Screenshot for the video “Our New Normal: Reading and Discussion”

A newly released book helps young children cope with any anxiety they may feel as the country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The book — “Our New Normal: A Children’s Social Story for Post-Pandemic Lives” – is a social story that was written by Emilee Johnson, the educational coordinator at the Boston Children’s Hospital Child Care Center.

The book’s pictures are drawn by preschool children for preschool children. In a video, Johnson reads the book out loud, and Children’s Hospital staff discuss the mental health challenges children are coping with.

For example: “As the world begins to move back into a pre-pandemic state,” the book’s Amazon.com page explains, “children are beginning to show anxiety about the things us adults consider normal! Children are worried about being in large groups, taking off their masks, or seeing family or friends that they have not been around in-person over the past year!”

“This social story provides children with an authentic view of what might be… Each town, state, or country has had differing rules and regulations throughout this pandemic, but this story speaks to many young children’s anxieties, fears, or questions about what is next.”

A press release adds:

“This book benefits preschool aged children, but can also be helpful with two-year-olds who may be confused about masking if they have begun to wear them recently. Some children can read ​this book independently, letting the pictures guide them.”

“Parents and teachers can read one-on-one when a child is showing or expressing anxiety about any of these new experiences in their lives. It can be very versatile, and the hope is that it will lead to more discussions and eventually to children’s understanding and comfort in this ‘new normal.’ ”

Please check out the video and see if you can use the book in your own classrooms.

As the world opens up, it’s crucial to help young children feel safe!