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Coronavirus
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2020)What is the coronavirus, and why is everyone talking about it?
Engagingly illustrated by Axel Scheffler, this approachable and timely book helps answer these questions and many more, providing children aged 5-10 and their parents with clear and accessible explanations about the coronavirus and its effects - both from a health perspective and the impact it has on a family’s day-to-day life.
With input from expert consultant Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, as well as advice from teachers and child psychologists, this is a practical and informative resource to help explain the changes we are currently all experiencing
Engagingly illustrated by Axel Scheffler, this approachable and timely book helps answer these questions and many more, providing children aged 5-10 and their parents with clear and accessible explanations about the coronavirus and its effects - both from a health perspective and the impact it has on a family’s day-to-day life.
With input from expert consultant Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, as well as advice from teachers and child psychologists, this is a practical and informative resource to help explain the changes we are currently all experiencing
24 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2020
650 people are currently reading
4353 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Jenner
22 books5 followersElizabeth Jenner grew up on the Wirral, and studied for a BA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick. She now lives in London, where she teaches yoga and both writes and commissions fiction and non-fiction titles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
April 29, 2020
This review is to highlight the existence of a free picture book for parents and carers of young children, who want to explain the pandemic in a calm, practical, and factual way.
It's primarily aimed at 5 to 9 year olds, but will be useful outside that range. It includes answers to:
• 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?
It also tackles the emotions of boredom, sadness, anger, and anxiety in a realistic way, with suggestions of how to cope.
My only slight criticism is that although it explains the importance of handwashing, it doesn't really describe or illustrate a thorough technique.
Credentials
It was produced quickly, and free (no one was paid, though you can donate) by a team including Axel Scheffler (illustrator of The Gruffalo) and Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, some head teachers and a child psychologist.
Get it here
You can read it online (note the Full Screen option) or download it from nosycrow.com HERE.
The BBC has an interview with illustrator Axel Scheffler about the book, HERE.
And if your child would prefer more of a fantasy story around the facts, or you want a wide range of languages other than English, see the WHO's My Hero is You - How Kids Can Fight Covid-19, which I reviewed HERE. But note it's a story about flying round the world and only distancing by one metre!
Happy ending...
It's primarily aimed at 5 to 9 year olds, but will be useful outside that range. It includes answers to:
• 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?
It also tackles the emotions of boredom, sadness, anger, and anxiety in a realistic way, with suggestions of how to cope.
My only slight criticism is that although it explains the importance of handwashing, it doesn't really describe or illustrate a thorough technique.
Credentials
It was produced quickly, and free (no one was paid, though you can donate) by a team including Axel Scheffler (illustrator of The Gruffalo) and Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, some head teachers and a child psychologist.
Get it here
You can read it online (note the Full Screen option) or download it from nosycrow.com HERE.
The BBC has an interview with illustrator Axel Scheffler about the book, HERE.
And if your child would prefer more of a fantasy story around the facts, or you want a wide range of languages other than English, see the WHO's My Hero is You - How Kids Can Fight Covid-19, which I reviewed HERE. But note it's a story about flying round the world and only distancing by one metre!
Happy ending...
June 14, 2022
This is a free picture book will help the parents explain everything regarding coronavirus and the pandemic to their children.
It tells us
What is coronavirus?
What are its symptom?
What is quarantine?
How should children use their time judiciously during quarantine?
Is there any treatment and prevention of coronavirus?
How can children help to prevent coronavirus spread?
What will happen to our future after the pandemic?
I will recommend every parent to please consider giving this book to their children (especially to those between 5 and 9 years).
You can get the free download of this book here ——> https://stayhome.candlewick.com
It tells us
What is coronavirus?
What are its symptom?
What is quarantine?
How should children use their time judiciously during quarantine?
Is there any treatment and prevention of coronavirus?
How can children help to prevent coronavirus spread?
What will happen to our future after the pandemic?
I will recommend every parent to please consider giving this book to their children (especially to those between 5 and 9 years).
You can get the free download of this book here ——> https://stayhome.candlewick.com
April 19, 2020
This fantastic book is available for free download in the US at https://stayhome.candlewick.com/.
