Contact: aeh5mg@virginia.edu
Ashley is the Project Lead and University of Virginia’s Education & Social Science Research Librarian. Ashley specializes in children’s literature and is currently researching the COVID-19 pandemic and social emotional learning represented in picture books.
Mary served as the project's Social Emotional Learning Cataloger and Digital Support. She graduated from UVA in May 2021. She is currently an MPH Candidate at the Yale School of Public Health, with a focus on Digital Health, Psychosocial Epidemiology & Public Health Modeling.
Social Distancing, Quarantining, and "Stay at Home"
When required to socially distance, isolate, or quarantine we needed to adapt our behavior and alter our children's routines. Explaining social distancing, quarantining, and why we needed to stay home to avoid spreading disease can be difficult. The books in this section aim to: educate children about public health guidelines in a simple and fun way, ease anxiety, address feelings of loneliness and isolation, and encourage a positive mindset during troubling times. We are in the process of mapping these titles to the CASEL Framework for applying evidence-based SEL strategies.
The Time We Did Nothing: A Book About Social Distancing Heroes by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
This book features illustrations of families and children staying at home "doing nothing"-engaging in popular social distancing activities such as playing, learning, cooking, gardening, walking, resting, reading, etc. Opposite the family illustrations are depictions of nurses, doctors, teachers, and other community helpers engaged in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. While the families do their part being patient and staying at home, the community helpers are risking their lives out in the world, healing patients and giving aid to those in need. Both are critical to stopping the spread of Coronavirus.
Windows by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Walking his dog at dusk, one boy catches glimpses of the lives around him in this lovely ode to autumn evenings, exploring your neighborhood, and coming home. Before your city goes to sleep, you might head out for a walk, your dog at your side as you go out the door and into the almost-night. Anything can happen on such a walk: you might pass a cat, or a friend, or even an early raccoon. And as you go down your street and around the corner, the windows around you light up one by one until you are walking through a maze of paper lanterns, each one granting you a brief, glowing snapshot of your neighbors as families come together and folks settle in for the night.
Billie and the Brilliant Bubble by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Billie and the Brilliant Bubble was born when social distancing orders began in early 2020. Tara wanted a fun and simple way to explain the new guidelines to her young daughters, Alexandria and Addison. One day, while Tara and the girls were on a walk, it dawned on her that Alex and Addison loved bubbles. It would be fun pretending they were inside an imaginary bubble that protects them from germs and keeps their family and friends healthy. When restrictions were in place, the girls were still able to walk around the nature trail, ride their scooters, and go for ice cream with Mommy and Daddy, all in the safety of their imaginary bubbles. Billie and the Brilliant Bubble simplifies the concept of social distancing to help families teach their children the importance of social distancing.
If You Can't Bear Hug, Air Hug by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Join fuzzy bears, flapping owls and more adorable animal friends as they prove that distance can't overcome love and friendship! "If You Can't Bear Hug, Air Hug" is an uplighting book of rhymes for children that explores the creative ways animals might show affection while socially distancing, and delivers a reassuring message of love and resilience.
The Social Distance King by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Social distancing is a confusing concept for children. Give them the imagination of being a King or Queen of Social Distancing. This fictional children's book will encourage your little one to keep partaking in this world-wide effort to end this pandemic. Social distancing is not just about protecting yourself... it is about protecting the people around us. Your toddler or grade school child will learn that if we all partake in these drastic actions, we will save our friends, loved ones and fellow humans from sickness and harm. Enthusiasm & Hope About the Future - This pandemic won't last forever! It is critical for all children and young minds to understand this. Give your little one the hope and dreams about all they will accomplish and we beat this virus. This bedtime story will teach children how to become the King or Queen of Social Distancing!
While We Can't Hug by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
The bestselling and heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing, from the team behindThe Hug. Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!
Isolation Island by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
In a series of lyrical images, a child explains her experience of social distancing during the pandemic: houses separating into islands, people trapped in bubbles, and attending school through a periscope. When her parents won't let her have a sleepover on her birthday party, she runs out into the night. Only her grandmother can convince her to come home. The story is a parable of how separating to protect the vulnerable can bring us together. A book to help all children - and perhaps some adults - to cope with social isolation.
When We Stayed Home by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
When a scary virus traveled the globe, we were asked to stay home to help the helpers. When We Stayed Home is an illustrated children's book of one young boy's experience of being a super-helper by staying home, washing hands and wearing a face mask, and how he used his imagination and creativity to weather staying home, even while missing school and family and friends and the "normal" life he once knew.
