The global Covid-19 pandemic has already led to new books to help children get a grasp of the unusual situation. These books may help educate but also help to realize they we are not alone in trying to cope in a difficult situation.

We Wear Masks by Marla Lesage is a picture book for very young readers, about masks of all shapes and sizes. Masks are worn by painters and pilots, in winter and underwater. You can wear a mask on stage or in a laboratory. Welders and superheroes wear masks. Wearing a mask is cool and means you care. Reading this picture book can be the start of making fun paper masks in class. ISBN 978-1459-828810, Orca Book Publishers

Not specifically about Covid, but about communicable diseases in general and especially helpful in Kindergarten classes, The Cow Said Boo by Lana Button, illustrated by Alice Carter is a fun farm romp when poor cow catches a cold and can’t say ‘Moo!’ but says ‘Boo!’ instead. The other animals nurse cow back to health but once cow is better, rooster says “cock-a-doodle-CHOO!” A nonfiction back page talks about washing hands to prevent colds. ISBN 978-1-77278-216-5, Pajama Press

Talk To Me, What Do You See? Beauty from A-Z by Sandip Sodhi, illustrated by Anika Sandhu uses the alphabet to focus on beauty in a time of unrest. Dedicated to frontline workers, this picturebook touches on washing hands, helping elders and staying connected. A lovely way to discuss Covid related anxieties with young students. ISBN 978-1-7770218-2-5

Germy Science, The Sick Truth about Getting Sick and Staying Healthy, by Edward Kay with art by Mike Shiell is a new, nonfiction title about all things germy. What exactly are germs? Where are they found? Are there good germs as well as bad? The book includes a history of the discovery of germs and shows how we pass on germs every day. With hilarious, sometimes nice and gross, art this book is a good resource on how contamination happens and how to prevent it. ISBN 978-1-5253-0412-5, Kids Can Press

Don’t Stand So Close To Me by Eric Walters is a good middle grade novel about the current pandemic. Based on recent events, the strength of this book is that young teens can recognize themselves and their families in this story. Suddenly faced with school closures, Zoom meetings and face masks, 13 year old Quinn and her friends learn to deal with a new reality. The story also shows how kids can take positive initiatives to help others. ISBN 978-1459827875 Orca Book Publishers

This link will show you even more children’s books about Covid-19 related issues:

https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/kids-books/

Margriet Ruurs is the author of 40 books for children. She conducts author visits to international schools and shares her love of travel and books here: https://www.globetrottingbooklovers.com/