Explaining to kids in terms they understand plays a huge role in allaying any fears or worries, and books are a huge help. Books to explain COVID and it’s effects during pandemic time.
As there is more talk of schools reopening (and indeed, some states have already gone ahead), no doubt, children across age groups may have different questions as well as anxieties about meeting people and going out more often – even as many are also overjoyed to have that contact again. For those who are not yet starting school in person, staying at home brings its own frustrations.
The world as we know it changed almost overnight in March 2020, and we were locked into our own homes. It wasn’t easy for anyone. And just as we thought things were changing for the better in early 2021, everything went downhill. Especially for us in India, when the 2nd wave of COVID hit. And hit hard.
And the biggest casualty, in my humble opinion are children, not just those who lost parents and caretakers.
Children are not meant to sit at home, closeted in relative safety, in front of screens either for education or for entertainment while their beleaguered parents attend office meetings! Children are meant to go out and play. To be free birds and learn from simple pleasures of running around, climbing, digging in sandpits, chatting with friends, playing impromptu games, going for playdates or fun activities,… my list could go on. Even older kids in their tweens or teens aren’t meant to be sequestered away from their friends and gangs and just socializing, even if so many seem to be sharing a hip bone with their phones these days.
Our children are, and will be the greatest casualties of this forced house arrest. This is certain to stunt their lives in ways we cannot even begin to imagine. How do we even help them make sense of the world as it seems to be for some more years at least?
(Yes, I am a pessimist. At least a realist with a medical background, and I don’t think COVID is going away in a hurry.)
Being a bookish person, of course I looked online for help. And I came across these gems. Some of these are expensive, but there are some more affordable. I would highly recommend these to anyone and everyone above the age of 5. Yes, adults too, can read, enjoy, and benefit from picture books.
Understanding the pandemic, lockdown, and social distancing
The Great Realisation
by Tomos Roberts (Author), Nomoco (Illustrator)
A post-pandemic bedtime tale that has captured the hearts of millions. First performed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Tomos Roberts’ Inspiring poem, with its message of hope and resilience, has been viewed over 60 million times and translated into over 20 languages worldwide.
In The Year 2020
by Dani Quattrone (Author), Ash Agnite (Illustrator)
A fictional children’s book that takes place in Lucia, an animal world , where the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic serves as a catalyst to bring everyone together to work on eradicating the virus and solving many of the other pressing issues that our world is facing.
Buy it here, free on Kindle Unlimited.
When the World Went Quiet
by Tia Martina (Author), Kelly Ulrich (Illustrator)
During the global pandemic in early 2020, stories of wildlife showing up in unexpected places began to emerge. From foxes cavorting in gardens to geese sunbathing in Israel, these stories invited us to take pause, gaze with wonder, and enjoy the whimsy of seeing creatures explore what was previously primarily a human habitat.
Outside, Inside
by LeUyen Pham (Author)
Something strange happened in 2020, just before the seasons changed. Everyone who was outside, went inside. Outside, it was quieter and different. Inside, we laughed, we cried, we baked, we exercised, we kept in touch… and we grew. We remembered to protect the ones we love and love the ones who protect us. We watched with admiration and respect as key workers risked their own wellbeing to help others. We knew that the seasons would change, and spring would come again.
Friends Behind Walls
by Harshikaa Udasi (Author)
Putti is spending his summer vacation in Deolali and he thinks life is going to be fun with his new friend Inu. But with their parents FORBIDDING them from playing with each other, the two kids are flabbergasted. Flab-ber-gas-ted. Means shocked. Nothing to do with food and farts.
Now the two of them have decided to find out why.
Why Did the Whole World Stop?
by Heather Black (Author)
Children ask a lot of questions. Some are easy to answer, others are tricky, especially when it comes to a social distancing, disrupted schedules, and a viral pandemic. This book relates to the changes that the Covid-19 outbreak brought to many people, both children and adults, around the world.
When the World Closed
by E E Thorgaard (Author), J Shapiro (Illustrator)
Empowers children aged 5-9 years to navigate their feelings and reignite their imaginations during the coronavirus pandemic shutdowns, lockdowns, and quarantines.
When The World Went Dark
by Jane De Suza (Author)
Feel the almost-nine-year-old Swara’s heart break as she loses her favourite person ever, Pitter Paati. Swara pursues clues to find her, but stumbles upon a crime instead. VExpectedly, no one believes her. Will Swara and her VAnnoying friends from the detective squad find the Ruth of the Matter in time?
Told with humour and sparkle, this compassionate story is about finding light in the darkest times of our lives. It packs in an intriguing mystery and even a good belly laugh. (Wait, is it OK to laugh?)
Jamlo Walks
by Samina Mishra (Author)
The world has stood still. The streets lie empty and schools are closed. All work has dried up and people keep whispering the word ‘corona’ all the time. Jamlo walks down a long and hot road, alongside hundreds of other men and women and children whom Tara sees on TV. Jamlo walks as Rahul watches the streets turn quiet.
