'An Ordinary Kid In Extraordinary Times': The Children's Book We All Should Read

In March of this year, we saw life as we knew it ripped out from underneath us as countries around the globe put in place quarantine mandates. For many of us, we struggled a bit through isolation but held onto the understanding that this was necessary to save many human lives. But for younger ones, it may have been harder to wrap their heads around.  How do you explain to a child that they can’t see their friends or family or teachers or anyone really for… well, who knows how long? While we saw it as a chance to invest in new hobbies, in ourselves, and in our own well-being, younger ones may have seen it as an indefinite grounding--unable to go anywhere or play with anyone or enjoy anything.

As a long-time educator, author Roz Liberman was able to see and empathize with the confusion and anxieties felt by young children when the pandemic hit. She channels this understanding into her upcoming illustrated children’s book, An Ordinary Kid in Extraordinary Times. The book tells the story of COVID-19 through the eyes of a young girl as it relates to an ordinary family. Despite the distressing nature of the pandemic, Liberman offers an optimistic outlook to the current circumstances which makes the book feel, as she intends, “like a soft blanket or a big hug” to keep kids comforted during these uncertain times.

Illustrations by Cynthia Meadows help children visualize that optimistic outlook, giving them a greater understanding of the events surrounding the pandemic. Most importantly, they help children see that everything is going to be okay. It just might take a little bit of time. 

Maybe you have a younger sibling, cousin, niece, or nephew who is struggling to cope with this new way of life. Or maybe you personally just need some uplifting. If that’s the case, An Ordinary Kid In Extraordinary Times by Roz Liberman will be the perfect book for you. Although it’s a children’s book, there’s ultimately something in it that any age can appreciate.

The book will hit shelves in the Fall of this year, so keep your eyes peeled for it; and it’s an absolute must-read for anyone seeking some comfort in these otherwise chaotic times.