Every parent has seen it — that moment when a child’s nose begins to run, and instead of reaching for a tissue, they wipe it on their sleeve with a grin. It’s a scene that’s both innocent and exasperating, and for many parents, it leads to the same weary refrain: “Please, use a tissue!” But what if that small, messy moment could become a teaching opportunity instead of a battle? What if it could even make a child laugh while they learn? That’s the magic that Cheryl C. Walls captures in Child Life Lesson 101: The Freckle Gifting Tooth Fairy, A Toot, and The Snoggles. Within this collection of three whimsical tales, one story in particular—The Snoggles—transforms the everyday sneeze into a playful lesson about hygiene, self-awareness, and imagination.
Walls understands something that many educators and parents know intuitively: children learn best when they’re having fun. Through her creative, giggle-filled storytelling, she doesn’t lecture or scold. Instead, she opens a door to understanding by inviting children to imagine a world just beyond their noses—literally. In The Snoggles, readers are introduced to tiny, mischievous creatures who come to visit when children have the sniffles or a sneeze. They are curious, lighthearted beings who love to play but tend to make a bit of a mess while they’re at it. As Walls writes, “Snoggles love children, big and small, but sometimes they’re curious and run away without a care at all.” These lines immediately set the tone: gentle, funny, and filled with affection for childhood’s quirks. What makes the story work so beautifully is that it takes a moment most adults see as bothersome and turns it into an adventure. Instead of sighing over another runny nose, a parent can read about Snoggles and smile. Suddenly, a child isn’t being told to wipe their nose—they’re being invited to help the Snoggles find their way home by using a tissue. Through laughter and imagination, Walls transforms frustration into cooperation.
For children between ages three and eight—the age group Walls writes for—this approach is powerful. At that stage, they are curious explorers who learn most effectively through stories and play. Abstract rules like “stay clean” or “use a tissue” can feel boring or meaningless. But when those same ideas are wrapped inside a story about silly little Snoggles, they suddenly make sense. It becomes a game, not a command. Walls’s playful language keeps the story engaging. Her rhymes dance off the page and invite children to participate: “So if you have a running nose or a big fat sneeze, Don’t just rub it on your shirt or sleeve. Say, ‘Hey! I’ve got some Snoggles. Could you bring me a tissue, please?’” It’s easy to imagine a child reciting those lines at home or in a classroom, laughing as they reach for a tissue. That sense of ownership—of being part of the story—is what makes The Snoggles such an effective teaching tool.
Walls’s work shows her strong understanding of how stories shape learning. Before The Snoggles, she had already shown her gift for blending humor and heart in The Freckle Gifting Tooth Fairy and A Toot. Each of those stories finds magic in ordinary experiences—losing a tooth, passing a toot—and turns them into life lessons told through laughter. The Snoggles continues that tradition by encouraging cleanliness, empathy, and self-awareness in a way that never feels forced or dull. In truth, the story is about more than just sneezes and tissues—it’s about teaching through connection. Walls’s approach comes from the belief that when adults meet children in their world of imagination, the lessons learned go deeper. A parent could say, “Don’t wipe your nose on your shirt,” and that moment will pass. But if they say, “The Snoggles are back—quick, grab a tissue before they escape!” the lesson sticks because it’s tied to play.
This technique—using imagination to shape behavior—is something early childhood educators have long recognized as one of the most effective ways to teach. It builds intrinsic motivation. Instead of obeying out of fear of punishment, children act because they want to, because it’s fun, or because they feel empathy for the imaginary creatures in their story. Walls harnesses this perfectly. She gives children a reason to care, turning responsibility into adventure. The warmth of The Snoggles also comes from the author’s personal touch. Like all her stories, it was inspired by her real experiences as a mother. In her dedication, Walls shares memories of her daughter Meredith—curious, brave, and full of imagination. Those moments of wonder and laughter inspired her to write stories that teach without preaching, stories that let children see themselves in the pages. The Snoggles is a reflection of that same love and understanding. It speaks not only to children but also to parents, reminding them to slow down and find humor in life’s messier moments.
