One year after schools all over the US started closing down, students are beginning to return to campus. Teachers are beginning to get vaccinated. Perhaps by next fall school will be in session much like it was before March 2020. But in the process, there is a lot of “processing” to do. Kids and grown-ups need to talk about the losses and the sacrifices they have recently endured. Sometimes it’s hard to bring up topics that we know will trigger sadness and negative feelings. That’s why children’s books help so much. We can open them up, read their words, and share a fictional experience. When we’re done, we can have a conversation about our reactions. We can use books as a way of going through something traumatic together… in gentle, slightly removed way.  If you have a hard time talking about the losses and sacrifices of Covid with your youngsters, share a book about Covid. Then follow up with an honest discussion. You may all feel a little better.

Getting the word out about a children’s book it always tough. But it’s even more difficult when teachers, librarians, students and parents are all isolating instead of mingling, talking, recommending, and sharing books in person. So I’m heartened when I see bloggers mentioning my books. Recently, Developmental Editor Anastasia Suen featured Covid-19 Helpers on her blog. Thanks so much, Anastasia!