“Sometimes the most important thing we can do as friends is protect each other, even if that means staying away from each other for a while'”
Written to support children all over the world in the time of COVID-19 and available in many different languages, this free e-picture book tells the story of Sara, a young girl who goes on a magical journey with a dragon called Ario. The pair visit many locations worldwide, hearing the stories of the children they encounter and learning about the things they do to protect themselves and calm their fears. Ario has his own suggestions too, including using breathing techniques and visualisation, when you feel scared. The story is a little convoluted, but covers some little-featured topics, including a positive description of a child whose father is shielding for medical reasons and an honest conversation with children at a refugee camp. The story also addresses a child’s fear of dying from the virus, and gently explains that although some people do die, it’s usually older people or those with other illnesses. Some of the topics covered (such as border closures and lockdowns) may not still apply in certain regions and countries, but the messages about minimising social contact are still strongly relevant.