Picture Books about the Coronavirus Pandemic
Just like Operation Warp Speed trying to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 in record-setting time, the children’s publishing world had a little Operation Warp Speed of their own. Despite the fact that we had never heard of this virus less than one year ago, there are now a plethora of options out there if you’re looking for a picture book to talk about the novel coronavirus with your kids.
We’ve seen a lot of wonderful kids books about the pandemic now - and they almost all try to do one of two things. Either they’re trying to explain the pandemic and the quarantine to kids, or they’re trying to mark the occasion in a more artistic way - like a snapshot of living history that we’ll remember forever.
Personally I gravitate more towards the artistic books that have set out to highlight the light hidden in the darkness - the ones that describe the silly things we put in our windows and do their best to instill a sense of hope for the future. But that’s not to say that the technical nuts and bolts of explaining the whole situation in black and white to kids isn’t important as well. In fact, that’s exactly what a lot of kids want.
As I’m writing this, the first wave of vaccines is currently being rolled out across the world. After 9 months in quarantine, and lives all over the world being completely upended in an unprecedented way - there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel. But we still have a challenging winter to get through and, unfortunately, there’s very little reason to think the upcoming school semester will be anything close to normal.
So if you’re a parent or a teacher, and you still need to have a heart to heart with your kids about the situation we’re all in - I hope you can find a little help on our list. Whether your goal is to help explain what’s going on, or to spread the comfort of our shared-humanity and the fact that we’re in this together, these books can help.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. Clicking on these links will lead you to view the books’ listings on Amazon or Bookshop.org. Some of the books in this article were shared with us by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
Picture Books about the COVID-19 Pandemic and Quarantine
And the People Stayed Home
Written by Kitty O’Meara and Illustrated by Stefano Di Cristofaro & Paul Pereda
The odds are pretty good that you’ve heard about this one already, as it’s been getting some buzz on some best-of-the-year lists already. And it’s for very good reason too. We also have it shortlisted for our best picture books of 2020, frankly because it’s so beautiful.
The author wrote this poem about life during quarantine and posted it on Facebook, and the popularity of it brought about this wonderful book. The really great thing about it is the focus on a hope for our future. All of the news stories about nature flourishing in the absence of human activity this year has been inspiring and thought-provoking, and, at least for the time being, we can hold onto the hope that perhaps we’ve learned something about the destruction we cause.
The book very deliberately chooses to focus on the silver linings of the world’s time in quarantine, and to change the conversation into a more big picture idea, and that’s completely okay. Obviously the pandemic affected lots of people much worse than the characters in this book who spent their time reading and painting and dancing, but that’s also how it did look for lots of people - and I think we can all agree that the message of hope it provides is quite welcome.
Sea Lions in the Parking Lot
Written by Lenora Todaro and Illustrated by Annika Siems
If you’re looking for a picture book about the pandemic for animals lovers - this is the one! We all heard heartwarming stories about animals reclaiming territory all over the world when we all slowed down a little, and this wonderful book collects several of those stories. Deer on escalators, boars in a fountain, a coyote on the Golden Gate Bridge - in some ways it has echoes of the wonderful classic Tuesday. But it’s a real possibility - all humans have to do is just get out of the way.
By far the best part about this book is the format, it presents a snipped of information about an animal wandering into a part of the world it usually avoids, and, when you turn the page, you’re treated with a beautiful two-page spread of the scenario. Every single one of these beautiful works of art works as a fantastic dichotomy. In some ways it’s a painful reminder of what we’re doing to the world, and a kick in the butt to do something about it. But it’s also undeniable that it’s good news that the damage can reverse itself if we ever finally agree to get out of the way.
Corona Daze
Written and Illustrated by Jennifer Angel
Jennifer Angel built Corona Daze with a combination of real-life photography and cartoon illustrations - much like the Caldecott-winning Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems. And I have to say, the style works spectacularly well for this very topic. It’s the perfect blend of stark reality and some kind of dream - just like the last 9 months has felt.
I really love the topics that this book touches on. Kids are easily going to relate with Eva, who has to stay home. She can’t go to school, she can’t go to the grocery store, and she can’t even see her grandparents. And Eva’s parents also tell her about some of the details of the virus, and why it’s important to wear masks and wash your hands.
One of my favorite parts is probably how well Angel validates feelings in this book - like the fear of loved-ones getting sick that keeps Eva up at night. All of these books have a big decision to make - which specific details to highlight about life during quarantine. And Eva’s experience is one of my favorites to read about. And I must admit that I love the tiny nods to the frustrating politicization of the pandemic.
The Big Bad Coronavirus!: And How We Can Beat It!
