Adults seeking a COVID explanatory book for kids ages 6-12 now have an outstanding presentation that outlines the positive potentials of this new world in Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free.
The story opens with 2nd-grader Maya realizing that today is a different day: “As she wiped the sleep from her eyes, she knew deep down something was different. It wasn’t a school day. She wouldn’t see her lunch lady. She wouldn’t get to bring her favorite art creation for Show and Tell. And worst of all, she would miss seeing all her friends and her favorite teacher. She wanted to get back to second grade.”
As the story documents the changes brought about by COVID-19 from a child’s viewpoint, adults and young readers receive not just a survey of newfound limitations and quarantine challenges, but answers on how to live a meaningful revised life under vastly different conditions.
These are universal questions all ages now ask. Having them tailored to younger readers in Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free in no way precludes its relevant message for older readers and read-aloud parents working with younger audiences, as well.
As the story evolves, Lora L. Hyler is careful to document the realities of the new situation and the emotional turmoil it evokes: “As her mom rounded the corner into the kitchen, Maya burst into tears. “Why can’t things be like they were before the coronavirus? No school. No play dates. No building legos with friends. No pizza parties or bowling. No visiting grandma and grandpa at their house. Everything is different!”
Hyler weaves virus facts, safety measures, and psychological and social issues into Maya’s story, which promotes family and community togetherness and adaptation under revised circumstances.
Black and white drawings by Ian Wade illustrate these changes and capture the underlying possibility of happiness as Maya takes walks, practices safety measures, and learns how to cultivate a resilient feel of positive approaches to much-changed situations.
The result is a combination of fictional exploration and nonfiction discussions of virus safety measures, health, and social concern. It’s a delightful, important acquisition for any adult working with the young, who seeks a clear, uplifting book that accepts the dangers and emotional challenges of the current COVID situation while presenting alternatives for living in this revised world.
Very highly recommended for its blend of realistic assessments and uplifting viewpoints.
-D. Donovan
Senior reviewer, Midwest Book Review