Everybody Feels Lonely (Lerner Edition) by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Have you ever felt lonely because you have no one to play with? Have you felt sad because you feel as though you have no friends? Read about Mateo and Poppy and what they did when they felt lonely. This book focuses on loneliness and all the feelings that this common emotion stirs up. The two stories, told from a child's point of view, help children identify and understand their feelings through everyday scenarios. Through questions for the reader and advice, this books helps guide them and gently teaches them how to manage or overcome loneliness.
Kelly Stays Home: The Science of Coronavirus by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Discover along with eight-year-old Kelly the science behind the COVID-19 illness, viral transmission, basic epidemiology, and social distancing needed to protect your kids and community. Dr. Lauren Block MD MPH, a primary care physician and medical educator and Dr. Adam Block PhD, a health economist and public health professor, are parents of three curious kids. This is the only children's book that goes into depth on the science behind the spread of coronavirus, how the virus causes the symptoms it does, and how vaccines contribute to herd immunity. You and your children will understand why the virus spreads so rapidly, how handwashing and social distancing can prevent transmission, how kids can help others during the pandemic, how people who become ill are treated in the hospital, and how you can protect your family from infection.- A Day to Stay Home byISBN: 9781735868202Publication Date: 2020-11-20Some days we stay at home. Written during the 2020 pandemic, A Day to Stay Home reminds us all of the simple joy of using our imaginations. Join this little girl and her family and discover the adventure of staying home together!
Everyone's Home by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Meka is SUPER DUPER EXCITED! She gets to spend 21 days at home with her mom, dad and sister! What will Meka and her family do? Maybe they'll plant fruits and veggies in the garden! Maybe they'll play board games! Maybe they'll look at the stars! Everyone's Home is a simple and exciting children's picture book with a storyline that is enjoyable for the entire family! Follow the daily adventures of six (6) year old Meka and her family as they spend quality time together.
Far Apart, Together at Heart by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
The COVID-19 pandemic was a monumental, global event. In many ways, even though threats of the virus kept us physically apart, it brought us closer than ever. We endured a shared, universal experience of being far away from our friends and family and a time that upended every aspect of our lives. Knowing that we will be talking about this pandemic for generations, "Far Apart, Together at Heart" is a way to share with young children what life was like during that time. From children who were very young to the pandemic babies, it will help start the conversation and help them understand how we kept one another safe and how we went about our daily lives differently than before.
You Are Never Alone by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
A new picture book that explores how humans are inextricably connected to nature. This book draws examples from the clouds and the cosmos, the seafloor and the surface of our skin, to show how we are never alone: we are always surrounded and supported by nature. Whether it's gravity holding us tight; our lungs breathing oxygen synthesized by plants; the countless microorganisms that build our immunity; or the whales whose waste fertilizes the plankton that feed the fish we eat: nature touches every aspect of how we live. Using lyrical text grounded in current science alongside detailed diorama art, this informational picture book presents the idea that we thrive through connections to the land and sea and sky, and togetherness is key to nature. It encourages inquiry-based learning, inviting readers to wonder, ask questions, observe the natural world, and engage with big ideas. An author's note at the end offers more insight into the research behind the text.
Oh! What a Lovely Lockdown! by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Oh! What a Lovely Lockdown! is a social distancing adventure for children, featuring twins Lily and Leo. This is the story of how the twins, confused and upset that their birthday party can’t go ahead as planned due to COVID-19 pandemic are inspired by their parents to discover fun, joy and creativity at home. Embedded throughout the story are ideas, inspirations and insights that aim to encourage children in exploring their creative skills. Oh! What a Lovely Lockdown! has been written to support families in spending more time at home with optimism.
Staying Home: Guardians of Social Distancing by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
When a virus sweeps the land, a family of magical deer must use social distancing to combat the dangerous invader. Are they up to the task? Enter the magical world of Heartwood, where children's book animals meet medieval, high fantasy. Willow, the eldest daughter, wants to prove she's ready to be a guardian like her parents but is still too young to start her training. When a pandemic strikes the kingdom, the family must come together and find a way to fight back against the virus. Can Willow take on the responsibility of social distancing and prove she's ready to take her place as a guardian?
Love Without Hugs by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
One day, children wake up to a world in which they have to stay away from people they love.
“Did I do something wrong? Do you not love me anymore? How can I get you sick if I don’t feel sick?” LOVE WITHOUT HUGS explains the concept of a “carrier” of a virus, and the importance of “social distancing.” During a pandemic, children can be superheroes for their grandparents, protecting the ones they love by NOT giving them a hug.