Written by Lisa Carroll and Illustrated by G. F. Newland
This picture book about the coronavirus does a great job addressing anxiety. Lisa has worked up a picture of the coronavirus in her head until it looks like a big monster out to get her. Her anxiety gets the best of her and her mom pulls her out of school. It does a great job depicting what it’s like going to school during a pandemic, and a thoughtful job addressing the fear that all of us felt - particularly kids. Lots of attention is spent on soothing this anxiety by addressing the actions we can take.
My favorite part about this book though, is the monstrous face they put on the coronavirus. And it’s fun to see Lisa put this monster in its place, once she knows what she can do to fight him. And, I must admit, we’re all very big fans of her stuffed friend Hip Hop Hamilton - a teddy bear dressed like Alexander Hamilton. Lisa Carroll must know that Hamilton is the secret to my kids’ hearts.
Windows
Written by Patrick Guest and Illustrated by Jonathan Bentley
Windows came out in Australia earlier this year, so many people haven’t seen it yet, but they did release a video of the entire book for the whole world to enjoy - and see how fantastic it is. Folks, do not sleep on this book. I assure you it will end up on our list of the best picture books of 2021, because it has now officially been released in the US too.
I can’t say enough positive things about this book. The poetry flows wonderfully, and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. It bounces around the world to help kids from all over see themselves in the story, and it touches on the difficulties of quarantine - specifically for children - in the most perfect way possible. To put it simply, I think this is one of those books that will go down in history as a classic work of art about this strange period in our lives.
What’s All the Commotion?
Written by Jessie Glenn and Illustrated by Kevin King
What’s All the Commotion? is framed as a conversation with kids who want to know what’s going on - and that’s very useful obviously, because that’s what most kids want to know. It lends itself to starting a conversation with your kids about everything from how germs spread to what social distancing means.
One of the highlights of this book is how it asks questions - like the questions are intended for the kids reading the book or being read to. It has questions like: “Does it feel strange and different for you to be out of school, or away from the playground, or separated from your friends?”. And it’s easy to see how useful that can be start up a valuable conversation with your little ones.
I particularly enjoy how it suggests that social distancing is actually a way to show our love for each other right now, because the confusion that it can cause for kids who don’t understand social distance is painful. And, like many of these books, it ends on an important message of hope - this won’t last forever!
This one is also free right now if you have Kindle Unlimited, and all proceeds from the book are going to No Kid Hungry.
When We Stayed Home
Written by Tara Fass & Judith A. Proffer and Illustrated by Yoko Matsuoka
When We Stayed Home describes the relatable experiences during quarantine for a young boy. I like how much time he spends with his dog, because it might be to safe to say our pets have become our best and only friends during quarantine as well.
A lot of focus is put on the experience of mask-wearing in this one - it’s scratchy and stuffy and not enjoyable. You know everyone can relate with that. But it does a great job in explaining the importance of the practice and the help it provides. And the best way to sell it to kids - it’s like being a super hero! The boy in the story calls himself a super-helper, and it’s truly a good way to explain to kids how and who they are legitimately helping.
There is a lot of relatable stuff to be found in this book - lots of walks, lots of Zoom, lots of reading, and lots of imagination. It also does a great job praising the real super heroes - the front line workers risking their lives every day to help those in need. And it’s a wonderful way to let kids know they’re a part of the solution and that we’re all in this together.
Doctor Li and the Crown-Wearing Virus
Written by Francesca Cavallo and Illustrated by Claudia Flandoli
I have to admit, I didn’t know much at all about the story of Doctor Li before reading this book. It doesn’t seem like his story has spread far and wide like it should yet. He was the first doctor in China to identify this coronavirus and start talking about it, and it got him in a lot of trouble with his government. I’m so happy this book exists now.
I think this book is going to go down as a very important biography set during this crazy time, and, if you’re looking for books to share with students, it’s really a great one to share with kids just to educate them about the origins of the pandemic. It even tackles difficult child questions like “why is our president pretending the virus doesn’t exist?”. And that’s just one of the many things to love about this book.
Outside, Inside
Written and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
The latest edition to our collection of picture books about the coronavirus might be my very favorite one yet. This book is so incredibly well-crafted. And it’s just gorgeous. It’s an exploration of the changes taking place inside and outside of our homes, as well as inside and outside of us. And somehow it manages to perfectly capture so many of the emotions of the last year without exactly ever mentioning the virus.
COVID-19 is only specifically mentioned in one of the many beautiful little details of the amazing illustrations. Even the answer to the question “why did we all go inside?” avoids the specifics - pointing out simply and correctly that it was the right thing to do. But it’s still clear why everyone in the entire world suddenly went inside. I think it manages a perfect balance of darkness and hope, and there are so many things to relate to in this book. There’s no doubt that we’re bookmarking this one for our list of favorite picture books of 2021.
I hope you and your family are safe and happy and healthy. Let us know in the comments if you’ve read any of these books, or if you have any other favorite kids books about the pandemic or quarantine.
