Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service launch new children's book to help youngsters understand coronavirus pandemic

The tale, entitled ‘Susie the Childminder and the Pandemic’, focuses on the importance of community, staying safe, healthy and positive during challenging times.

It was launched in an effort to help youngsters understand and discuss the issues surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak.

Around 3,000 free copies will be sent to all infant and primary schools across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as well as other educational settings.

Judy Rice, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s education manager, said: ‘This is a distressing and confusing time for children, and we hope that through the power of storytelling we can encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling and make sure they feel comfortable asking questions.’

The new book, which is part of the part of the Keeping Safe with Susie the Childminder series, was funded by Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum.

Assistant Chief Constable Ben Snuggs, chairman of the forum’s delivery group, was proud to fund the new tale and added: ‘The Susie series of books teaches children to be resilient in all kinds of emergencies and we hope this latest book will prove to be just as valuable.’

The story was penned by Donna Smith and illustrated by Clare Murphy. Donna said: ‘I was inspired to write this latest Susie story as I wanted to try to normalise the strange times we are all facing due to the global pandemic.

‘By doing so I hope this will help alleviate any anxieties the children may have.’

A free version of the page-turner is available to access on the ‘kidzone’ area of the fire and rescue service’s website.

This is the latest initiative from the fire service, which has previously launched a home learning hub on its website, packed with educational challenges, projects and worksheets for children.

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