Do Fish Social Distance? by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Do fish social distance? Yes, of course they do! See how fun and normal it is to social distance with a little help from our friends under the sea. From whales and dolphins to clownfish and sharks, many underwater friends social distance to stay safe and have fun.
Stay Home Superheroes by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
This book is about a little boy, Jax, whose life has been flipped upside down due to the pandemic. His mom tries to teach him patience and hygiene through explaining how they all can be superheroes by staying home and not spreading the virus. This book is intended to support parents who are having a hard time explaining the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing to their small children who are struggling with the new situation.
We See Grandma from a Distance by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Jahmir was so excited to go visit his grandma. But once he got there, he realized things were different. How close did he get to her? Was he able to hug her? Was he able to kiss her? A Story highlighting Social Distancing.
Werewolf Howls at Home by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
When a virus arrives in Monstertown, everyone must stay inside. But Werewolf longs to run free and howl under the moonlight with his pack. He's never been so frustrated or bored. How can a pack animal like him be happy howling at home? A sometimes silly, largely lyrical story about confinement, social distancing, and the sense of community that can occur even when we aren't physically together. The Coronavirus/COVID 19 pandemic has changed how we interact, but it can't keep us apart! Third book in the series A Monster's Guide to Life...in a Pandemic.
Staying Home by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Staying Home paints a vivid picture of the feelings and experiences that can come along with staying home. This lyrical picture book encourages young readers to acknowledge the comfortable and uncomfortable moments of life lived at home, and to look forward to sharing those experiences with the great, big world beyond.
Happy Harper Thursdays by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
When people who love each other can't be together, it's heartbreaking. And when a child is too young to understand a sudden, prolonged cut-off from a beloved relative or friend, everyone hurts. In Happy Harper Thursdays, Fern Schumer Chapman explains to young children, simply and clearly, why we can't be with the people we love during the Coronavirus. This colorful, delightfully illustrated book captures how this pandemic disrupts the cherished routine of a grandmother and granddaughter.
Mom Is Hiding by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Mom makes the difficult decision to 'hide' in her room. While Mom self-isolates, six-year-old Nina has to tackle new things for herself. It's hard, but Nina knows the distance between her and Mom is only temporary.
Please Don't Pop My Bubble! by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
In this picture book, children will learn about the complex issue of personal space through a student's perspective. This is a beautifully illustrated book where children will learn about personal space, friendship, and how to problem solve on their own. They will think about their emotions, how it makes their body feel, and how it affects others. This will be a valuable resource for children, teachers, counselors, and parents to use for many years to come!
Staying Home with Quarantine Cat by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
From the imaginations of public health specialist Sarah Legare and animator Frank Pichel comes Quarantine Cat, a quirky kitten coping with change in the face of a global pandemic. With bold colors and a retro flair, this rhyming resource is perfect for children ages 4-8. Alongside Quarantine Cat, kids will learn to identify preventive health measures, engage in safe practices, and exercise emotional awareness during a trying and uncertain time. Rashella D'Amico, a behavior specialist who has worked in the field of psychology for 10+ years, calls Staying Home with Quarantine Cat a "masterful story with a memorable cast that breezily introduces crucial steps to keep your family safe."
I Miss Everyone! Understanding Social Distancing by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
I Miss Everyone, Understanding Social Distancing addresses some of the fears and sadness children and all people have with the world suddenly coming to a pause during the Cornavirus Pandemic. It explains the difficult topic of social distancing to young children and provides ways to realign thoughts, focus on what we can do to help and reminds us we are not in this alone, but all around the world, everyone, everywhere is in in this together.
When a Lady Bug Can't Hug by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Lady Bug's day started out like every other until she found out she could no longer hug. Find out how she was able to still do what she loved most, just by shifting how she did it. Take a breath to join Lady Bug's supersonic "UGH' and then embrace her social distancing hugs.
Critter Fitter with Bizzy Bee by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Cooped up doesn't fly with this Bizzy Bee! Join her and her positive energy as she darts through her everyday and happens upon kids stuck inside. "If you can't come to the critters, I'll bring them to you!" Bizzy positively problem solves. She takes us all on a journey through a fun adventure in movement with animal inspired physical activities that will help you move your antennas, wings and all critter things. Work through ruffled feathers as we inch worm together, with laughs to help move us all emotionally and physically through tough topics and on to raising hands, feet and spirits!
