Shelter-in-Peace by Kyle Belek, M.D. & Susan B. Katz, NBCT

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Inspiration

Kyle and Susan are in a San Francisco-based writer's group together. Susan saw the contest online in an author group and suggested it to Kyle since he's a doctor. They then decided to collaborate on the book. Working in Google docs, they revised and edited the book, massaging the cadence and message. During Shelter-in-Place, Susan had a friend who lost both of his parents to Covid-19 and she found herself struggling with how to explain Coronavirus to her twin nephews. Kyle also talked to his kids about it and the two writers ran the manuscript by their critique group for feedback. Susan, having been an educator for over 25 years, knows that teachers, parents and kids are eager for age-appropriate books they can read to comfort them and explain the extenuating circumstances we find ourselves in.

What it does

Shelter-in-Peace acknowledges all of the activities kids are missing out on--from sports to school, friends to family trips--and calms their angst by showing them how they can be "home school heroes" and help out by staying home, washing their hands, wearing masks and being grateful for their health and family.

How we built it

Kyle and Susan collaborated on the phone, over Facetime, and in Google docs in order to perfect the manuscript (below). Once the words were set, Susan sent the manuscript to her mom who started sketching illustrations. From there, once Susan got the scanned, color images, she combined the artwork and verse in Powerpoint and converted that to a pdf.

Challenges we ran into

Asking any illustrator to complete a picture book in such a short time frame is inherently challenging. Susan's mom taught art for 30 years and agreed to give it a go. Then, there was the challenge of walking Susan's dad, in Florida, through the technical nuances of CamScanner in order to get the illustrations to Susan in California. We also thought that you wanted a just pdf but once we read that it had to be a video so we worked in iMovie to convert the pdf to a page turner and added a voice over.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Collaborating to bring medical knowledge and education expertise into one book about an important topic. This is also the first collaboration between Susan and Janice, mother and daughter. Susan has seven books out and they've never had the opportunity to work on one together until now.

What we learned

There are components of the Covid-19 crisis that are too heavy for kids. We did focus groups with the kids in our lives and mentioning that parents/grandparents are at higher risk seemed too scary for them.

What's next for Shelter-in-Peace by Kyle Belek, M.D. & Susan B. Katz, NBCT

Susan may send it to her agent for publication if it doesn't get chosen in the contest. We are not sure yet.

Shelter in Peace COVID-19 For Kids By Kyle Belek, M.D. and Susan B. Katz, NBCT illustrated by Janice Katz

Popcorn at a ball game. Hiking trails to roam. We’ll get to do it all again if we simply stay at home.

Biking with our buddies Eating pizza face-to-face. Homerun, basket, soccer GOAL! no more sheltering-in-place.

Recess on the playground. Splashing in the tide. We will laugh together soon. For now, just stay inside.

Birthday parties with our friends. Hugging heart-to-heart. No need to stay six feet away after a little time apart.

Be a hero in homeschool Raise your hand: it is your turn. Your teachers are still teaching. Read, watch and learn.

The virus can’t stop kindness. On helping, there’s no ban. So here is what we’ll do Our master action plan:

Let’s have virtual play dates Delay P.E. and dance. We’ll hear parents clap later to give sick people a chance.

Doctors, nurses and scientists are fighting this disease. So everyone around the world can finally breathe with ease.

First responders work hard so let’s simply quarantine. Coronavirus can’t touch us. if we say “Hi” through a screen.

We’ll bake some gooey cookies. and toss the puppy’s bone. The playground will still be there. The beach is fine alone.

Grown ups will keep us safe. But kids can do stuff too. To keep grandma healthy staying home is what you do.

We stop it from spreading by wearing masks and gloves. Washing our hands a lot to protect the ones we love.

Get enough sleep at night. Eat healthy foods each meal. Let ourselves be sad or mad; however we may feel.

And when this time is over we will reunite. No more people getting sick. No need to fight this fight.

You will see grandma and hang out with your friends. Stay apart so we’re all here when Covid-19 ends.

You might feel scared or bored like this pandemic will never cease. But, be happy that you’re healthy and safely Shelter-in-Peace.

Built With

• camscanner
• facetime
• google-docs
• imovie
• powerpoint
• youtube