If you’re looking for a book to help explain the pandemic and coronavirus, and to help reassure your child then here are 11 helpful children’s books about Coronavirus – and some are even free!

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Your child may continue to ask questions even at this stage of 2020, and it can be hard to know how to talk to children about Coronavirus without scaring or worrying them. We forget how much they hear from the radio, TV or conversations around them, so it may be that they have new questions for you to answer.

To help, we’ve made a list of children’s books about Coronavirus that are easy to get a hold of and can help answer those questions. Most are suitable for younger children but even older kids can enjoy a picture book.

Helpful Children’s Books About Coronavirus

Why We Stay at Home

Why We Stay At Home: Suzie Learns about Coronavirus by Samantha Harris is part of the Millie and Suzie series of books.

Suzie is really excited to be able to stay home with her Mommy, Daddy, and older sister Millie. When Suzie expresses this to Millie, she explains to Suzie why they have been staying home with a quick lesson on Coronavirus.

The book is free to download and is also available in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. You can download the free ebook on the Millie and Suzie website.

Dr Li

“Once upon a time, there was a very good doctor in China. His name was Dr. Li Wenliang.”

Dr Li is a free picture book about Coronavirus, by Francesca Cavallo, co-author of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. It’s an illustrated story that celebrates the life-saving power of scientific research. Available in many different languages and free to download here.

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Stuck Inside

Stuck Inside is a short rhyming, fully illustrated story to explain lockdown and social distancing to young children in an engaging way. “In 2020 an awful virus crept across our planet. It can pass from Ben to Henry, and from Henry on to Janet.”

This book, written and illustrated by parents of young children, can help them understand what is going on and why it’s important to stay indoors, stay safe, protect others and support the NHS during lockdown.

It offers an engaging way for parents to explain what is going on to young children in rhyming verses they will remember and also fun with finding a rainbow on every page.

All author and publisher profits from this book go to NHS Charities Together, who support NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients in the UK.

Available on Amazon.co.uk

Paula and the Pandemic

Paula and the Pandemic is a story about a little girl, Paula, who experiences the pandemic and not being able to do the things she loved. Her mommy tries to teach her patience through growing a sunflower from a little seed.

This book is intended to support parents who are having a hard time explaining the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing to their small children. All proceeds will be donated to charities supporting people affected by COVID-19.

Available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

Even Astronauts Practice Social Distancing

In the free book Even Astronauts Practice Social Distancing by Kristen Ehret (an early childhood special education teacher and early interventionist), you’ll find information and good hygiene practices for children.

This book can help children to deal with the ongoing phase of COVID-19. The book is available to download free here.

We’re Going to Be Ok

In We’re Going to Be Ok, you’ll find tips and advice by Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton and Dr Leigh-Ann Webb about staying safe, healthy and optimistic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This free ebook is beautifully illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin Webb and is available to download here.

Kelly Stays Home

In Kelly Stays Home, eight-year-old Kelly discovers the science behind the COVID-19 illness, viral transmission, basic epidemiology, and social distancing needed to protect your kids and community.

Written by Dr. Lauren Block MD MPH, a primary care physician and medical educator and Dr. Adam Block PhD, a health economist and public health professor, parents to three curious kids.

This children’s book goes into depth on the science behind the spread of coronavirus, how the virus causes the symptoms it does, and how vaccines contribute to herd immunity.

Find out why the virus spreads so rapidly, how hand washing and social distancing can prevent transmission, how kids can help others during the pandemic, how people who become ill are treated in the hospital, and how you can protect your family from infection.

Available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

Good Morning Zoom

Good Morning Zoom is based on the classic children’s book Goodnight Moon. This modern twist expresses the emotions young children might be feeling during the global pandemic. Their reality has become isolating with their parents, many of whom are still working from home, and seeing friends and loved ones only through the barrier of a screen.

This lyrical portrayal of life during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) gives voice and hope to our youngest who are replacing school and hugs with technology.

Available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

Why Did The Whole World Stop?

The illustrated Why Did The Whole World Stop? book can help open conversation about COVID-19, and provide accurate information in a kid-friendly format. Bright graphics and simply worded details can help your child grow in understanding of why so many of our normal routines suddenly changed.

Most of the book centres around simple text and pictures, but there are also several pages that outline some of the main definitions, concepts and history of the Coronavirus outbreak.

There are also several useful ideas for how children can help those around them, and spend their time well during the general quarantine.

Available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus

A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus by Rebecca Growe and illustrated by Viviana Garofoli is a colourful picture book that can help answer the questions kids have about the Coronavirus pandemic and all the new changes in their lives.

It explains what the virus is, how it spreads, and what they can do to help, in gentle and simple language that even the youngest kids can follow. There’s also A Note to Parents and Caregivers offering strategies for helping your kids navigate anxiety they might be feeling around the pandemic.

The book is free to download in PDF format here and is also available free in Kindle format via Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Coronavirus: A Book For Children

Coronavirus: A Book For Children is a fantastic resource, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, award-winning illustrator of The Gruffalo series. This free digital book for primary school age children is about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. The book has had expert input from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, teachers, and a child psychologist.

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Have your say! Have you read any of these children’s books about Coronavirus to your child? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!