The COVID-19 pandemic was a monumental, global event. In many ways, even though threats of the virus kept us physically apart, it brought us closer than ever. We endured a shared, universal experience of being far away from our friends and family and a time that upended every aspect of our lives. Knowing that we will be talking about this pandemic for generations, Far Apart, Together at Heart is a way to share with young children what life was like during that time. The book features a diverse group of characters as well as various family structures.

From children who were young to babies born during the pandemic, it will help start the conversation and help them understand how we kept one another safe and how we went about our daily lives differently than before. We couldn’t go to our favorite places–like museums, zoos, playgrounds–and we couldn’t visit our families and friends. The COVID-19 pandemic was a scary time for everyone around the world. In many ways, even though the virus kept us apart, it also brought us closer together. We will be talking about this pandemic for generations. Far Apart, Together at Heart shares what we did to keep each other safe, from wearing masks and social distancing to staying home and talking to family members online.