WHEN WE STAYED HOME

A child describes how they adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a suburban house amid expansive flowering lawns, the light-skinned, short-haired child and a frisky canine companion spend time in physical isolation. (No caregiver is shown.) The child describes themselves as “a super helper!” and explains that super helpers wash their hands, stay at least six feet away from others, and “only grumble a little” while wearing masks that are “scratchy and stuffy.” The child has plenty of distractions. Outside, they play in the garden and draw with sidewalk chalk; inside they build forts, bake and decorate cookies, enjoy “a million screen visits with family and friends” on a handy laptop, and, from a cushioned window seat, wave to racially diverse dog-walking neighbors (all wearing masks outdoors). The child makes sculptures out of fresh vegetables, and there’s an endless supply of “fancy puzzles” and “lots and lots of books.” Occasional sadness includes not being able to see friends (portrayed as racially diverse in a flashback), teachers, and extended family in person or visit playgrounds and parks. Some readers will recognize this situation; those who passed the pandemic in crowded, noisy apartments, with little fresh air or exercise, might be amazed and envious. The language is direct and readable. The delicious sherbet-colored illustrations depict a soft, idyllic suburban setting and usefully identify the real helpers as global health care providers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An appealing account of the sunnier side of lockdown.