
January 16, 2015 at 2:13 pm
Karen Lawler
YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!! I love gross books that are real at the same time!! You hit the nail on the head and taught a lesson.Mystudents and grandchildren will LOVE IT ! Thank you. 🙂
January 16, 2015 at 2:20 pm
QuinnC
Wahoo! Alphabet Puke: Monsters Medicine A-Z has a playmate. We should set up a play date. 🙂
January 16, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Shirley Timberlake Fadden
Terrific characters and premise. Can’t wait to see!
January 16, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Freckled Daisy Creations
Science, art, health and picture book all rolled into one?! Yes please!
January 16, 2015 at 6:53 pm
jngallaher
I love the tissues and hand sanitizer to go along with the book! Brilliant!
January 17, 2015 at 10:41 am
Rosie Taylor
Gross, icky, and Oh-so-much fun!!!
January 17, 2015 at 5:11 pm
stephaniegeckle
Ew. Love it!
January 17, 2015 at 5:43 pm
Kristi Dee Veitenheimer
Oh, wow! What kid wouldn’t want to read this book?? How fun!
January 17, 2015 at 5:53 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Loved this humor as a kid. Still laugh at it now that I have grandkids! 😀
January 17, 2015 at 6:01 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Come on Sick Simon! Show up on my doorstep! I can take it! Bring it on! Thanks for the give-way and awesome look at Sick Simon 🙂
January 17, 2015 at 7:23 pm
Ellen Sirianni
This sounds like a great book. I can’t wait to read it!
January 17, 2015 at 7:23 pm
jdewdropsofink
Awesome. Kids will not forget the lesson in this easily at all. For that matter, I probably won’t either. That drippy nose is ingrained on my eyeballs.
January 17, 2015 at 7:49 pm
Debbie Smart
Kids will love this book! 🙂
January 17, 2015 at 8:14 pm
Juliana Lee
Can’t wait to get my hands on this. A personal copy mailed directly to my door would cut down on my chances of picking up germs on a library or bookstore copy. That would be awesome!
January 17, 2015 at 8:35 pm
Chana Stiefel
That is one fabulous schnoz! Well done! Can’t wait to read your new book!
January 17, 2015 at 9:23 pm
Caroline Lee Webster (@uncoverthepearl)
Sounds great!
January 17, 2015 at 10:53 pm
erikammon
OMG, this is perfect for my classroom! Win or lose, it’s going to be on our shelf!
January 18, 2015 at 12:19 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Looking forward to reading all about Sick Simon. This looks like a fun read aloud for the classroom. ~Suzy Leopold
January 18, 2015 at 9:28 am
PJ McIlvaine
Simon is always getting a bad rap. He’s simple, now he’s sick.
January 18, 2015 at 9:36 am
Michelle Rothstein
It’s true that kids love ooey, gooey, smelly, stuff..the messier, and noisier, the better! Good job..and wash those hands!!
January 18, 2015 at 12:55 pm
sherry alexander
We just spent a week with our own Sick Simones, and neither one could understand why they were not welcomed at school. What a great book for kids.
January 18, 2015 at 10:24 pm
Bonnie
Omg, it looks so gross! Of course my boys love gross!
January 19, 2015 at 4:36 am
Anne Lei-Yeung So
Great resource for elementary classrooms 😉
January 19, 2015 at 8:58 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
This sounds amazingly awesome!
January 19, 2015 at 9:16 am
Carol Gordon Ekster
Teachers will absolutely love sharing this with their classrooms!
January 19, 2015 at 10:43 am
elainekielykearns
This is great! I can’t wait to read it! Thanks, Tara!
January 19, 2015 at 4:34 pm
Christy Peterson
Love the use of a fun, gross story to teach about infection. 🙂
January 19, 2015 at 6:11 pm
Bethany Roberts
Such a clever idea with great kid-appeal!
