Home Features Gill Books Publishes Free Book: Explaining Coronavirus to Children

Gill Books Publishes Free Book: Explaining Coronavirus to Children

Coronavirus: A Book for Children is a digital book for primary school-age children that explains what the coronavirus is and what measures are being taken to control it. It is illustrated by Axel Scheffler, award-winning illustrator of The Gruffalo series, and is free for anyone to read on-screen of printed out.

The children’s book was first published by Nosy Crow in the UK, but Gill Books now has had the oppourtunity to publish an Irish-specific version. It has gotten expert input from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, teachers, and a child psychologist.

The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds:

• What is the coronavirus?
• How do you catch the coronavirus?
• What happens if you catch the coronavirus?
• Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus?
• Is there a cure for the coronavirus?
• Why are some places we normally go to closed?
• What can I do to help?
• What’s going to happen next?

There is a list of trusted resources for children, along with further reading for parents, guardians, and carers on the back of the book.

Professor Luke O’Neill, head of immunology at Trinity College Dublin said, ‘This book is a fantastic resource for children, and explains the Coronavirus in a colourful and calming way. Adults will learn a thing or two, too!’.

The director of Gill Books, Nicki Howard, says: ‘The last few months have been an extremely challenging time for everyone in Irish society. When it comes to our children, we find ourselves trying to convey calm when we mightn’t feel it and to give answers where we mightn’t have them. That’s why when we saw this gorgeous, educational, and timely book from Nosy Crow, we were immediately keen to offer the same informational and reassuring resource to the children of Ireland.’


Access the book on the Gill Books website here.