Coronavirus: A Book For Children is a wonderful free resource, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, that helps children understand what the coronavirus pandemic was all about — why schools closed, why everyone talked about hand-washing, and what changed at home. It’s a gentle, reassuring read whether your child lived through it or is simply curious about a time they were too young to remember.
Axel Scheffler, the award-winning illustrator behind The Gruffalo series, illustrated this digital book for primary school age children, explaining the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it.
“I asked myself what I could do as a children’s illustrator to inform, as well as entertain, my readers here and abroad,” said Axel Scheffler. “So I was glad when my publisher, Nosy Crow, asked me to illustrate this question-and-answer book about the coronavirus.”
“I think it is extremely important for children and families to have access to good and reliable information in this unprecedented crisis, and I hope that the popularity of the books I’ve done with Julia Donaldson will ensure that this digital book will reach many children who are now slightly older, but might still remember our picture books.”
Coronavirus: A Book for Children was first published by Nosy Crow in the UK, with Gill Books publishing an Irish-specific version.
The book had expert input from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, teachers, and a child psychologist — and, best of all, it remains free for anyone to read on screen or print out.
“This book is a fantastic resource for children, and explains the coronavirus in a colourful and calming way. Adults will learn a thing or two, too!” said Professor Luke O’Neill, head of immunology at Trinity College Dublin.
What the Book Covers
The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds:
- What is the coronavirus?
- How do you catch the coronavirus?
- What happens if you catch the coronavirus?
- Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus?
- Is there a cure for the coronavirus?
- Why are some places we normally go to closed?
- What can I do to help?
- What’s going to happen next?
You can view and download *Coronavirus: A Book For Children here*. At the back of the book there’s a list of trusted resources for children, along with further reading for parents, guardians and carers.
Why It’s Still Worth Reading
Even now, this book is a handy way to open a conversation with a child who’s curious about the pandemic, whether they remember it, half-remember it, or are hearing about it for the first time. It’s calm, clear and never frightening — a good starting point if your child asks “what was the coronavirus?” or you simply want a ready-made way to explain a big piece of recent history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coronavirus: A Book for Children really free?
Yes. It’s free to read on screen or download and print, with no sign-up required.
What age group is the book for?
It’s written for primary school age children, roughly ages 5 to 9, using simple, reassuring language.
Who wrote and illustrated it?
It was illustrated by Axel Scheffler, known for The Gruffalo, and published by Nosy Crow in the UK, with an Irish-specific edition from Gill Books.
Does the book include extra resources for parents?
Yes. The back of the book includes a list of trusted resources for children, along with further reading suggestions for parents, guardians and carers.
Browse More Free Learning Resources
If you found this useful, take a browse through our learning hub for more free printables, activities and resources to support your child at home.
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Do you think Coronavirus: A Book For Children would be useful in your house? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
