Catherine Coles
Coles’ Notes
With an ongoing event as life altering as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no wonder that the publishing industry has begun to reflect our so-called new normal. There have been dozens of books pumped out over the past year that address or reflect our current circumstances, and have attempted to offer some solace to parents and children grappling with the destabilization imposed by the pandemic.
Patricia Richard, who is responsible for running our children’s storytime in Napanee (Wednesdays at 10:30am in person; Thursdays at 3:30 online), is something of an expert when it comes to choosing engaging children’s picture books for reading aloud. Here is what she has to say about the bevy of pandemic related kids’ books being released and her top picks for families:
“Picture book authors and illustrators amaze me. In very few pages and with minimal words they are able to address subjects that are real, are powerful and often the messages contained in them are so helpful for parents, caregivers and teachers trying to help their children understand. As this pandemic sets into its second year, I am thrilled that there are some picture books that capture the way the world is for us today.
While We Can’t Hug by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar shows how best friends Hedgehog and Tortoise maintain their distance but make each other smile, laugh, dance, sing and feel loved. Even though not together these best friends feel loved and connected.
The Great Realization by Tomos Roberts with art by Nomoco celebrates all the positive outcomes of the pandemic. It applauds a healing earth, more connected families, a better work-life balance, kindness, and why hindsight is 20/20.
And The People Stayed Home by Kitty O’Meara is a thoughtful and hopeful poem about the pandemic, lockdowns, and highlights the positives that many have experienced during this challenging time.
Other titles that might be helpful are Mabel’s Mask by Sarah Greenwell, Thank You, Helpers by Patricia Hegarty and Michael Emmerson, Heroes Wear Masks by Lillian Jane, and How to be a Virus Warrior by Stephanie Stahl.”
All of the titles mentioned can be reserved from your branch of the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries (WE’RE OPEN!) or online at CountyLibrary.ca. To register for a storytime with Patricia, visit www.picktime.com/LandALibraries.