A Pandemic Is Worldwide (Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science 2)

PreS-Gr 2--In simple terms and with lots of explanatory illustrations, this addition to the "Let's-Read-and-Find-Out" series offers an objective view of a pandemic that is easy to understand. Beginning with an explanation of how an illness can become an outbreak, epidemic, and pandemic, Thomson then presents a brief history of pandemics, and how they were eliminated with quarantines and eventually through the invention of vaccines. She characterizes Europeans who brought diseases, such as smallpox, which killed so many Indigenous people in the Western Hemisphere, as invaders. The work describes the current pandemic, illustrates how the coronavirus is spread by saliva and phlegm, and explains how it can make some people sicker than others. Stating that a pandemic is caused by a bacteria or a virus, the book describes ways in which readers can actively inhibit the spread of the disease through handwashing, covering injuries, and staying away from sick people; it emphasizes the importance of isolation with a very helpful chart, and even includes directions for proper handwashing technique. Other additions include a glossary and time line of pandemics with numbers of deaths from each. VERDICT This slender volume may alleviate fears and help readers understand how illness spreads, while its underlying message is that those who wear masks, wash their hands, and stay home can help to end pandemics.--MaryAnn Karre, Binghamton, NY

This installment of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series explains pandemics, viruses, and vaccines in clear, patient terms. Opening by differentiating between outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, and touching on past pandemics (including the bubonic plague and smallpox), Thomson then focuses on Covid-19: how it propagates, common symptoms, and how to stop the spread ("Simple choices like staying home as much as you can and wearing a mask when you go out can help slow the spread of a disease like COVID-19"). Helpful inset boxes offer etymology and additional context: "Corona means 'crown.' If you look at a coronavirus under a microscope, it looks a bit like it's wearing a spiky crown." Morley provides textural illustrations, rendered in watercolor and digitally, showing a cast of varying ages and skin tones. Though the treatment of Covid-19 as over strikes an odd note, this is a comprehensive, age-appropriate primer for curious, concerned young readers. Back matter features a glossary, a handwashing diagram, and a timeline of past pandemics. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

The illustrations of earnest doctors administering vaccines to willing children will rub anti-vaxxers the wrong way, but the wholesome overarching message of "we're all in this together" will play well to the intended audience. — Kirkus Reviews

In simple terms and with lots of explanatory illustrations, this addition to the "Let's-Read-and-Find-Out" series offers an objective view of a pandemic that is easy to understand. — School Library Journal (starred review)