Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sneeze from tiny panda packs big wallop in charming book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Chu may look like a harmless, adorable little panda, but when he sneezes, we're warned, bad things happen. His parents take him to a dusty library and a diner with lots of pepper in the air, all the while fretting over whether he might sneeze. He doesn't. At the circus, however, he has something to tell his parents but they're too distracted by the circus to hear. Chu lets loose with a powerful sneeze that gets their attention -- and everyone else's, too.
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Is It Any Good?
Neil Gaiman is a master of foreboding, and he puts that talent to gentler use in this charming little story for his youngest audience yet. Suspense builds -- what will happen when Chu sneezes?
Adam Rex's artwork brings the book to life, from the charming Chu in his aviator cap and goggles to the expressive details of the anthropomorphic animals. Rich colors and layers of detail will charm kids. Young readers will appreciate that Chu's parents hover over him all day, worrying that he might sneeze, but when he really needs their attention, they're utterly distracted.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why stories with animal character work so well with young readers. Is it more fun to read about a panda sneezing than a kid sneezing? How come?
Why doesn't Chu get in trouble when he causes a lot of destruction?
Chu's parents worry all day about whether he's going to sneeze, but when he tries to warn them at the circus they don't listen. Why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Adam Rex
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : January 8, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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