"I'm afraid of the COVID-19 virus. I don't want to kill my grandparents if I give it to them." A nine year old reflecting his concerns.
Children are afraid and frustrated in this time of pandemic.
Stu and the Coronavirus Guys. The Covid-19 Children's Book, tackles both issues of reassuring and empowering children through humor and information. The story is an interview on a news program. Stu, an ostrich who is known to be brave and clever, faces two coronavirus "specks" and lays down the law of who they really are and how we are going to stop them. The show begins:
"In light of the pandemic Stu has decided to go to the source of the issue, the coronavirus guys. For the first time ever Stu will be asking the tough questions, and, if we know Stu, he'll come up with some tough answers."
Stu, and his partner, Clarice tell them exactly what the situation is:
"I want to introduce you to Clarice. She's very kind and wise. She has an important message for you."
"Okay, if she's really nice."
"Lovely to meet you. I just want to take a moment and tell you that we're going to wipe you out. Smoosh. Shmash. Schhooo."
"Perhaps we could discuss this."
Stu tells the virus that "we know how to stop you. We wash our hands...wear our masks like superheroes...and keep a healthy distance and we have fun!"
As the interview continues Clarice clarifies that the "speck of a speck of a speck" virus cannot do anything without its host:
"Can you dance by the light of the moon?"
"No, Clarice I've never been good on my feet."
"Can you sing like a bird flying high, you know what I mean?"
"No, Clarice, but it's always been my dream."
Finally Stu and Clarice call the readers in to sing "hey hey hey, goodbye!" to the virus.
The news show signs off:
"And there you have it. Stu and Clarice made it clear that these specks are nothing without a person. Washing hands, wearing masks, and keeping a healthy distance will, as Clarice said, schmash them."
Light-hearted, funny, and comforting this book makes us all feel that we can win over this life-changing, world-changing situation.
Buy yours today and share with children who are trying to adjust to our "new normal" lives.