I recommend this for everyone who has kids with questions, or who just wants to read a little about how disease spreads. This is an important time for the world, and getting straight the basics of what's going will go a long way toward helping and healing.
I especially love this simple explanation of vaccines:
"A vaccine is a special medicine that is usually injected into your body while you are healthy. Inside the medicine are weak or dead virus germs. The antibodies in your blood can practice killing these germs, so that if you catch that virus, they can start fighting the live virus germs faster."
I recommend this for everyone who has kids with questions, or who just wants to read a little about how disease spreads. This is an important time for the world, and getting straight the basics of what's going will go a long way toward helping and healing.
I especially love this simple explanation of vaccines:
"A vaccine is a special medicine that is usually injected into your body while you are healthy. Inside the medicine are weak or dead virus germs. The antibodies in your blood can practice killing these germs, so that if you catch that virus, they can start fighting the live virus germs faster."
April 10, 2020
While this is aimed at helping to explain Coronavirus/Covid-19 to children, I have to say I found it pretty helpful as well. It covers all the main points that feel important to know, and the illustrations are lovely. Nosy Crow is one of my favourite publishers, and I was so pleased to see they had put this together! It's free, and well worth reading.
https://nosycrow.com/blog/released-to...
https://nosycrow.com/blog/released-to...
April 13, 2020
This freebie is good for kids and adults alike. Simple and clear language ensures kids will be clear on why it's important to stay home and wash their hands. The team who produced this make it clear that there are still alot more questions than answers, but in no way is the tone of the book bleak.
Illustrations are well done.
Illustrations are well done.
November 18, 2020
Each year my family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books. Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19, written by Elizabeth Jenner, et al, and illustrated by Alex Scheffler, is book #13 (of 20) of 2020. Obviously it’s a non-fiction book, obviously timely, helping parents in communicating the importance of safety and public health in these dangerous times. Lowering anxiety. The book is organized as a q and a session: What is covid-19? Why do we have to stay home all the time? What if I get sick? What can I do to help?.
Hank (14): 3 stars. A good book to help kids.
Harry (15): 3.5 stars. Says everything that needs to be said to kids. Makes sure kids remain calm: “One day, this strange time will be over.”
Tara: 3 stars. Could maybe make kids feel more comfortable about it, I suppose.
Dave: 3.5 stars. Solid. Useful. What it needs to be, so I am glad one of these books got nominated this year. A kind of standard illustrated informational style, but I give a star for endorsing science (as opposed to what?!) as the only way to beating a pandemic and staying healthy.
Available for free download in the US:
https://stayhome.candlewick.com/.
Hank (14): 3 stars. A good book to help kids.
Harry (15): 3.5 stars. Says everything that needs to be said to kids. Makes sure kids remain calm: “One day, this strange time will be over.”
Tara: 3 stars. Could maybe make kids feel more comfortable about it, I suppose.
Dave: 3.5 stars. Solid. Useful. What it needs to be, so I am glad one of these books got nominated this year. A kind of standard illustrated informational style, but I give a star for endorsing science (as opposed to what?!) as the only way to beating a pandemic and staying healthy.
Available for free download in the US:
https://stayhome.candlewick.com/.
December 30, 2020
I saw this was a free ebook on Apple Books and decided to check it out. Even though its geared to kids, I think adults will find it helpful as well. Its very clear and concise and I actually learned a few things from it.
November 8, 2020
Annual Goodreads Choice Awards reading project: Read all the Picture Book nominees! (7 of 15)
A dry and text-heavy presentation, but a bonus star for getting some good information out quickly. If more adults had read this, maybe we wouldn't be where we are now in infection rates and deaths.
A dry and text-heavy presentation, but a bonus star for getting some good information out quickly. If more adults had read this, maybe we wouldn't be where we are now in infection rates and deaths.
November 9, 2020
An informative book for children describing a coronavirus to what they can do. However, it is not a picture book for small children. It is available for free at https://stayhome.candlewick.com/.
July 18, 2020
You can download this book here.
This is a great resource to talk to children about coronavirus: what it is, how we get it, what happens when we get it, what we can do to help stop spreading it, why we are staying home, how it feels to stay home. It also gives hope about this hard time being over at the end.
