Picture books are a useful resource for teachers and parents when tackling difficult or sensitive issues. Because COVID-19 has come upon us so quickly, there hasn’t been time to commission, write and publish good quality children’s literature for this purpose.
To fill this gap, Carol Mutch, a professor at the University of Auckland has put her educational and story-telling skills to work to tell the story of a toy bear’s time in lockdown. Originally, a series of Facebook posts to entertain family and friends, Bear’s adventures have gone global. They are available here as a pdf that can be read on an electronic device.
There are many discussion points along the way, depending on the level of the children hearing or reading the story.
Click on the ‘Download PDF’ button to access the story book.
In Book 4: Bear ends his lockdown, Bear and Alligator make their own fun, which doesn’t always go well. When it is announced that Level 4 lockdown will end after Anzac weekend, Bear has some hard choices to make. Should he stay and enjoy a little more freedom or is it time for him to go back to the toybox?
You can also read about Bear’s other experiences in lockdown, in Book 1 – Bear goes into lockdown and Book 2 – Bear settles into lockdown and Book 3 – Bear stays in lockdown.
By Carol Mutch
