Coronavirus has changed lots of children’s routines and daily patterns like continuous hand sanitising, hand washing and new rules for playing with their friends. Change can often upset children as they feel secure in their routines. However, what we have all been through this past year, may be more stressful as children are able to recognise loss and sadness.
Emotions can be tough at the best of times for children, however, there will be lots of new emotions coming through at this time and having to deal with these emotions for the first time will be hard.
Here is a selection of books that can help children understand some of the challenging emotions they may feel.
Dear Grandma Bunny by Dick Bruna, ideal for ages 3-6 years
This story describes death in words that a child can understand in a delicate matter. It looks at the different emotions a child might face and shows the thanks the family had for the grandma being in their life. It shows the importance of celebrating grandmas life.
Silly Billy by Anthony Browne, ideal for ages 4-6 years
Trying to explain the importance of illness and social distancing may make children anxious and worry. In this story, grandma teaches Billy how to overcome the worrying issues he has and helps him overcome his fear, worry and anxiety.
Dr Dog Explains COVID-19 by Lydia Monks, ideal for ages 2-6 years
This is a PDF guide that facilitates children to understand coronavirus better. Dr Dog has a nice nature about him and explains to children why everything around us may be different at the moment. It shows children how to practice social distancing, washing hands and why we need to have our temperature taken lots now. This story may answer questions children have but they are unsure how to ask.
Time to Come in, Bear by Kim St. Lawrence, ideal for ages 2-4 years
This story is about a bear and his rabbit friend, who show children how to social distance. It shows how children can still enjoy everyday activities but maybe in a slightly different way. This story shows coronavirus in a child’s way for them to understand.
The I Love You Book by Todd Parr, ideal for ages 2-4 years
This story explains about what love is. It shows many ways in pictures how many ways parents express their love for their little ones. Its shows how to share and take turns in a funny enjoyable way. This is an easy book to show a child what affection is and how you express affection at a sad time.