My only complain is masks are not mentioned. That is the reason I was not sure about giving this book 5 stars. Since this book was published in early April, when mask weren't recommended (and even discouraged) I will let it pass. It is still a great resource. I guess that we grown ups in charge should add the use of masks part. That's ok. I've been doing it for months already. :) Still it would be nice an update at some point regarding masks and any other new information that becomes available.
This is a great resource to talk to children about coronavirus: what it is, how we get it, what happens when we get it, what we can do to help stop spreading it, why we are staying home, how it feels to stay home. It also gives hope about this hard time being over at the end.
My only complain is masks are not mentioned. That is the reason I was not sure about giving this book 5 stars. Since this book was published in early April, when mask weren't recommended (and even discouraged) I will let it pass. It is still a great resource. I guess that we grown ups in charge should add the use of masks part. That's ok. I've been doing it for months already. :) Still it would be nice an update at some point regarding masks and any other new information that becomes available.
April 11, 2020
A nicely illustrated and informative book written for children about the coronavirus. Very balanced presentation, not dumbed down, nor scary. Available for free download from publisher, Nosy Crow. Commendable.
July 27, 2020
"There’s a new word you might have heard. You might hear people talking about it or you might hear it on the news. This word is the reason that you’re not going to school." And so begins this brand new book for children about today's global hot topic: Coronavirus. Co-written by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson and Nia Roberts, and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the book was created in consultation with Professor Graham Medley, and addresses the science behind Coronavirus/Covid-19. The book explores what a coronavirus is, how it can be caught, what can be done when it is, and what scientists are trying to do, when it comes to finding a cure for this new kind of coronavirus. The book also explores the social side of the issue, discussing what it is like to be at home with one's family all of the time, and what children can do to help. The conclusion - that "one day this strange time will be over," and that we will have gotten through it together - emphasizes our communal response to this crisis, and leaves readers with a feeling of hope. The back matter includes resources providing more information...
Released digitally by the British publisher Nosy Crow, Coronavirus: A Book for Children can be found online for free, at the following link:
https://nosycrow.com/wp-content/uploa...
It provides a much-needed and very useful reading experience for any child - or the adults in their lives - with questions about the Coronavirus/Covid-19. The text here is simple, easily understood, and completely matter-of-fact, offering the truth (mention is made of the fact that some people who get sick can die) in a gentle, non-sensational way. The accompanying artwork from Axel Scheffler, famed as the illustrator of so many popular children's books, including Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo , is humorous and engaging. Kudos to Nosy Crow for creating this book! The back matter pertains mostly to British children, but the information in the main part of the book will have relevance for children all over the world. Highly recommended!
Addendum: For parents looking for more online resources and ebooks for children addressing this crisis, the New York City School Library System has put together a list of free titles available worldwide, which can be found here:
https://nycdoe.libguides.com/COVID-19...
Released digitally by the British publisher Nosy Crow, Coronavirus: A Book for Children can be found online for free, at the following link:
https://nosycrow.com/wp-content/uploa...
It provides a much-needed and very useful reading experience for any child - or the adults in their lives - with questions about the Coronavirus/Covid-19. The text here is simple, easily understood, and completely matter-of-fact, offering the truth (mention is made of the fact that some people who get sick can die) in a gentle, non-sensational way. The accompanying artwork from Axel Scheffler, famed as the illustrator of so many popular children's books, including Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo , is humorous and engaging. Kudos to Nosy Crow for creating this book! The back matter pertains mostly to British children, but the information in the main part of the book will have relevance for children all over the world. Highly recommended!
Addendum: For parents looking for more online resources and ebooks for children addressing this crisis, the New York City School Library System has put together a list of free titles available worldwide, which can be found here:
https://nycdoe.libguides.com/COVID-19...
May 5, 2020
Az enyémeknek nem mondott újat, megbeszéltünk már mindent. Csak a kézmosás közbeni éneklésről nem hallottak (miután egyáltalán nem mennek sehova, ahol bármihez hozzányúlhatnának, a koronás kézmosás mérsékelten fontos nálunk, azért az alaposságot gyakoroljuk időnként, máskor még fontos lesz).
