Books that help children stay safe, calm, connected and hopeful from The Reading Agency

At a recent children’s health and wellbeing webinar, participants, including many ASCEL members suggested titles that would support families during the current pandemic.  ASCEL is delighted to present those titles in a booklet which we hope will “help children to stay safe, calm, connected and hopeful” during these challenging times. Access the booklist here


Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield

A new free eBook by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield. Rain Before Rainbows is an uplifting story of hope to bring joy to anxious children. Released to support the Save With Stories campaign from Save the Children UK helping children most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 


Coronavirus: A book for children


A FREE digital book for children to aid them in understanding the novel coronavirus and the measures the world has taken to control it and keep everyone safe. Published by Nosy Crow, with consultation from Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.  You can download a copy of the book here.

They have also made an audio version of the book available here read by Hugh Bonneville. 


Everybody Worries by Jon Burgerman

Free eBook published by Oxford Owl, this picture book explains to children in a bright and colourful way that it is ok to worry about Coronavirus. It offers children a reassuring message that this crisis will pass, we are there for them and we will get through this together. Access the eBook here


Staying Home by Sally Nicholls

Sally's latest book, Staying Home, is about a family of raccoons going through a day in lockdown - no school, no nursery, no work - and explaining to the youngest members of the family how they're doing their part to save lives just by staying home! Andersen Press are offering the book free of charge online; you can download the book here

Winnie and Wilbur Stay at Home by Valerie Thomas & Korky Paul


An exciting new eBook from Oxford Owl. Join Winnie Wilbur on an exciting new adventure at home. Find out how Winnie makes staying home magical! Access the free eBook here


The Hug & While We Can't Hug by Eoin McLaughlin & Polly Dunbar

 

Author Eoin McLaughlin & illustrator Polly Dunbar have teamed up again to reimagine their picture book 'The Hug' into a new story called 'While We Can't Hug'. A beautiful story to show children all the other ways they can show people just how much they love them. A fantastic YouTube video is available with a story time of 'The Hug' followed by an animation of the new book 'While We Can't Hug'. 'While We Can't Hug' is available for purchase as a physical book or as an eBook for just £0.82 on Amazon