Reassuring Reads

Even though we can’t be together in the physical library temporarily, our children’s librarians want you and your family to know that we are doing everything we can to help you weather this moment.

One of the biggest things on our minds is the safety and comfort of your children during these challenging times. Children can have really big emotions, even if they aren’t showing them. When routines are disrupted, so are feelings of stability.

To help you out, we have created a list of books you can get online using your HCPL library card:

Carolina's Story: Sea Turtles Get Sick Too by Donna Rathmell – Animals bring out an empathetic response in many kids. This story about a sea turtle being nursed back to health may be just the ticket for introducing ideas of more critical illnesses.

Doctors by Jared Siemens and Hooray for Doctors by Tessa Kenan – Here are a couple of books about the wonderful people who help us stay healthy. Focusing on helpers is a great way to help provide kiddos with a sense of comfort.

Little Critter: Just a Little Sick by Mercer Mayer – Although more about staying home from school with a cold, this Little Critter book addresses some of the sacrifices we need to make in order to get better and to keep the people around us safe.

Miss Bindergarten Stays Home from Kindergarten by Joseph Slate– Miss Bindergarten has the flu and needs to stay home. I nice book for talking about how changes in routing can be disorienting and worrisome.

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, illus. by Patrick Benson – When three owlets wake up, they discover that their mother is gone. A classic children’s book that beautifully deals with the fears that creep up when things seem uncertain.

Two Hands to Love You by Diane Adams, illus. by Paige Keiser – A nice little reminder about all of the loving hands that surround children and keep them safe.

When I Feel Worried by Cornelia Maude Spelman, illus. by Kathy Parkinson – Almost as good for big people as it is for little one, this book does a nice job of summing up the many situations that can cause anxiety. It also includes helpful strategies for dealing with overwhelming emotions.

Worries Are Not Forever by Elizabeth Verdick, illus. by Marieka Heinlen – A nice and colorful picture book for helping little kids understand that having big emotions is ok. Includes a Tips for Parents and Caregivers section with ideas for helping to comfort anxious kiddos.

And here are a couple of webpages that our staff have found particularly helpful:

NPR’s Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

PBS’s How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress During Coronavirus

Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you back in the library really soon!