Jamlo walks and walks in a world that needs to be kind and just and equal.
The Day My Kids Stayed Home
by Adam M Wallace (Author), Adam Riong (Illustrator), Valentina T Segovia (Editor)
Things are scarier when we don’t understand them. The first half of the book is a kid’s book that tells the story of two puppies learning about COVID-19; the second half is meant for adults and is a short explanation of what is happening and what we can do about it.
Together: Living Life During COVID-19
by Kevin Poplawski (Author), Michael Rausch (Illustrator)
Olivia’s parents told her she doesn’t have to go to school. Woohoo! But, she soon finds out it is because of a new virus called COVID-19 and she is confused as to why she can’t go to school, visit friends or see her grandma. She must understand why and figure out the best way to get through this tough time!
The Day the Lines Changed
by Kelley Donner (Author)
Without ever saying “Coronavirus” or “Pandemic,” The Day the Lines Changed explains what it means to live through a viral outbreak and gives children a much needed, optimistic view of the future. Through the use of ripped paper and basic shapes, Kelley Donner takes a frightening and complicated pandemic and turns it into an uplifting, easily understandable story about the life of a green line…
Buy it here, free on Kindle Unlimited.
The Unwelcome Stranger: COVID-19
by Drew Edwards (Author), Taylor Tomu (Author), Nandi Fernandez (Illustrator)
During these unprecedented times, it’s difficult to explain how our current circumstances affect individuals from diverse backgrounds. This book is a great resource to illustrate our current complex and unique circumstances.
What is Coronavirus and COVID-19?
Germ Academy
by Rea Malhotra Mukhtyar (Author)
Covie’s the baddest of the baddies. Trained by evil masterminds at The Germ Academy, he won’t stop causing havoc until he’s the World’s Best Infection and nothing’s coming in his way! …or so he thinks.
Enter The Soap Squad.
V For Vaccine: A One-shot Introduction to Vaccines!
by HarperCollins India (Editor)
What is a vaccine? How is it made? Does it hurt to get a vaccine?
Find out the answers to these questions and more in V for Vaccine – your one-shot introduction to vaccination! Learn more about who invented the first vaccine, whether animals can get vaccines too, and other ways to build immunity and stay healthy. You can even create your very own vaccine card!
COVID-19 For Kids
by Catherine Cheung (Author), Elvin Too (Author), Christy Johnson (Illustrator)
Answer the most important questions children have: What is COVID-19 and why is it such a big deal? How can I catch the coronavirus? What happens if I get it? What can I do to reduce my risk of getting infected? What is my role in reducing its spread?
Coronavirus: a Book for Children
by Elizabeth Jenner (Author), Kate Wilson (Author), Nia Roberts (Author), Axel Scheffler (Illustrator)
The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds: What is the coronavirus? How do you catch the coronavirus? What happens if you catch the coronavirus? Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus? Is there a cure for the coronavirus? Why are some places we normally go to closed? What can I do to help? What’s going to happen next?
Buy it here and the read the free, updated 2021 Kindle edition here.
When Virona the Corona Came to Town
by Hailey Glynn (Author)
Readers follow the main character, MaryEllen, through a story that details experiences during the Corona Virus pandemic. The goal of this story is to shed light on a time of uncertainty and fear in a child-friendly way.
Buy it here, free on Kindle Unlimited.
Dealing with online school and life
Good Morning, Zoom
by Lindsay Rechler (Author), June Park (Illustrator)
Good Morning Zoom takes the reader on a lyrical journey through our ‘new normal’. From ‘Zoom school’, to watching doctors and nurses on TV, to building pillow forts and talking to loved ones from a distance, this poignant book reminds us that there are still things to enjoy and be excited about in these unprecedented times.
Good Night, Zoom: A Pandemic Parody
by Amber Ankowski (Illustrator), Sammy Ankowski (Illustrator), Andy Ankowski (Author)
Goodnight Zoom is the faithful parody of an illustrated children’s classic for anyone who knows what it’s like living in lockdown. Funny, relatable and honest, award-winning ad man and parenting author Andy Ankowski’s take on life during the coronavirus quarantine serves as a time capsule for the moment the world was asked to stay at home, and the new normal that soon followed.
Virtual Learning Dragon
by Steve Herman (Author)
You have a pet dragon. But what happens if one day schools are closed due to the virus pandemic, and your dragon has to do virtual / distance learning? What if virtual learning is too hard for him? What if he doesn’t want to do his virtual classwork? What if he’s easily distracted, or if he goes to the kitchen too often?
What should you do?
The Very Tired and Hungry Pandemic Mommy
by Humor Heals Us (Author)
A bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where balancing remote working and distance learning with the kids offer it.
Note: And if you come across a resource that you think I should consider sharing, whether for work, play, learning, or wellness, just reply in the below comments section with the details, we will add those in this article with due credits. #KhabarLive #hydnews
