6 Books to Help Your Children Understand the Coronavirus
COVID-19 has changed the way we live
Within a few short months, our children witnessed a major societal shift. Mask-wearing, hand sanitizer stations, and enforced social distancing have become ubiquitous in public spaces. Team sports, community events, and social gatherings were canceled or made virtual for an indefinite period. Schools were shut down.
Children all around the world have been touched by the virus. Its lasting effects will remain present – both physically and in our collective minds – for years to come.
During these challenging and uncertain times, how can we help our children understand the virus? And how can we help our children stay resilient and navigate these changes?
Stories can help children stay resilient
In response to this global crisis, publishers, creators, and authors from all around the world have stepped up to help us navigate this difficult topic with our children through storybooks.
Support your children with BookSmart
Worldreader’s books on COVID-19 are part of our Keep Children Reading initiative, our response to the global learning crisis that arose from school lockdowns. Our BookSmart library contains stories from global publishers, illustrating multiple experiences with the virus. These diverse authors remind us that although each region of the world was touched differently by the virus, combatting the virus remains a global effort.
To start reading, go to our BookSmart app here.
The Unwelcome Stranger by Drew Edwards and Diana Nawatene
Published by Pangea Publishing
Ages 6-8
In this story, the narrator’s grandfather explains to her the nature of a virus, and how children all around the world must collectively fight this one through preventative measures. This narrative intends to empower parents at home to discuss this subject with their own children.
► Read it in English here.
► Leer en español aquí.
I Love You by Michael Ross
Published by Nabu
Ages 6-8
Kwizera does not understand why she cannot see her grandparents anymore, even though she is not sick. Her mother explains to her the nature of the virus and reassures her that her grandparents still love her. Although they cannot be physically close, they are close to each other in spirit.
► Read it in English here.
► Leer en español aquí.
Coronavirus: A Book for Children by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson, Nia Roberts and Axel Scheffler
Published by Nosy Crow Ltd.
Ages 6-8
This nonfiction book answers the most common questions children may have about the virus: How does it spread? What are the symptoms? Is it treatable? Why are so many places closed now? What if I get bored staying at home all the time? How can I fight the virus? By understanding the virus, your child can be part of the global effort to fight it off.
► Read it here.
Hello, My Name is Coronavirus by Manuela Molina Cruz
Published by MindHeart
Ages 6-8
This interactive and informative picture book, narrated by the virus itself, takes your young reader on a journey of how it spreads and how it makes people ill.
► Read it here.
My Hero Is You by Helen Patuck
Published by Inter-Agency Standing Committee
Ages 6-8
Sarah is upset by her school shutting down and feels unsafe due to the virus. In the evening, a dragon named Ario visits Sarah. With Ario’s protection, the two heroes travel the world to inform others about the virus and how they can all fight it together. This book is written for children around the world affected by the pandemic, inspiring them to stay resilient and informed through uncertain times.
► Read it in English here.
► Leer en español aquí.
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