Így is tetszett nekik, Axel Scheffler rajzai ismerős, biztonságos közegbe hozták a témát. Vírusokról, az emberi test működéséről már máskor is beszéltünk, és a szuper francia sorozat (Egyszer volt az élet) segítségével remekül el is tudják képzelni.
Megnyugtató, kedves, ingyenesen elérhető segítség, ha nem tudja az ember, hogy beszélgessen erről gyerekekkel. Jó lenne már a végén tartani, amikor "ennek az egész furcsaságnak vége lesz.".
Így is tetszett nekik, Axel Scheffler rajzai ismerős, biztonságos közegbe hozták a témát. Vírusokról, az emberi test működéséről már máskor is beszéltünk, és a szuper francia sorozat (Egyszer volt az élet) segítségével remekül el is tudják képzelni.
Megnyugtató, kedves, ingyenesen elérhető segítség, ha nem tudja az ember, hogy beszélgessen erről gyerekekkel. Jó lenne már a végén tartani, amikor "ennek az egész furcsaságnak vége lesz.".
April 16, 2020
A great way to explain the Corona Virus and how it's affecting the world at the moment. It's aimed at kids but I think it's great for all ages. Thanks to Nosy Crow publishers for producing this book for free.
July 10, 2020
This book is a great tool to educate children about the Coronavirus in a thoughtful and careful way.
October 29, 2020
Good work on the subject. Brief Summary and intro to the happenings and repercussions to the unhygienic environment drafted well.
Quite an educating work.
Enough Intro to the subject for age groups.
Quite an educating work.
Enough Intro to the subject for age groups.
May 19, 2020
This a free book at the date of this review that holistically covers the biological, psychological, and social aspects of Covid-19 at this time for the older elementary and middle school age audience. An older audience will find it useful too. It has illustrations on every page that reinforces the information.
April 28, 2020
Excellent information! The facts presented for young people in a clear, easy to understand, without condescending manner! Someone should read it aloud to the president!
April 14, 2020
Well done. The book answer many of the most basic questions about the coronavirus that children might want to know in a straight-forward, calm manner. Where we don't have answers, the authors make that clear. The advice about what children can do during these difficult times is helpful.
April 10, 2020
I like Axel Scheffer's illustrations, so when I found out he made a free ebook for children about Covid-19 I knew I had to check it out.
Aside from the colourful and tender illustrations Scheffer is known for, this was an informative read about the virus. Even if it's aimed at children the language comes across pleasantly enough for it to be enjoyed by adults as well.
It gives relevant information without anxiously scare-mongering as well, which is a big plus.
Aside from the colourful and tender illustrations Scheffer is known for, this was an informative read about the virus. Even if it's aimed at children the language comes across pleasantly enough for it to be enjoyed by adults as well.
It gives relevant information without anxiously scare-mongering as well, which is a big plus.
April 9, 2020
This is a free download of an EXCELLENT book for children (and adults) about COVID-19, it explains what's happening in in accessible language that is nonthreatening. Recommended read for everyone.
April 9, 2020
Informative in simple language
A good simple factual read that children can understand easily and not be frightened as to what is happening in the world today
A good simple factual read that children can understand easily and not be frightened as to what is happening in the world today
June 7, 2020
One of the books read in our grandma reads session today.
The book is informative, on a kid's level, as to the who, what, where, why, how to help, how to endure, how to deal with feelings, and encouragement that this strange time will eventually end. My kiddos stayed engaged and interested through the whole read, which is rather longish, but needed to be because it was covering a lot of ground minimally.
The kindle version needs help, as many of the fonts used in the verbal clouds were not compatible and widgets showed up rather than apostrophes and other symbols. Headings overprinted on themselves as well. So that definitely needs a redo. Still, in the rush to provide this format easily missed and is probably easily fixed.
The book is informative, on a kid's level, as to the who, what, where, why, how to help, how to endure, how to deal with feelings, and encouragement that this strange time will eventually end. My kiddos stayed engaged and interested through the whole read, which is rather longish, but needed to be because it was covering a lot of ground minimally.
The kindle version needs help, as many of the fonts used in the verbal clouds were not compatible and widgets showed up rather than apostrophes and other symbols. Headings overprinted on themselves as well. So that definitely needs a redo. Still, in the rush to provide this format easily missed and is probably easily fixed.
