Goya Dmytryshchak
Children’s storytime has changed with pandemic books being read during the COVID-19 crisis.
Books such as Pandemic by Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce Whatley and Villony Virus comes to town by Janice McKay are being read at sessions hosted by Hobsons Bay Libraries.
Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said the council had quickly moved to adapt.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have invested in new books to entertain and inform such as [these],” he said.
“We have also significantly increased our collection of e-books and audio books, which can easily be borrowed online 24/7 even when our library doors are closed.
“Our libraries have quickly moved many programs and events online in response to state government restrictions.
“I encourage families to jump onto the library website and book into the Stay-at-home sessions.”
Werribee’s Daniela Lim has written a free online children’s book and video explaining the pandemic, Mia the Magpie and Rex the Rabbit fight the coronavirus.
“Speaking to friends of mine with kids, I realised that some children have been worried or anxious and parents did not always know what to say,” Lim said.
“So, I created a book that would address what kids could do to stay safe without it becoming an overwhelming issue which they feel like they do not have control over.”
Seabrook’s Charlie Golding has written a children’s book, When the world went inside: Talking COVID-19 with kids.
“The most important thing for me, at the end of the book, is that there is a sense of hope,” she said.
“Yes, we’re in isolation now and having to stay at home but it won’t be forever.”
Hobsons Bay Libraries’ Stay-at-home Storytime sessions are on Fridays from 10.30-11am.
To register, visit the library website (libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/whats-on) and an email will be sent with the link to participate.