Love Was Inside by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
From a #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator comes a picture book to celebrate and remember the days we spent inside-the joys and the hardships, the bravery and the resilience, but most of all the love. This book, inspired by kids who found ways to stay connected to the people they love during the pandemic, is about what an imaginative, curious and loving little girl did when her world was turned inside out. The girl played inside, she learned inside, she waited inside. She talked on the phone to her Nan inside. Her days and nights were all inside, and she would think about what she missed outside--the running, cheering, splashing, hugging, and of course her Nan. Finally, when the girl could go outside, she was happy to be there--to hug her Nan, see her friends, and even climb a tree. But she had changed inside, and she knew she would always remember the small things and the big things that made that time special. Here is a picture book that will help young children remember, process, and resolve the feelings they had during the pandemic. Includes prompts to help readers make their own inside story book.
A World on Paws by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
A World on Paws is a charming children's story about a cast of timid forest creatures who have an adventure of a lifetime when a child enters the forest behind her home for the first time. During her day of play with her new friends, the girl grapples with her feelings of isolation and fear during the coronavirus pandemic. She discusses with her new animal friends what it has meant for her social activities, school, and summer plans to be so disrupted. Ultimately, these creatures help the girl realize that though life in quarantine may be different, it offers some upsides if you allow your imagination to let loose. The whimsical characters in this debut children's story were each hand sewn during the early months of the pandemic by the author. The illustrations are photographs taken in park and forest locations around the creator's home in Cincinnati while on walks with her newborn daughter. This is a story of bravery, optimism, and hope for the children of quarantine.
What Does My Mom Do in Quarantine? by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
This book celebrates moms everywhere who are working outside and inside their home during this global pandemic. A child tries to understand what her mom does in quarantine and why it's important.
We Had Fun in Quarantine by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Quarantine doesn't have to be all bad; it can actually be a lot of fun! You can ride bikes, play trains, build forts, and watch cartoons. You wash your hands and wear your masks, but you can also bake cookies, sing songs, and write letters. We Had Fun in Quarantine is a lighthearted account of what one family does to make quarantine fun, as told through the eyes of a child.
Grandpa's Lessons on Surviving a Quarantine and Life by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Children's book about surviving a quarantine. The lessons that Grandpa teaches will also help you do better at life.
Nadine the Queen of Quarantine (During Covid-19) by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Being a kid during a pandemic can be tough. But have no fear: Nadine the Quarantine Queen is here to help you stay safe and have fun during quarantine. Learn the ropes of pandemic safety and health practices with Nadine in this rhyming book about the Covid-19 Pandemic
My Quarantine Routine by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Learn how to create healthy routines so you and your family can thrive during crises, pandemics, and shutdowns
Lockdown Looms by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Lockdown Looms: Reggie's Birthday Party is the first in the series written by author (and primary school teacher), Banji Alexander. With his eighth birthday just around the corner, the very thought of having to celebrate his special day during lockdown sends poor Reggie into a meltdown. Of course, home-schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic will come with its highs and lows. Bzzzzaaappp! Bzzzzaaappp! An unexpected radio announcement might just change everything. Lockdown looms!
Social Distancing by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many changes into children's lives. Social Distancing explains this novel but essential concept and gives actionable suggestions to help young readers adapt and cope as we navigate the current outbreak. Includes science content, based on current CDC recommendations, as well as social emotional content to help with personal wellness and development of empathy.
Always Together at Christmas by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Help children discover the joy of Christmas 2020 with this timely picture book that affirms the special magic of the holidays even if we're physically separated from our loved ones! Christmas will always mean love. Even if love looks a little different this year. As families and communities come together--and stay apart--in creative ways this holiday season, bring comfort and joy to children with this story about a Christmas like no other. Always Together at Christmas highlights different family traditions and the ways they're changing in 2020- from Santa's elves practicing social distancing to opening presents via Zoom on Christmas morning. And it even includes ideas for new quarantine-appropriate Christmas traditions! The sweet and cozy illustrations add classic touches, making this book the perfect gift to share with family and friends from across the miles.
What Is Social Distancing? by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
In the wake of a pandemic, everyone's world has been turned upside down. Children have not been able to go to school or see friends. This can be confusing, and this book aims to help them to understand that! Not only about the current pandemic, but germs in general! It encourages and explains the importance of hand washing and explains why it is important to stay safe at home, even though it can be hard to be away from friends! At the back of the book, are activity pages to give those kids something fun to do while maintaining a safe social distance.
