Children’s book teaches kids to be their ‘own superheroes’ during COVID-19
When Nicole Crimi got sent home from McMaster University back in mid-March, she understood exactly why.
The COVID-19 pandemic had been declared, forcing Ontario to go into lockdown.
But as she settled into quarantine and began to learn more about the virus, the medical student immediately thought of those who may not understand it quite as well: young children.
Everything I was reading were medical resources and I was just thinking to myself that there is no way a four-year-old is going to understand this," said Crimi, 24. My heart just really went out to them and I just wanted to do something for them."
That something" turned out to be Patty and the Pandemic, a self-published book written and illustrated by Crimi.
The book follows a young, curly haired redhead named Patty whose normal life is suddenly changed by a bad bug" - which mirrors what happened to millions of people nearly eight months ago.
Through its colourful pages, Crimi tells the reader about what the bad bug is and how Patty keeps her friends and family safe even if she gets sick.
The book touches on hand washing, wearing a mask, COVID-19 symptoms, keeping your distance and how it spreads from person-to-person.
It talks about knowledge in a way that is fun and empowering, rather than a chore for kids," said Crimi. A child does not care about viral load and what a virus does to a cell. They just care about how this affects them directly."
Crimi said one of the main pillars of the book is to empower the reader and show them that they, too, can make a difference by following Patty's lead.
I want them to know they are their own superheroes during this pandemic," she said. I think that's a really important thing."
Crimi said the response to the book has been amazing" so far.
She's heard from teachers across the country who have used the books for lessons. She's also received photos of kids reading the book from parents.
Even before it was available for purchase, Premier Doug Ford gave her a shout-out on Sept. 30, calling her an absolute champion."
I just started it as a little passion project, so I didn't expect so many people to read it," said Crimi. I just think it's brought a lot of people closer together and made people realize we're not so alone in all of this."
The book is available at pattyandthepandemic.org.
Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com