January 19, 2015 at 7:09 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Sounds like something kids should read. Very clever indeed
January 21, 2015 at 4:37 pm
Tracy Molitors
What a funny (and disturbingly accurate) idea! Can’t wait to read it.
January 22, 2015 at 1:46 pm
lucy elliott
Omg! So awesome!
January 22, 2015 at 3:24 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
This looks like a winner to me! The grosser the better for my two youngest boys:)
January 23, 2015 at 3:08 pm
darlenebeckjacobson
What a fun way to teach kids about germs and how to prevent illness. Love the Talking “cooties”!
January 23, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
I have this on hold at my library for when it comes in! I can’t wait to read it.
January 25, 2015 at 6:58 pm
Pam Miller
You have written a book for children, indeed. I’ve heard too much discussion about snot, myself, this week, but children never tire of laughing and being grossed out. Can’t wait to read your version to them. Love it!
January 27, 2015 at 6:13 am
n2teaching
I can see why this children’s book should go viral! Love Gross-Out humor. I would appreciate the opportunity to use this story with its poster and other materials as an introduction to “Microbes are Everywhere” lesson series!
January 27, 2015 at 11:39 am
Tracey M. Cox
Hi Tara!
I wanted you to know that I think your blog RAWKS! I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Go to my blog to see: http://wp.me/pab6o-o0
January 29, 2015 at 7:49 am
megmillerwrites
LOL! Oh man… My kids would love this! No wonder Sick Simon scared everyone away, his nose is creepy!! 😀 Thanks for the chuckle Tara and Dan!
January 29, 2015 at 10:07 am
Susan Cabael
Dripping with germy brilliance! Can’t wait to read it.
January 30, 2015 at 9:51 am
Nancy Segal
I LOVE THIS BOOK! It’s gross and disgusting and the most “educational” book I could read! I’m an elementary librarian and this will be my lesson for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders–hoping that they get the message!!!
January 31, 2015 at 8:37 pm
lindaschueler
This looks awesome! A teaching tool that is also hilarious.
February 1, 2015 at 7:11 am
Lea
This book looks amazing! Just the kind of book my students, boys in particular, will love!
February 6, 2015 at 1:50 pm
cantsing1
Can’t believe I won this! Thanks! v-
February 7, 2015 at 12:35 am
Carol Woodson
I know my grandchildren will love this and it looks like it might actually get them to practice good hygiene–nothing else has worked!
January 5, 2016 at 4:10 pm
Kim
I’m going to read this book after winter break in the library to my K-2 classes. What better way to reinforce how germ are spread. I love the humor and the gross drawings. My 7 and 9 year old kids love this book and know it will be a favorite at my school!
December 6, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Rachel Adams
Hope to use this in my school. Thanks!
January 14, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Lori Crabtree
Getting ready to use this book with K-5 graders.
March 21, 2019 at 11:54 pm
Ana
I can’t wait to use it with my students
September 2, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Rikki Procter
Just ordered the book from amazon! I’m a school nurse KG-4th and cannot wait to read this to my kids this week! Came online looking for extra trips/activities to teach about Sick Simon this week – anything would be helpful! It’s going to be a fun week learning about germs!
September 2, 2020 at 6:41 pm
Lisa Dickens
My friend introduced this book to me yesterday and it is perfect for a Covid-19 discussion in my second grade classroom! Love it!
October 12, 2020 at 9:44 am
April Williams
I just learned about this book and am reading it to my student (special ed) today!
September 2, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Brittany
Super cute book and activities. I’m doing this for my project for the boys and girls club.
January 21, 2023 at 10:07 am
Noreen Sands
This book is such a great way to teach about germs. Add a few activities such as making your own germ out of a coffee filter, markers and water in a spray bottle can teach how germs spread. You can also make a paper germ or nose and laminate it then color it with dry erase markers . Next have the children use a tissue to clean the germ and/or nose
January 23, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Such a great idea to share an important topic in a humorous way.
Suzy Leopold