Recommended Reading: The best books for kids about the coronavirus pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic lockdowns are challenging for everyone – parents, educators, and children alike. We are worried about our own health, the health of our families and friends, the health of our communities, and the health of our economy. We hate the limits that are being put on our lives, and we worry about when we will feel the freedom of normalcy again. (If you think your children are not feeling the effects, think again.). As difficult as these feelings and times are, how to talk about them can be just as difficult. It is hard to know what to say about these complex and emotional topics – and this is especially true when talking to children.
Fortunately, there are many people working hard to help provide resources on this for parents and educators. One of the best ways to start a difficult conversation is to read stories and information on the topic (stay tuned for an article about the best ways to read with your child soon!). To that end, we are excited to share some great resources and stories below, and to add our perspective to help you navigate which might be most helpful for you!
Why would we share this list ? (It’s basically a list of our competition!) Because we actually want to help, and we know that different families, caregivers, and educators, have different needs.
The best children’s books about the coronavirus pandemic:
We’ve purchased and dutifully read all of the in-print children’s books we could find that focus on the current coronavirus pandemic; there are TONS of great options!
We are proud to support the authors, illustrators, and small presses that make up most of this list. We are so impressed with the thoughtfulness and care that our fellow authors and illustrators have put into collectively trying to help our communities through these difficult times in the best way we know how.
We are excited to share our views on the top books within several important categories below!
Best for Rhyming:
If You Can’t Bear Hug, Air Hug by Katie Sedmak is an adorable rhyming book about the social-distancing alternatives to hugging and getting too close. The pandemic is not mentioned once in this book, and that is probably for the best, as this book will be able to outlive the pandemic and transition into a fun everyday read! It is emotionally supportive and uplifting. This book could be enjoyed by many ages, but is probably ideal for ages 2-6.
Best for Children’s Perspective:
Lucy’s Mask by Lisa Sirkis Thompson is a story about a young girl who usually enjoys wearing her face mask to have imaginary adventures. During the pandemic, she learns that she should wear a different kind of face mask to be a real-life superhero and protect her neighbors. It has a simple but important message for children, and is probably best suited for ages 3-7.
Best for Emotional Support:
While We Can’t Hug by Eoin McLaughlin is a sweet story about what two cute animal friends do to show each other that they love each other while they can’t hug. A timely message for those of us wishing we could snuggle in for a hug or even a high five, this story gives positive ideas for alternative ways to express love to those we are missing during these challenging times of isolation. This book is a great story for many ages, but is ideal for ages 2-6.
Runner up: I love you when you’re close & when you’re far away by Benjamin Lindquist, MD is (like us) donating at least a portion of its proceeds to groups affected by the pandemic. It also has a sweet and timely message: even though we must be apart, we still love each other. This reassuring perspective makes a great gift for grandparents to give their grandchildren during this difficult time of separation. The short, simple message is probably best suited for ages 2-5.
Best for COVID-19 Facts:
Why Did the Whole World Stop? by Heather Black is a fact-based, informational book that explains the science and story of COVID-19 to children and their parents in educational and highly accurate ways. It is very thorough! Likely well suited for children who are ready to start learning the science and vocabulary of the pandemic, which we suggest is likely those aged 5-9.
Runner Up: A Little Spot Stays Home by Diane Alber is an informational book about viruses and safe distancing meant to be useful for the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. It focuses most on the vocabulary words that are being used during the pandemic like “virus,” “germs,” “symptoms,” and others. This book is one in a series of many informational books in this “spot” theme for children aged 4-7. A few others in the same series were also written for the pandemic: A Little Spot Wears a Mask, and A Little Spot Learns Online (we recommend A Little Spot of Anxiety for children who would be benefitted by learning strategies in calming anxious feelings).
Best for Overall Story:
When the World Closed by E.E. Thorgaard is a beautifully illustrated story that inspires a global perspective on the very personal emotions of the pandemic. Unlike many other books about the pandemic, this book is not trying to teach children how to keep a safe distance or wash their hands, instead it has a positive and universally uplifting message. It is a magical story that encourages children to reignite their imaginations while they work to understand the many new and different feelings they are experiencing during this complicated time. (Okay, maybe we are biased, but at least donations are being made to schools, libraries, and care centers in need with purchases of this book.) While anyone could enjoy this heartwarming message, it is best suited to be read with children aged 5-9 years old.
The best free & virtual COVID-19 resources for children:
https://nhfv.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-a-book-for-children.pdf
https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/kids-guide-coronavirus-ebook.pdf
https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/unstuck-ebook.pdf
https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/2020-04/My%20Hero%20is%20You,%20Storybook%20for%20Children%20on%20COVID-19.pdf
Shout Outs to Other Coronavirus Pandemic Books:
(This is a non-exhaustive list, and we learned about some of these books after publishing the “best of” categories above! If you know of another great book that deserves a shoutout on this list, please let us know!)In Every House, on Every Street by Jess Hitchman
The Time We Did Nothing by Lauren & Hannah Widener
And the People Stayed Home by Kitty O’Meara
We Wear Masks by Marla Lesage
Paula and the Pandemic by Dorothea Laurence
The Day the Lines Changed by Kelley Donner
When Virona the Corona Came to Town by Hailey Glynn
Masked Ninja by Mary Nhin
The Social Distance King by Eric DeSio
Rona Stole My Fun by Chandra A Clements
A Unique Start From 6 Feet Apart by Emily Oquendo
The Love Behind the Mask by Lizy Toth
School Is Different This Year and That’s Okay! By Julie Bair
Riley’s Masked Adventure by Reggie Young
What is Social Distancing by Lindsey Coker Luckey
The Only Book a Kid Needs to Read About Coronavirus Ever by Dr. S G Jack
No Calvin by Shondra M. Quarles
Not Forever But For Now by Heather Malley
Protecting You… Protecting Me by Susan Poage
COVID-19 for Kids by Catherine Cheung
Baby Put Your Mask On! By Dr. Tiffanny P. Chevalier
Heroes Wear Masks by Sesame Workshop
Dragon’s Mask by Steve Herman
BE A COVID SUPERHERO! by Shiela Leon
Billie and the Brilliant Bubble by Tara Travieso
Social Distance Santa by Eric DeSio
Why Is Everyone Wearing a Mask? By Debbie Qiu
Smiling from Ear to Ear by Kaitlyn Chu
If You Can’t Bear Hug, Air Hug by Katie Sedmak
When You Can’t See Me Smile by Emily Alston
Fuzzy the Virus by Russ Hafferkamp
Why We Stay Home by Harris, Scott, and Rodis
