If you’re looking for a book to help explain the coronavirus pandemic and reassure your child, here are 11 helpful children’s books about coronavirus – and some are even free!
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Even now, children can have plenty of questions about the coronavirus pandemic and why everyday life changed so much during it. It can be hard to know how to talk to children about coronavirus without scaring or worrying them. Kids pick up more than we realise from conversations, TV and what they overhear, so it helps to have simple, honest answers ready.
To make that easier, we’ve put together a list of children’s books about coronavirus that are easy to get hold of and that answer those questions in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Most are aimed at 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.
You may also enjoy Get Your FREE copy of Lenny and Lily Books Helping Kids Going Back to School
Stuck Inside
Stuck Inside is a short rhyming, fully illustrated story that explains 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, helps them understand what was going on and why it was important to stay indoors, stay safe and protect others. Children will also enjoy hunting for a rainbow hidden on every page.
All author and publisher profits from this book go to NHS Charities Together, who support NHS staff and volunteers.
Available on Amazon.co.uk.
Paula and the Pandemic
Paula and the Pandemic tells the story of a little girl, Paula, who experiences the pandemic and not being able to do the things she loved. Her mommy teaches her patience through growing a sunflower from a little seed.
This book is intended to support parents who are finding it hard to explain the pandemic and social distancing to small children. All proceeds are 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 simple information and good hygiene practices for children.
This book can help children understand and cope with social distancing. It’s available to download free here.
We’re Going to Be Ok
In We’re Going to Be Ok, you’ll find tips and advice from Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton and Dr Leigh-Ann Webb about staying safe, healthy and optimistic during the 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 COVID-19, viral transmission, basic epidemiology, and the social distancing needed to protect kids and communities.
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, both parents to three curious kids.
This children’s book goes into real depth on the science behind the spread of the virus, how it causes symptoms, and how vaccines contribute to herd immunity.
Kids will find out why the virus spreads so rapidly, how handwashing and social distancing help prevent transmission, how they can help others during a pandemic, how people who become ill are treated in hospital, and how families can protect themselves 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 captures the emotions young children felt during the global pandemic, when home became isolating even with parents around, and friends and loved ones were seen only through a screen.
This lyrical portrayal of life during coronavirus gives voice and hope to children who swapped school and hugs for technology.
Available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
Why Did The Whole World Stop?
The illustrated Why Did The Whole World Stop? opens up conversation about COVID-19 and provides accurate information in a kid-friendly format. Bright graphics and simply worded details help children understand why so many normal routines suddenly changed.
Most of the book uses simple text and pictures, but there are also pages outlining some of the main definitions, concepts and history of the outbreak.
There are also useful ideas for how children can help those around them, and spend their time well during quarantine.
Available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus
A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus by Rebecca Growe, illustrated by Viviana Garofoli, is a colourful picture book that answers the questions kids have about the pandemic and all the changes in their lives.
It explains what the virus is, how it spreads, and what children can do to help, in gentle, simple language that even the youngest kids can follow. There’s also a note to parents and caregivers offering strategies for helping kids navigate anxiety 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 explains coronavirus and the measures taken to control it, with expert input from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, teachers, and a child psychologist.
You may also enjoy These Good Hand Hygiene Tips Can Keep the Whole Family Healthy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any of these coronavirus books free?
Yes – several titles on this list, including Why We Stay at Home, Dr Li, Even Astronauts Practice Social Distancing, We’re Going to Be Ok, A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus and Coronavirus: A Book For Children, are available as free downloads.
What age are these books suitable for?
Most are written for younger children, roughly preschool to early primary school age, using simple language and illustrations. A few, like Kelly Stays Home, go into more scientific detail and suit slightly older children too.
How can a book help my child understand the pandemic?
Picture books break down a big, confusing topic into calm, reassuring language and pictures. They give children a starting point to ask questions and help parents explain things like social distancing, hygiene and why routines changed, without overwhelming them.
Related Articles
- How to Talk to Children About Coronavirus
- Get Your FREE Copy of Lenny and Lily Books Helping Kids Going Back to School
- These Good Hand Hygiene Tips Can Keep the Whole Family Healthy
- Picture Books Kids of All Ages Will Love
Before You Go
No printable this time, but if you found this list useful, save it or bookmark it so it’s easy to find next time your child has questions. Browse more of our learning ideas for plenty of other ways to support your child at home.
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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!
