In a land far away,
Where the sun always shines,
There lived a little girl,
Who loved to sing sweet rhymes.

But one day, a devastating strain,
Of a disease called polio,
Spread like an epidemic,
Leaving many kids crippled and low.

But then came a vaccine,
A placebo that was not,
It was put through a field trial,
And found to be immune, like a robot.

The vaccine saved many lives,
And stopped the disease in its track,
No longer could it paralyze,
Or leave anyone feeling slack.

The doctors put some in quarantine,
And kept them safe and sound,
So that they could fight the virus,
And get better with each round.

And the little girl kept singing,
Her voice still sweet and clear,
Grateful for the vaccine,
That made her worries disappear.

Reflections

1. What was the name of the disease that caused the epidemic in the story?
2. What is a vaccine, and how does it work to protect people from disease?
3. How did the doctors keep the sick kids safe during the epidemic?
4. How did the little girl in the story stay strong and keep singing despite the difficult situation?
5. Why is it important to have a strong immune system, and what are some ways to keep our bodies healthy and strong?