Ruthie and James are best friends and classmates in Miss Bee's class. Last week, James had to stay home because he had the flu. When he returns to class, Ruthie is excited but cautious to welcome him back.

"Miss Bee?" Ruthie asks. "How do we make sure we don't get sick like James was?"

Miss Bee gathers her class for a discussion on developing habits that will prevent the spread of germs and help the class stay healthy. With an exploration of what her students do outside school--like play outside, go to birthday parties, visit parks and petting zoos--Miss Bee demonstrates how washing hands, taking baths, brushing teeth, sneezing and coughing into elbows, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep leads to feeling good physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In I Can Wash Up!, author and illustrator Meg Walters presents parents, teachers, and caregivers with the tools needed to teach the children in their lives about basic hygiene in hopes that they will grow into healthy, smart adults. It's important that children find the right balance between being mindful about cleanliness and the importance of exploring their worlds.