Several global health and child development experts, children's hospitals, authors, children's book publishers and more have partnered to produce books designed especially for children that you can view or download free. These materials can be comfortable conversation starters to talk to young children about viruses, illness, and good habits for wellness. For an even more comprehensive listing of free e-books in multiple languages for children about the Coronavirus/COVID-19 see the New York City Department of Education listing here. They have collected books from all over the world in many different languages.
You also might find helpful:
- IndyPL Blog: Talking to Kids about COVID-19
- IndyPL Blog: Read Right Now: Books to Help Kids Master Hand Washing, Masks & Social Distancing
For more ideas to help keep children hearing and enjoying great stories, even when they are unable to visit a library, or are not at school, there are themed online storytimes available from the Indianapolis Public Library here. These themed storytimes use many of the video read alouds on 100+ Free Video Read Alouds and 100 MORE Free Video Read Alouds and pair them with activities, printables, and other online resources for @home fun, or, if you are a teacher, for @home e-learning fun.
Note:
- COVID-19 Helpers won the Emory Global Health Institute Children's COVID-19 e-Book Competition. Bray Bray Conquers the Coronavirus, Together Living Life During COVID-19, and Why Can't I Go to School all won honorable mention.
- The UniteforLiteracy COVID-19 library is available in multiple languages. When you open one of the books, click the Narration button to select a language. See the full library here.
- My Hero is You was a project developed with the help of parents, caregivers, teachers and children in 104 countries. Over 1,700 children, parents, caregivers and teachers from around the world helped. It is available in multiple languages here.
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