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.
Normalizing Face Masks
The books in this section aim to serve as resources for counselors, educators, caregivers, social workers, and librarians. These titles normalize face masks across all settings, educate about public health measures, and encourage children to understand their role in disease prevention. We are in the process of mapping these titles to the CASEL Framework for applying evidence-based SEL strategies.
Face masks are incredibly effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other air-borne diseases. Vaccination and widespread mask usage is crucial to preventing COVID-19 infection especially in large, indoors, public settings (schools, hospitals, grocery stores, public transit, etc.). It's important to note that some masks are more effective than others. For example, KN95 and N95 masks have a significantly higher filtration rate than cloth masks (Shah et al., 2021). When choosing a mask, how it fits to your face is just as important as the type of mask selected. Learn more about which mask you should wear, from the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. For children, choosing the right mask for your child is also crucial. Adult masks should not be worn by children as they don't provide the correct fit. Learn more in this article from the New York Times about the best masks for children currently available.
Just a Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a six-year-old girl returns to school, only to find herself worried when her teacher, librarian, nurse, and custodian are unrecognizable in masks. The book promotes mask-wearing and teaching points include roles of school staff, feelings, repetitive language, inferencing, rhyme, contractions, and dialogue.
Riley's Masked Adventure by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Riley's Masked Adventure is a fun story for parents and teachers who want to educate children about viruses and the importance of wearing a mask. The adventure follows Riley through her experience as she learns what viruses are, why she should wear a mask, and how to use one correctly. The language is easy to understand and makes a great read aloud in the classroom. The story is easy enough for young children to understand and helps spark discussions regarding viruses and other health practices. Riley, learns the importance of protecting and helping others through social distancing, proper hygiene, washing hands, sneezing appropriately, and wearing a mask.
Smiling from Ear to Ear by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Let's Smile From Ear to Ear! Smiling From Ear to Ear is a cute, colorful picture book that shows friendly animal characters wearing face masks when they go to the park, the store, the doctor's office and more. It's made with love for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, teachers and anyone who interacts with young children and wants to make wearing face masks less frightening and more normalized for common activities.
Dragon's Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
A fun and important book for parents and educators to reinforce the importance of wearing masks, and to teach kids to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses in a fun and playful way! Having a pet dragon is really fun and you can teach him to do lots of cool things... But what if your dragon doesn't know how to properly wear a mask? What if he's struggling with wearing a mask because he doesn't understand how important it is to wear a mask in public because of a virus outbreak? How do you teach him about germs, viruses and the pandemic? How do you show him what needed to be done to keep himself and everyone safe? How do you teach your dragon to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses during the pandemic?
Ella and Her Mask! by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Ella doesn't like wearing a mask. She doesn't like that her life changed. Ella and her Mask!, is a sweet little story about a child struggling to wear her mask and get through these uncertain times. This book provides a relatable story that will help any children struggling with mask-wearing and adjusting to life during the pandemic.
Murphy Wears a Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Murphy don't understand why he has to wear a mask. He's also scared that his friends will laugh at him. Murphy's mom explains to him the importance of wearing a mask and tells him that his friends will be wearing their masks too. A great book that uses illustrations and simple language to convey the importance of masks to prevent illness.
Penny Pumpkin, Don't Forget Your Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Masks are everywhere. Penny Pumpkin Don't Forget Your Mask is a cute story to help kids learn more about germs, viruses, and the pandemic, as well as understand the importance of wearing masks and how they can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This book is perfect for parents, teachers, counselors, toddlers, preschool and kindergarten age group.
Abigail, When I Wear My MaskAccess at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Abigail helps children understand why it is so important to wear a mask, and shows them that wearing a mask shouldn't have to stop anyone from being themselves.
