Corona Daze: Eva's Time at Home During Covid-19 by Jennifer Angel is a children's book that takes young readers into the life of Eva, showing that the way they are living during the time of the pandemic is almost universal. The book begins with Eva having to stay home for a day, which turned out to be many weeks, and the emotional toll it took on her. While she understands why quarantine is necessary, it doesn't always make day to day living easier and she remains afraid, as do her parents. Part of the fear is introduced by political and American uprisings in defiance of stay-at-home orders, and part of it is from the uncertainty of her or someone she loves getting ill. Ultimately, each day being a fresh start is enough for Eva to carry on with the hope of a better tomorrow.

Corona Daze is a timely book that does a good job of creating a feeling of camaraderie among children who might not grasp that their distress at isolation is not something that only they feel. Jennifer Angel does not hold back on who is responsible for a lot of the fear-mongering without outright stating it, although a picture is definitely worth a thousand words in the context of this book. I liked how mental health issues and sheer boredom are addressed, and how as a family Eva and others are each trying to manage in their own way. The combination of black and white photography with sketched colored artwork is a unique way to blend reality and a child's point of view. Overall, the message in Angel's book is a good one and I think this will be a nice diversion for many in the same circumstances.

Corona Daze will help children understand the seriousness of this pandemic explained in easy-to-understand language for young children. And provide assurances that if we wear facemasks and we self-isolate, hopefully, we won’t get sick from this new virus. I think this book will help reduce anxieties that children might have regarding the coronavirus by offering activities and ideas for youngsters to take control of their lives. Yes, we have to wear facemasks and keep our distance, but there are still lots of things we can do. Written and illustrated by Jennifer Angel, this book provides suggestions to children for passing the time while isolating at home. She lists and illustrates some activities that can be done inside or outside the house that don't cost a lot of money. And most people can do them.

I like the photo illustrations in Corona Daze. It’s an interesting technique to have a photograph in the background with a digital illustration in front. The background photograph is black and white, so the full-color illustration adds a pop of color. The bold colors used in the drawings add emphasis to the image—look at me first. Author Jennifer Angel created the photographs, illustrations, and story. Everyone—young and old—can relate to this stay-at-home story amidst the greatest pandemic of our time. Eva, the main character in this book, learns some new skills during her self-isolation. Have you? It’s important to remember … this virus will end one day. Hopefully soon.

Corona Daze: Eva’s time at home during Covid-19, written and illustrated by Jennifer Angel, is a realistic children’s book that provides information and support during the pandemic. Ms. Angel portrays both the positive and negative aspects of the virus, beginning with how long the pandemic is lasting. She outlines all the things Eva can no longer do – go to school, play in the park, visit the grocery store, and see her Baba and Tata. Then, she talks about how Eva is responding in helpful ways – playing with her little brother, writing stories, and taking walks. She also describes Eva’s worries about becoming sick, sometimes having a hard time falling asleep.

The artistic work in this children’s book is unique. There are real-life photos, such as the outside of Eva’s house, with drawings superimposed upon the images. This adds to the authenticity of the story, making it easier for children to relate. Some parents may be concerned about a few images – a photo of a cemetery, a drawing of the President with a graph, and parents feeling scared too. Other parents may view these as beneficial, letting children know they are not alone in their worries. This book can be a wonderful way to have meaningful conversations with young children as they too are greatly affected by the pandemic. As parents struggle with how to help young children through this difficult time, author and illustrator Jennifer Angel has crafted an engaging and practical children’s book in Corona Daze. The last phrase in the book provides hope: “It’s important to remember….tomorrow is a new day.”

In Corona Daze: Eva’s Time at home during Covid-19, we are introduced to a little girl named Eva who wakes up one day to find out she has to stay at home. One day turns into weeks and weeks. Eva can’t do things she normally did like go to school, play with friends at the park and go shopping at stores. She learns about a virus that is spreading around, making people sick. Some people get better but there are lots that don’t and it scares Eva. She is taught that washing hands and wearing a mask is very important. Still, she tries to do her best with the situation that she is in. She plays with her little brother and does activities to keep her busy as well as healthy.

I think Jennifer Angel did a great job of tackling such a very serious current issue in a format that children will understand. With this Covid-19 pandemic, there is so much confusion that I feel a lot of the facts aren’t told or talked about with kids properly. In Corona Daze the young reader can very much relate to Eva and the struggle she is going through with not being able to do things they are used to such as going to school, playing at the park, and even visiting relatives. Along with that, it also teaches children that washing their hands and wearing a mask are important to prevent the spread. It’s explained in a very simple and easy to follow manner. Corona Daze is definitely a book I would recommend to my friends with kids as a good way of explaining the current issue our world faces.

If you’re looking for a way to start a conversation about COVID, you’ve found it. Angel artfully navigates a tough subject to address with young children in a bravely direct but hopeful way. The fun illustrations will captivate children of all ages while the story leads you through the unifying experience of children quarantined due to COVID. Angel encourages her character to express and embrace her feelings which is helpful in normalizing the high and lows that many children are experiencing right now. You are left with a sense that while times are tough right now, we can find hope looking to the future and find some enjoyment in the adventures along the way.