Senders Pediatrics, in South Euclid introduce four helpful new children’s books aimed at reminding children of steps they can take to remain healthy and safe during and beyond the pandemic.
Highlighting the importance of taking simple steps to help contain the spread of germs are themes of three of the books written by Joan Morgenstern, Senders Pediatrics Parent Coach and Educator. With a COVID-19 Vaccine for children on the horizon, Joan’s fourth book, Sammy the Shot, helps ensure children are well prepared when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.
The release of the books is timed to remind children (and parents) that many of the practices learned to combat the spread of COVID-19 should remain in practice long after the pandemic is over. Primarily geared to children ages 3-6.
“I was inspired to write these books when I observed how difficult it was for parents to explain and reinforce the messages to their children that sneezing into their elbow and physically distancing from friends and family was so critical”, says author Joan Morgenstern. “It’s a challenging and confusing time for all of us and finding ways to help parents communicate these issues to children in a fun and positive manner was important to me.”
“While the new vaccines offer much promise and it’s all of our hopes that COVID-19 will soon be behind us, I think it’s unrealistic to presume we will stop worrying about coronaviruses, infectious diseases and he spread of illnesses any time soon,” says Dr. Shelly Senders, founder and CEO of Senders Pediatrics. “It’s our intent that these books will reinforce good health habits and by doing so, help to keep our children more healthy and safe. I believe many of these concepts will transcend COVID-19 and remain important guidelines for children to follow for years to come.”
The following are the four books, which are available for purchase in softcover on Amazon for $7.99/each or on Kindle download for $2.99/each. For more information visit here
Way To Go Elbowby Joan Morgenstern; illustrated by Lucy Williams
Although kids and germs go hand-in-hand, it can be difficult for children to understand why it’s necessary to take precautions to reduce the spread of invisible germs. Children often forget to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, or they rely on using their hands to cover their face. We now know that using the bend of the arm is a more effective tool to minimize the spread of germs. Way to Go Elbow, was written with this in mind. The book explains that each person’s elbow has a very important job – to catch their sneezes and coughs.
Sammy the Shot
by Joan Morgenstern; illustrated by Leon Simone
Most children are very sensitive to pain, so it is understandable why parents may avoid giving advance notice to children when they will be receiving a shot. However, children actually respond more favorably when they are prepared and understand why vaccinations are so important. The book Sammy the Shot, helps prepare young children for getting a shot. In an honest and empowering manner, Sammy, a playful animated shot, reassures children that he has only one mission: to protect them and keep them well. This fun, engaging story, with its rhyming text and important message, will help to make the next medical appointment more comfortable for both children and parents.
Embrace Your Own Space
by Joan Morgenstern; illustrated by Emily Gommel
Respecting personal space has always been a difficult concept to convey to children. The necessity of maintaining physical distance to reduce the spread of germs now makes teaching this concept even more important. Explaining these abstracts ideas to children has just gotten easier with the book, Embrace Your Own Space. By using the symbol of a bubble, the story helps children define the invisible space around them to provide a safe and comfortable boundary.
Task of the Mask
by Joan Morgenstern; illustrated by Lucy Williams
Wearing a facemask can sometimes feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable and awkward for all of us. The Task of the Mask, was written with this in mind. Its message is clear: the purpose of the mask is to collect germs so they don’t spread to other people. Most importantly, the story reminds children that although the facemask may make us look different, the person behind the mask is always the same.