Heroes Wear Masks by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Young children will join Elmo as he gets ready like a hero and learns about wearing masks and washing hands. With the help of Elmo and his mommy, this all new story from world-renowned education brand Sesame Workshop will help children calm school anxiety and understand new and different routines they may experience during the pandemic, such as: anxiety about leaving home, washing hands frequently, social distancing, not being able to give hugs or high-fives to friends, staggered schedules, why some friends may not be at school, temperature checks, and new classroom seating arrangements. It's the perfect pandemic book with tools to discuss important topics as kids go back to school, preschool, daycare, or out in any public setting where they'd need a face mask to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
Lucy's Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Suddenly, masks are everywhere. Are your kids confused and anxious about wearing a mask? Lucy's world turned upside down. She's bored. She can't be together with her friends. But when she finds out her mom is making her a new mask her boredom turns into excitement. Lucy loves masks! She dives into her toy box full of costumes and opens a world of imagination and make-believe adventure, far beyond the walls of her room. Of course, she doesn't realize that the mask her mom is making is not a costume at all but one that will keep her safe and make her a real-life superhero.For parents, grandparents and teachers searching for stories that give kids comfort and reassurance about the sudden changes around them, Lucy's Mask is a welcome new addition to reading time.
P&B's Masked AdventureAccess at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
P&B's Masked Adventure addresses what every child is concerned about during a pandemic - masks everywhere. Siblings, Parker and Brody, are suddenly rattled when their mom has to make a pitstop to the grocery store. With the addition of masks, this once exciting place for adventure doesn't seem as fun anymore. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Find out how Mom turns a store full of unfamiliar shoppers into an exciting world of imagination for Parker and Brody!
When You Can't See Me Smile: Expressing and Understanding Feelings and Emotions While Wearing a Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
The bold illustrations and wonderful rhyming text in this book help kids deal with expressing and understanding emotions while wearing a mask. When faces are half-hidden by masks, children may have difficulty decoding the moods of others and, in turn, may find it challenging to fully express their own emotions. This book helps kids look for clues and cues, such as words, gestures, and body language to understand how others are feeling even when they can't see their full facial expressions. It offers a wonderful read-aloud opportunity, both at home or in a classroom setting.
Baby Put Your Mask On! by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
This clever little rhyme will entertain your little one while easing their fear of masks during this pandemic.
Masked Ninja by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Through a child's eyes, the world may seem chaotic with coronavirus (COVID19), masks, and social distancing. Masked Ninja explains what's going on in our current pandemic and shows us actionable steps we can take to prevent the spread of viruses and racism. Find out what happens in this comedic book about pandemics, viruses, and kindness. Life is hard! And it's even harder for children who are just trying to figure things out. The new children's book series, Ninja Life Hacks, was developed to help children learn valuable life skills. Fun, pint-size characters in comedic books easy enough for young readers, yet witty enough for adults.
Sarah Wears A Mask: A Child's Story of Adjusting to Pandemic Safety Rules by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Sarah is a fourth-grader who made adjustments to her life during a pandemic. She had to learn how to wear a mask so she could expand her social experiences. Sarah did not like wearing a mask because she felt uncomfortable and she thought masks looked scary. She worked with her parents to recognize that masks demonstrated a kindness power that shows others she was protecting them and herself.
Who's Behind the Mask? by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
A picture book to help children accept face masks and shields. Children are learning how to process and understand facial expressions and emotions, during a time when everyone is wearing a face covering. Now the faces of their loved ones, teachers, friends, and local grocery clerks are all covered. It can be scary and confusing. Who's Behind the Mask? aims to help calm some of those fears. Each page shows an example of someone in a mask. Children can turn the page to see a friendly smile hiding underneath the mask. Even the doggie is wearing one!
Mia's Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Mia's Mask is a rhyming story about a young girl adjusting to wearing a face mask. Mia started wearing a mask due to the global pandemic, COVID-19. She had to learn to wear it properly, and there is no in-between. Where does she go? What does she do? No matter what, she wears her mask for her safety and for your protection too!
Wear Your Mask, Baby Shark by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Sing and dance along with Baby Shark, in this catchy tune all about staying healthy and wearing a mask! Sing, dance, and read along as Baby Shark and the whole shark family highlight the importance of mask wearing! Join Baby Shark and his underwater friends as they go on fun adventures all around town, from the soccer game to the grocery store and fun on the playground, staying safe and wearing masks all the way. A fun tool for kids and caregivers alike, this story is an approachable, reassuring way to talk about mask-wearing while singing along to your little one's favorite song.
