Two medical students from Southern California created a book to help children understand why their worlds have changed so dramatically in recent months.
Authors Devon Scott and Samantha Harris created “Why We Stay Home,” an illustrated story that explores questions about the coronavirus pandemic with sisters Millie and Suzie.
“It is a confusing time for children,” Scott said. “They are at home with their families. They enjoy spending time with their siblings, but some of them really don’t know what is going on.
“We wanted to create a fun, short and sweet resource for parents to talk about what is happening.”
The picture book opens with Suzie, unable to sleep, and asks her older sister what she thinks. Millie explains the virus, how it can spread, why some people, like grandparents, are more vulnerable, and what we can do to protect ourselves and the people around us. Millie comforts her younger sister by helping her understand social estrangement and assuring her that things will improve.
“I think it is a message that children can understand, and everyone can understand in general,” Scott said.
Harris is working to become a pediatrician. Scott aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Click here to download the free book.
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