Once upon a time, 10 years ago — er, 10 months ago, we never would have dreamed that we’d need to write a roundup of pandemic-related children’s books about masks, distance learning and more. And yet, here we are. Now that the second (third?) wave is upon us, kids have got more questions about the pandemic than ever. “Is it really safe to be in school?” and “Is Grandma going to get sick?” are just a couple of questions parents can’t answer with certainty. The best parents can do is tell kids the truth, acknowledge their fears, and reassure them that you’re working as hard as possible to ensure their safety and wellbeing. And what better way to do all of the above than through story time with some smart, mindful children’s books about the coronavirus pandemic and all that it has meant for kids in 2020?
There are plenty pandemic-related children’s books and coloring books out there these days to answer your kids’ questions and more. Some of these educational books, can be printed or read online or downloaded for free. Some explain the coronavirus to kids on a rudimentary level — or at least lighten the mood and make them feel less alone. Some address the struggles of virtual learning; some explain why it’s so important to do our part and wear a mask.
And reading kids these books doesn’t just help them; it also helps every parent (like, you know, Kate Middleton) who may be struggling with how to explain the virus — and the restrictions that come along with social-distancing requirements — to their kids. But with the right information, plus reassurance from animated characters and soothing words, kids can fall asleep at night with more peace of mind, thanks to these reads.
Here, we’ve listed the best pandemic-related kids’ books (and coloring books) to educate, promote positivity, and hopefully explain the chaos of 2020 just a little bit.
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A version of this story was originally published in May 2020.
A Parody Of Our New Morning Routine
“Good morning Dad / And his iPad / Good morning nanas / Good morning cameras / Good morning top / Mom wears nonstop.” Sometimes, reflecting on our new (ab)normal day-to-day can be difficult. This parody shares the reality of life during COVID-19 and hilariously portrays the little things we have become accustomed to.
A Little Magic
From school to play dates, everything feels different for kids these days. But authors Morgan and Mary Duffy are here to make things a little easier with their COVID fairy, Peri, who does more than teach kids important health information: Peri reminds kids not to neglect the things that make them happy— like dance parties, singing and drawing.
The Mask Explainer
Get kids (gasp!) actually excited about wearing their mask to school and around the community with the help of Elmo. Every kid wants to be a hero, right?
An Online Intro
Transitioning to virtual learning from a traditional classroom can be so confusing for kids, particularly little ones. This sweet story of Spot teaches kids that an online class can be different, but still a lot of fun.
For Pods & Beyond
Even when socially distanced, classmates stick together. Whether your kids are going back to school in person with modifications, or sticking it out with online learning from home, any kid can use this reminder that their classmates and teacher have their back. After all, we’re all in this together.
Masks Are Cool!
In case Elmo wearing a mask wasn’t enough, try this tale of little Lucy, for whom a protective mask becomes an entry into a world of imagination and adventure. Who needs a costume when you can be a real-life superhero?
Back-to-School Basics
This one is a must-have for kids returning to school in person this fall. From distanced desks to hand sanitizing, this run-through of COVID-19 safety protocol for kids is accessible and makes it all seem a bit less scary.
Even Dragons Don’t Want COVID
Having a pet dragon is pretty fun, right? But what if Diggory Doo Dragon can’t be convinced to wear his mask? Kids can follow along as Diggory learns about the importance of preventing viral spread — a sentence we never thought we’d be writing about a children’s book, but here we are.
Explaining Change
This book written by sisters and moms Susan Leininger and Julie Bair takes kids along with a group of goats and ducks as they figure out what their “new normal” is going to look like as they go back to school mid-pandemic. It’s a fun and lighthearted companion to some of the books that have a more medical spin.
E-Learning Just Got Epic
Part of the “Ninja Life Hacks” book series, eNinja is geared towards kids ages 3 to 11. It’s a funny book that addresses some of the anxieties kids may have around engaging in virtual learning for the first time. And anyway, isn’t everything more fun with ninjas?
A Little Laughter Never Hurt
“In the tiny family apartment / There were disinfectant wipes / And never enough toilet paper /And a list of tasks saved for ‘later.'” Okay, so this one doesn’t quite have science behind it — but isn’t laughter sometimes the best medicine? In quarantine it sure is. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from Goodnight COVID-19 are donated to mental health relief funds for those affected by the virus.
Making the Best of It
When Marilyn’s son began distance-learning on Zoom and started asking her why he didn’t get to go to school, she decided to write a book to help children navigate this confusing time. Lemonade shows kids how to stay positive even though their daily schedules have changed.
Color It Out
This coronavirus-themed coloring book provides children and adults with the opportunity to understand COVID-19, identify normal emotional responses, and process their feelings about what they are experiencing. Every $5 suggested donation allows Headwaters Relief Organization to provide another child a book.
Approachable Science
Axel Scheffler illustrated this free downloadable book for children ages 5-9 with advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist. Here are some questions they address: 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?
For the Parents
Best known for his funny comics about parenting, “Fowl Language Comics,” Brian Gordon is now offering parents free comics about parenting during the coronavirus. On his Instagram, you’ll find tons of good laughs about social-distancing, homeschooling, and indoor activities with kids.
Informative & Fun
This book was written for kids in hospitals who are experiencing changes in protocol. But any kid who is confused about the pandemic can benefit from this coloring book, which includes match-up games and word searches.
After the Rain…
Ever since the pandemic hit the U.S., people have been creating beautiful rainbow window displays to show onlookers that we are all in this together. Yumi, a baby food company, wrote a book about a mother and son sheltering in place who bring their neighborhood together through these colorful rainbows.
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