Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Last June when we posted about Staying Connected in the Time of COVID-19 we dared not imagine that all these months later it would still be a significant part of our everyday lives. Yet even then, we knew that we were living through history. And history must be documented.

So COVID-19 has become a subject that has been recently explored by authors and illustrators. Publishers have produced books on the topic. And books about the Coronavirus and its many related sub-topics continue to be researched, written and released.

In our children's collections, we have several print books on this subject (although at the time of this posting, very few are available in alternative formats). These include both non-fiction (factual books that detail information on different aspects of the virus) and fiction (stories inspired by life during the pandemic).

And some of our COVID-related books are available in languages besides English. Currently, we also have items in French, Chinese, German, and Russian. The pandemic is, unfortunately, worldwide ,and so its stories and related information must continue to be told in multiple languages and using different voices.

COVID-19 Helpers by Beth Bacon and Kary Lee (ages 5-10)

Non-Fiction Book Series

Two non-fiction book series focused on the Coronavirus explore the issue from various aspects.

The Abdo Kids Series entitled "The Coronovirus" is aimed at younger children but has useful information for all. Information is presented in an easy-to-read format with accompanying pictures. Big concepts are broken down into basic ideas making them easier to understand. A special code is included in the back of each book that, when entered on the publisher's website, leads the reader to find more information and activities related to the topic. 

The Core Library Guide to COVID-19 is recommended more for older kids or for caregivers and children to explore together. These books go in to greater details and are comprised of longer, more complex chapters. They encourage the reader to engage in critical thinking and action. For example, a "Stop and Think" section is included at the back of each book.

It is important to note that both of these series have been produced in the United States. This means that the information and opinions presented in them are coming from an American perspective. As always, it is wise to obtain facts from multiple reliable sources, including trusted Canadian websites such as the City of Toronto's COVID-19 information portal.

The COVID-19 Virus by Grace Hansen (ages 4-7)

Understanding COVID-19 by Douglas Hustad (ages 8-12)

Canadian Connections

In Canada, we have our own COVID-19 related stories to tell. Our country's authors, illustrators and publishers continue to work as quickly as they can'to get books with a Canadian perspective to interested readers. But publishing a book takes time… usually.

It took only 41 days for Eric Walters' book Don't Stand So Close to Me to be "written, beta-read, edited, copy edited, designed, and marketed" thanks to Orca Book Publishers. Read more about its creation in an article published in Quill and Quire. Through the story of 13-year old Quinn and her friends, Walters touches upon many facets of the early days of the pandemic including virtual school, essential workers, and the crisis in seniors' care homes. 

Don't Stand So Close To Me by Eric Walters (ages 9-12)

And real-life Canadian stories are featured through some of the kids spotlighted in What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19. Author Erin Silver's book includes interviews with kid heroes from around the world, including some right here in Toronto. These stories, these amazing kids, show us that there is hope for the future.

What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 by Erin Silver (ages 6-12)

And the future will also undoubtedly mean an increase in the number of items in our collections as more Canadian books about the Coronavirus become available.

When Mom's Away by Layla Ahmed (ages 3-6)

Picture Books

It is difficult for even adults to understand and cope with all the changes that living through this pandemic has brought. For younger children, the frustration of life during COVID is often intensified by their inability to express how they're feeling or to fully understand what is going on. Picture books, especially in story form, can help them through this hardship.

Sometimes it helps to see a familiar character going through the same situation as you. And sometimes we find comfort in finding ourselves in true-to-life stories. 

Our collection of COVID-19 picture books not only include stories about the disease itself but also some of its related topics. They show kids how to do things that we can all do to stay healthy, like wearing a mask and washing our hands. They talk about what it's like to be in quarantine and having to learn from home. They explain what it means to practice social distancing, but also reassure us that we can still stay connected while we are apart.

Caillou: Everything Will Be Fine: A Story About Viruses by Christine L'Heureux (ages 3-6)

Heroes Wear Masks: Elmo's Super Adventure by Lillian Jane (ages 2-5)

We Wear Masks by Marla Lesage (ages 3-6)

Now Wash Your Hands! by Matt Carr (ages 4-6)

Good Morning Zoom: A Parody by Lindsay Rechler (ages 3-6)

Virtual Learning Dragon by Steve Herman (ages 4-8)

If You Can't Bear Hug, Air Hug: A Book Inspired by Social Distancing by Katie Sedmak (ages 2-7)

The World Made a Rainbow by Michelle Robinson (ages 4-8)

Additional Resources

Check out some of our previous posts for more tips and resources:

• Helping your Child Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Resources to Discover and Learn at Home
• Screen Time and COVID-19

We also have a COVID-19 Information Guide to help customers find accurate, reliable information.

Of course, it's not just up to authors and illustrators to document the times we are living through. Each of us can record our own memories of COVID-19. So how are you and your family going to remember this part of your history?