December 31, 2020
I really appreciated the fact that
1) this is an ebook for children that is being offered for FREE to educate about covid 19;
2) it was based in science;
3) it had wonderful representation of different ages, races, and people with disabilities.
My only criticisms were that the digital copy I received was terribly formatted and thus difficult to read, and also that there was no mention of wearing masks. Perhaps it was written early on in the pandemic and of course you don’t need a mask if you never leave your home, but I would’ve liked to see it at least mention masks and try to somewhat normalize them for children.
1) this is an ebook for children that is being offered for FREE to educate about covid 19;
2) it was based in science;
3) it had wonderful representation of different ages, races, and people with disabilities.
My only criticisms were that the digital copy I received was terribly formatted and thus difficult to read, and also that there was no mention of wearing masks. Perhaps it was written early on in the pandemic and of course you don’t need a mask if you never leave your home, but I would’ve liked to see it at least mention masks and try to somewhat normalize them for children.
May 1, 2020
Great initiative. Cute. Every country need to do this too even for the adult one as a number of us didn't know that the virus stay on our hand and spread when we touch our nose and mouth. That's why we must sneeze on our elbow, not on our palms.
November 20, 2020
I listened to the free audible book, and it was nice, but I think it really needs to be read with the pictures, so I can be enjoyed properly. :) A good tool to help kids understand the pandemic.
November 3, 2020
You can read my review for the PDF version here, which I ranked 4/5.
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to give the Kindle version 1 star because it was terribly formatted and unreadable - text clumped together, letters were replaced with j's and i's, the main paragraphs were barely visible...
Avoid the Kindle version and check out the free pdf version instead.
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to give the Kindle version 1 star because it was terribly formatted and unreadable - text clumped together, letters were replaced with j's and i's, the main paragraphs were barely visible...
Avoid the Kindle version and check out the free pdf version instead.
November 20, 2020
There's A LOT of words for such a slim volume, but still an educational look at the Coronavirus and for a kids' prospective. This could also work as a basic primer for adults.
April 7, 2020
As you may well know I don't as a rule do online reading but given as it is available free to charge for anyone to read on screen or print out (though the publishers, Nosy Crow, would like to encourage readers, should they feel in a position to do so, to make a donation to NHS Charities Together which amongst other things aims to support staff and volunteers caring for Covid-19 patients at https://www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk ) I had Mr T print me off a copy.
• 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?
Currently a time when the world can seem a scary place and not just to us adults.
This carefully worded book explaining the Coronavirus to primary aged school children is a wonderful resource that answers the above questions in a way that is easily understood.
Illustrated by Axel Scheffler (who many of you will recognise as the illustrator of many children's books including, amongst others, Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo) and with input from a Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling and a NHS Clinical Psychologist specialising in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Neurodevelopment to say nothing of the head teachers of several primary schools. Not only does Coronavirus: A Book for Children offer some explanations as to just what this virus is and how it spreads etc, it's also quite empowering in so much as it offers some ways as to how children might be of help ... something that can be of great importance and, yes, comfort to children who are feeling powerless.
SUMMED UP IN A SENTENCE ... An invaluable resource; perfect for those unsure as how to answer young children's questions about the Coronavirus.
• 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?
Currently a time when the world can seem a scary place and not just to us adults.
This carefully worded book explaining the Coronavirus to primary aged school children is a wonderful resource that answers the above questions in a way that is easily understood.
Illustrated by Axel Scheffler (who many of you will recognise as the illustrator of many children's books including, amongst others, Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo) and with input from a Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling and a NHS Clinical Psychologist specialising in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Neurodevelopment to say nothing of the head teachers of several primary schools. Not only does Coronavirus: A Book for Children offer some explanations as to just what this virus is and how it spreads etc, it's also quite empowering in so much as it offers some ways as to how children might be of help ... something that can be of great importance and, yes, comfort to children who are feeling powerless.
SUMMED UP IN A SENTENCE ... An invaluable resource; perfect for those unsure as how to answer young children's questions about the Coronavirus.
April 24, 2020
I read the French translation of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews