What's a good read?
How do you explain the Coronavirus to a 5-year old? You may present in many different ways. The best one yet might be through children’s books. But with the government strictly implementing a ban on minors in public places, how can we get access to children’s books related to COVID-19? The New York Public Library System‘s collection of free children’s e-books about the Coronavirus is available for download. The ebooks are in multiple languages. All of them are free to read and download.
Do you need an NYPL library card number? Since the books you’re accessing are free downloads, the NYPL won’t mind if you don’t have a library card for the sole purpose of downloading these books.
COVID-19 Children’s E-books from the Philippines
If it’s children’s e-books about COVID-19 that you seek, NYPL lists over 30 titles from multiple countries and languages. For example, here are the seven books from the Philippines on their list, all available for download right now:
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Ang Mga Maskara ni Miko
Kate del Rosario wrote “Ang Mga Maskara ni Miko: Kwentong Pambata Ukol sa COVID-19” (2020), which was illustrated by Rachelle Ann Fabula, with editing by Paeng Ferrer and layout by Kenneth Turaray. The plot revolves around a boy named Miko, who questions his father about why people nowadays wear face masks covering their noses and mouth. Miko then compares these masks to the ones he wears when he plays. Finally, his father, Mang Berto, explains the importance of wearing these masks and the various types of masks worn by frontliners. -
Kids Against COVID-19
“Kids Against COVID-19,” written by Aris Larroder and Jenn Christel Sampiano and illustrated by Rajo Christian Cadorna, is a coloring book for kids and their parents. The authors hope that by reading the book, children will understand the basics of the Coronavirus. In addition, they hope that by arming children with knowledge, they will make them more resilient. Finally, in this difficult time, the book offers everyone a message of hope and love. -
Isang Metro
Also by Kate del Rosario, “Isang Metro: Kwentong Pambata ukol sa COVID-19,” is illustrated by Dandin Espina, edited by Paeng Ferrer. A girl named Ella asks her mother, Aling Marie, why people need to maintain social or physical distance, staying one meter apart from one another. Her mother then discusses other ways to prevent the spread of the viral disease, such as washing hands and not touching one’s face. Ella then devises ways to work around the social distancing rule while still having fun with a friend. -
May Pila Sa Tapat Ng Aming Bahay
Reggie Fajardo put his skills into creating a storybook titled “May Pila Sa Tapat ng Aming Bahay.” Julie Anne Vertudes, a Project Development Officer II at the Department of Education (DepEd) Cavite, illustrated the digital book. The story revolves around a girl who discovers people lining up outside her house for COVID-19 testing. It also discusses COVID-19 and what children can do to protect themselves from infection, reminds readers that the pandemic will end, and includes short worksheets for children to help them remember what they just read. -
In The Town Of Kamayanan and the Legend of the Dancing Hands
The storybook “In the Town of Kamayanan and the Legend of the Dancing Hands” emphasizes the importance of handwashing. The book shows how the solution to the COVID-19 pandemic is literally in our hands. Boom Enriquez, a Carnegie Mellon University Australia graduate, wrote the e-storybook to teach children the importance of banding together in times of crisis. -
Sa Pagbabasa, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa
“Sa Pagbabasa, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa” is a collection of children’s stories, artworks for children, comics, and other artistic and literary works about health, COVID-19, and the value of cooperation created by Filipino writers, illustrators, and children from all over the country. The title of the ebook was inspired by the tagline for National Children’s Book Day (NCBD), as well as the cover design of the book, which Kat Melo illustrated for the official poster of NCBD, a children’s literary festival. -
Mahal Na Mga Frontliner
Eugene Evasco, an award-winning children’s book author, wrote “Mahal na mga Frontliner,” which was illustrated by Jan Rex B. Casiroman (Vibal Group Inc., 2020). This book is ideal for introducing the frontliners to whom we are all indebted while under quarantine. It is a child’s thank-you to the medical personnel who have asked us to stay at home, as well as to all the other unseen heroes who continue to make our lives easier.
Explaining this pandemic to children is easier than you might think. Children are intelligent and very receptive. With the aid of children’s e-books, you’ll be able to explain why people aren’t allowed outside. You’ll be able to talk about many topics, including the concept of disease transmission to handling grief. For example, the government recommends that because the Coronavirus attacks the lungs, you might want to tell your children to practice covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze. And if you have little ones, you can comfort them that they are safe at home. I’m sure they’ll appreciate that.
About the Contributing Writer:
Marlo Rene is a Grade 9 student from Quezon City. Gamer. Food nerd. Internet geek. Passionate thinker. Wannabe pop cultureaholic. Falls down a lot. General travel aficionado. Writer.
