Be a Hero Too

Inspiration

My son has constantly been asking me questions about "the virus." With every change in our daily routine he asks, "is this because of the virus?" When walking one day he said to me, "Mom, I can't see the virus." I realized he was picking up on so much about what was going around, but was having difficulty grasping the concepts of what a virus is, why it is important, how it impacts each and everyone of us, and how we can make a difference. I could sense his curiosity and anxiety about all the changes in the world he was noticing. Even has a pediatrician I had difficulty explaining these concepts to him. Thus, I knew that my patients and their families were facing the same challenges explaining this new world to their children. I decided to write a children's book to help facilitate the conversation of coronavirus with him. I reached out to local medical students to find someone to illustrate. Many medical students have been sidelined due to shortage of PPE and are eager to find a way to help patients during this unprecedented time. That is where I found Sophie! Shortly after we finished the book, we found out about this contest which was the perfect way to get a chance to share the book and help children worldwide.

The inspiration for the illustrations came to Sophie through many avenues including people, places and childhood movies such as "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" and "Home Alone." Her friends and family were an inspiration for many of the characters in the book including her own father a physician, her niece who is portrayed as our hero, and a good friend, Julie Williamson, whom she met during her days as a cross country runner at Emory! Throughout the book she was able to pay homage to places that are near and dear to her such as her home state Nebraska and her Alma mater, Emory.

What it does

Uses colorful and fun illustrations to help children learn in an age appropriate way about coronavirus and how it can affect those around them, but most importantly that they can play a big, positive role in this pandemic.

How we built it

Once I decided to write a children's book I sat right down and started writing. My children love books that have a good rhythm and flow and thus, I chose a rhyming style for the book. Once the text was written, Sophie got straight to work bringing the text to life in a fun way for kids.

Challenges we ran into

I had difficulty finding an illustrator who was up to the challenge of creating images in such a short time frame, but when I reached out to 2nd year medical student, Sophie Cemaj, she jumped at the chance to help others! She got right to work looking to family members, friends, and favorite movies for inspiration for her artwork.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

This book has really helped my son at home. When reading it he asks great questions and it helps open the dialogue to discuss all the changes he sees in the world around him. It also teaches him that he can be a big part of making a difference during this pandemic! Even though he is small, he can make a BIG difference. Sophie got the opportunity to present something she has been working on since a child, doodling. She has been doodling on paper since a child and since medical school went digital. This book allowed her to bring together her attention to detail, perfectionism, and sense of humor with the hidden "Easter eggs." Make sure to take note of the virus in a character's pocket on the front page and how the virus then spreads throughout the book!

What we learned

Children's books can be so inspirational to not only kids, but adults too! It has opened the door for so many questions that my son has. We have been able to have better communication about his thoughts and feelings. Using our creativity has also been a great stress reliever during a time with so much unknown.

What's next for Be a Hero Too

We hope to share it with many more families and to help children make sense of our current world and the changes around them. We hope to inspire them to to talk with their family about what is going on, ask questions, and find their place in all of this.

Built With

• adobe-illustrator
• english
• spanish