Covid-19 Helpers: A story for kids about the coronavirus and the people helping during the 2020 pandemic
Covid-19 Helpers: A story for kids about the coronavirus and the people helping during the 2020 pandemic Beth Bacon, Kary Lee/Amazon

The COVID-19 pandemic is a deadly and highly infectious disease that was first reported by health officials in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus, which has since infected more than four million people and killed over 316,000 across the world, has forced multiple nations to order citizens to hunker down in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.

While adults can easily understand the situation and the need to stay inside homes, many children are having a more difficult time understanding what the coronavirus is and the effects it has on people. With the governments imposing strict restrictions, kids are likely wondering why schools are closed and why they can't go out.

The crisis may cause young school-aged children to experience anxiety and stress. With age-appropriate information on the virus and proper guidance on actions to keep them safe, the children can receive the support they need.

Authors Beth Bacon and Kary Lee have written a book that can thoroughly explain the situation to children in a factual yet hopeful manner. The book, which is titled Covid-19 Helpers, won the 2020 Emory Global Health Institute Children's Ebook Competition.

The book features a story that aims to reassure children and parents that they are not alone during the pandemic and that they are helping in the fight against the new coronavirus. The collaborative book contains numerous beautiful and colorful illustrations from Kary Lee as well as kind and comforting words from Beth Bacon.

COVID-19 Helpers emphasizes the important role the children and the adults are playing in reducing the spread of the virus by staying home during the quarantine period.

The book is very useful and helpful for parents, teachers, and librarians who seek to discuss the many issues of a global pandemic. Children will be able to understand why school closures, park closures, and theater closures are vital in keeping the community safe and healthy.

The illustrated book also tackles social distancing guidelines and the importance of wearing a face mask or covering during the pandemic. Bacon and Lee also offer insight and a solution to the feeling of helplessness, isolation, and boredom caused by restrictive shelter-in-place policies.

The COVID-19 Helpers covers all bases and features the latest medical research that discusses the steps that people should take to see the end of the pandemic. It also talks about the various sporting events that have been moved or cancelled as well as birthday party celebrations that have been postponed.

The book ends with facts every child and adult should know about the global health threat and what young kids can do to avoid contracting the virus. Best of all, it highlights the efforts communities, medical workers, farmers, shopkeepers, and other front liners everywhere are doing during the coronavirus lockdown.

COVID-19 Helpers is a definite must-have and must-read for the people who are struggling during this crisis. Check it out here.

Want to read more? Check these out: