Coronavirus: A Book For Children is a fantastic resource, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, to answer your children’s questions about everything going on during this worrying time – and you can read it for free!

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Axel Scheffler, award-winning illustrator of The Gruffalo series, has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, about 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, and now Gill Books is delighted to publish an Irish-specific version.

The book has had expert input from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, teachers, and a child psychologist. And, best of all, it is 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 Is the Coronavirus – and Why is Everyone Talking About It?

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 is a list of trusted resources for children, along with further reading for parents, guardians and carers.

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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!