Brandon and His Mask

Brandon loves to run, play, and make new friends at the park. But when everyone needs to start wearing masks to protect themselves from getting sick, Brandon feels worried and confused. Suddenly, Brandon isn't allowed to play on the playground or meet new friends, and he has to wear a mask over his mouth and nose when he goes outside. What will Brandon learn about his new mask?This book is not one with technical concepts about the coronavirus. Instead, through its colorful illustrations, it is meant to engage young children and help them identify with the emotions experienced by Brandon during this time. Many parents with littles continue to struggle to help their children adapt to wearing a mask in public, and I hope that Brandon's story can ease this new normality even if it is temporary. Having to wear masks, however, is only one of the ways Covid-19 has changed our world. These changes have had many social-emotional effects on children. Brandon's story lets readers connect with his experiences and reassures the idea that it is okay to have a range of emotions about the changes that have occurred in the last months.