Parents' Guide to

Chu's Day

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Sneeze from tiny panda packs big wallop in charming book.

Book Neil Gaiman Picture Book 2013
Chu's Day Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

NadaVD
NadaVD Parent of 2-year-old
September 22, 2018
age 2+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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