Book Review: The Teensy Weensy Virus

I know, you're like, "has Sara died?" and honestly, it feels like it! I feel like garbage, I'm exhausted, and I have seventy million things going on all at once. I'm trying really hard to keep it together. I thought for sure once school was done for the year I'd be able to get it together because it would be one less thing, and I guess that is true to an extent, but I now have the added job of you know.... watching four kids all day, every day. I feel like maybe I didn't plan that out all the way, you know? Anyways, let's talk children's books! 

The Teensy Weensy Virus - Sherri L. Rose

COVID-19 is a big deal-but with all that adults have to worry about, it's easy to overlook the pandemic's impact on children. This book provides a great way for parents and caregivers to introduce and reinforce the importance of safety measures to children while giving kids the opportunity to ask questions and share their feelings. Embracing the latest science, The Teensy Weensy Virus pairs simple, kid-friendly explanations with bright colorful illustrations, while offering additional resources for adults and an informative song to help lighten the mood as families engage with this serious topic.

I remember when Covid-19 was first a thing, people were freaking out and the default thing was, "what about the kids"? Which, as a mom of four ranging in ages from 4 to basically 16, I totally get. I was concerned about them not getting sick, my husband and I not getting sick so we can still be here for them, and just doing our part in keeping it at bay. Not once did I worry about mental health, isolation, and all of the other things, not because I'm an insensitive person, but because I feel like those are mostly adult fears and I feel like us adults don't give children a lot of credit about persevering. WE are worried about that so obviously the kids do, too, right?  

Maybe, to an extent, but kids are a lot more resilient than we realize. I think as adults we lose that as we grow up. We can really take a lesson from kids. 

I also struggled with having to explain what the virus is, why it's scary, why we wear masks and take extra precautions, why the world is changing around them. When I saw this book come around, I jumped at the chance to review it because there really isn't anything like it out but also, it is based around one of our very favorite songs to sing together. 

Let's talk about why I loved this book: first off, the diversity! Characters of all colors and ethnicities throughout this book and I am here for it! It was so great to see that, and I love that children's books are so quick to adapt to audiences (makes me wish adult books would catch up!). Secondly, the simplicity of it is perfect. It features information often heard on the news or through conversation, such as staying in our own bubble, and I think the tie in from those outside conversations into the book really help. The book is positive, it doesn't refer to death, but it does say that some people go to the hospital, but it's OK because people are helping. I really enjoyed that this is overall a positive, upbeat, "we're all in this together" kind of mentality, and that's what we all need to remember. 

Overall, this was a really cute book, perfect for the preschool-kindergarten group. The words were simple so even if you have an early reader starting to get through books (like my kindergartner going into first grade), they can read this one. 

Thank you to PR By the Book and author Sherri L. Rose for sending me a copy to review! I really enjoyed this adorable book, but even my Lucy and Penelope (4 and 6) liked this one as well. If you're looking for a library or classroom read, or even something to read at home, this is a great addition to the shelf. 

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