When the Sick Bugs Come to Town

Inspiration

I am a social worker who works in parenting education. As schools began to close, I realized that families were going to need to talk with their children in a developmentally appropriate way about all of the changes they were facing as a result of the pandemic. I also have a son, Jack, who was the inspiration for the main character. He is very outspoken, enthusiastic and sensitive all of which are reflected in the main character.

What it does

This book is intended to help families navigate difficult conversations and situations they are currently faced with in this pandemic. It has given families the framework and language needed to be able to have these conversations. I have sent the story to some of my community members for feedback and this is what I have received thus far:

"This book is wonderful. First off, the illustrations are so great-colorful and helps tell the story. The story itself is thoughtful, engaging and well told. The children love it and keep asking to read it together again and again! Thank you for a wonderful story to help children understand the virus and why we need to stay safe and stay home." - D. Richards, Ithaca, NY

"Big strong emotion language to help kids feel bigger and stronger during this time!" G. Gray, Ithaca, NY

"We loved your book and are so thankful you could share it with us. I got it for my 3 1/2 year-old daughter, who has been struggling to fully understand our situation. Before your book, we explained as best we could about the virus and why we have to stay home so everyone can stay healthy. But she still had a lot of questions, naturally. Since reading your book, she immediately connected to the idea of the "sick bugs." Now, she knows that we can't do lots of things because of the sick bugs. She also understands that mama and dada are a little more stressed out because of the sick bugs, and we are all doing our best to communicate our feelings. I think the concrete concept of a "bug" really helped her. Thank you!" A. Michaels, Ithaca, NY

"I have read your book called "when the sick bugs come to town" to my daughter and to my daycare children. We wanted to let you know we truely enjoyed your book. I loved how it explains what's going on about covid 19 and a healthy way to stay healthy without actually saying covid 19 because it can refer to any illness past, present, future. The children understood the story very well and was able to relate to the story. The story developed a positive conversation between myself and the children about washing hands and helping others. I am looking forward to find more of your books to read to the children." D. Carroll, Ithaca, NY

How I built it

I wrote the story over the course of 2 days and asked friends if they knew any illustrators. A friend recommended their friend, Shawn Daley, a Toronto based cartoonist and chiptunist. Shawn and I connected and he was able to bring the story to life through his illustrations. You can find more of his work at his website https://shawndaley.ca/

Challenges I ran into

The project went really smoothly.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I am proud that Shawn and I were able to complete the book in a couple of weeks. I am also proud that we have been able to translate it and make it available in Spanish.

What I learned

I learned that you can get a book completed in 2 weeks if you're working with the right people.

What's next for When the Sick Bugs Come to Town

I have started the second children's book around families coping with coronavirus.