Even Grouches Wear Masks! (Sesame Street) by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends know how important it is for everyone to wear a mask--even Oscar the Grouch--in this timely paperback with photos of everyone's favorite muppets! Thanks to Elmo, Oscar, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their Sesame Street friends, young boys and girls will learn how and why to wear a face mask. Sesame Street fans will love the bright, colorful photos of the lovable muppets wearing masks throughout this paperback book. And they'll laugh while they're learning how to stay healthy--and keep their friends and family healthy, too.
When We All Wear a Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
This rhyming, upbeat picture book explains to young readers why it is so important to wear a mask and help keep each other safe in the age of Covid-19. Young readers will gain an understanding of the benefits of wearing a mask and social distancing to protect themselves, their family members, and friends.
Mummy Wears a Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
A virus arrives in Monstertown and Mayor Mummy tells everyone they should wear masks. But the other monsters aren't so sure they want to. Will Mummy be able to convince them? Kids and adults can enjoy this silly series of mishaps the monsters have with masks...and learn why they are asked to wear them right now. With the Coronavirus/COVID 19 pandemic, mask use is important and often times required. Fourth book in the series A Monster's Guide to Life...in a Pandemic.
Sharing a Smile by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
In the spirit of Come With Me, this timely and charming tale about mask-wearing follows a little girl and her generous plan to find her own courage by helping those in her neighborhood find theirs. In a changing world, little Sophie is feeling a bit worried. She loves being outside and playing with her friends in her neighborhood. But going outside lately means wearing a mask--something Sophie is still trying to understand. It makes her nervous when she wants to be brave. And after taking a closer look outside her window, watching her neighbors adjusting to this new normal, she realizes she isn't the only one who feels a little scared. Which gives Sophie an idea. With her grandpa's help, she does something special for the people in her neighborhood. When Sophie sees her small acts of kindness spread, she realizes that with the help of friends in our communities, anyone can find their courage--and their smile.
Wearing a Mask Says I Love You by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Enter Lady Bug's everyday world turned upside-down as she and the Ant Army find their way through the CDC's best practices for stopping the spread of any cold, flu or virus. Each facet is broken down in kid-like wonder, helping kids find empowerment, love, laughter, and confidence to embrace what's next when it comes to staying healthy!
Let Me Be Frank by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
Set against the pandemic background, Frank the Friendly Fennel (a hairy vegetable), is heading to the barbershop for a haircut. Meeting his friends along the way, he discovers that there is something more important than his appearance.
Even Reindeer Wear Masks by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
This year, everything is different. Humans wear masks to keep each other safe. And so does Santa! He's told his reindeer to put on masks, but will they do what he said? Join Santa on his journey as he delivers his presents and makes an unexpected friend. A picture book that shows how Christmas can still be fun in a strange new world.
You Don't Need a Cape to Be a Hero by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
You Don't Need a Cape to be a Hero details the unwillingness of a young elementary student to wear a mask during a global pandemic . . . Until she realizes the mask makes her a hero. About the Author Dr. Sherryl Carter, Ed.D. is a graduate of the University of Southern California and has been a professional educator for twenty years serving as a school superintendent, administrator, teacher, and counselor in local California public schools.
The Magnificent Mask by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
The Magnificent Mask was inspired by true events. Written during the height of the global pandemic, the book examines the world's changes through the lens of an inquisitive, playful, and resilient little girl named Jordan. The story follows Jordan and her mom as they run errands one day in the midst of the pandemic. Where Jordan's imagination takes her and her friends on a wild adventure. Where they must face their fears head on. The book addresses some of the challenges we may face with respects to our feelings, questions, and fears dealing with the uncertainty of a rapidly changing world.- The Love Behind the Mask byThis book was created to help teach children why it is important for all of us to wear a mask during this COVID-19 pandemic. Whether we are healthy or weak, young or old, when we wear our mask, we tell everyone we care about them and their loved ones. There is love behind the mask.
- A Little SPOT Wears a Mask bySchools and businesses are now requiring everyone to wear masks and that can cause some confusion and anxiety for kids. A Little SPOT Wears A Mask is a fun story that helps kids not only feel more comfortable wearing a mask but also shows them how to wear them properly.
