Covid-19 Books for Preschool Kids: Social Distancing, Masks, Germs

Here are some children’s books related to Covid-19 that will work well for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten children.

These books cover Covid-19 related topics, such as wearing masks, social distancing, online learning, germs, and worry and anxiety. Read these books to children in your class or at home.

All of these books were reviewed in full by me (I’ve taught Pre-K for 20+ years), to make sure of the quality and that they were age appropriate for Preschool and Pre-K. Many books ended up in the “no” pile, either because they weren’t age appropriate or because I didn’t feel they were written well.

Find more Covid-19 resources for teachers here!

Free Covid-19 Books for Kids

Covid-19 Books in Print

Amazon affiliate links are included.

Books About Wearing Masks for Children

Lucy’s Mask, by Lisa Thompson
Lucy’s mom is making her a mask and Lucy imagines what it will be like. Maybe she’ll be a pirate, detective, or explorer. She decides she can be a superhero wearing the special mask her mom made.

Smiling From Ear to Ear, by Kaitlyn Chu
A cute little book that shows all the different places the animals are wearing their mask: bunny wears a mask at the grocery store, sheep at the doctor’s office, frog at the airport, etc.

The Love Behind the Mask, by Lizy Toth
This story is about a little boy who misses all of the things he used to do: play soccer and visit grandma. He used to be afraid of masks, but understands people wear them because they care.

A Little SPOT Stays Home: A Story About Viruses And Safe Distancing, by Diane Alber
This is one of the BEST books that explains things in easy-to-understand words for young children. It talks about what germs are, why people get sick, why washing hands is important, wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance, essential workers, and feelings kids might have about it all.

If You Can’t Bear Hug, Air Hug: A Book Inspired by Social Distancing, by Katie Sedmak
This is an adorably illustrated rhyming book that shows different ways to greet people or enjoy their company while social distancing. The crabs say: “If you can’t bump knuckles, trade chuckles.”

The Social Distance King, by Eric Desio
A cute rhyming book that explains social distancing in simple terms for young children. Mentions mask wearing as well. The message is that you can still have fun and connect with people while social distancing.

Books About Online Learning for Children

A Little SPOT Learns Online: A Story About Virtual Classroom Expectations, by Diane Alber
This is a fantastic book to help children understand what online learning is and what they should do during online learning. It talks about how to dress and be prepared for online learning. It mentions finding a quiet space, being on time, eating and pottying before class, etc.

Books About Covid-19 / Pandemics

Paula and the Pandemic: Classroom version, by Dorothea Laurence
This is the classroom version of this book, so it’s a little larger than the original one. Make sure you get this edition for school. This book explains the pandemic and social distancing.

This one is also available FREE as a download.

Get the print book here: COVID-19 for Kids: Understand the Coronavirus Disease and How to Stay Healthy, by Catherine Cheung
Another good one that explains Covid-19 and how to stay healthy (wash hands, use a tissue, etc.)

Perry and Steve’s New Normal: Life During COVID-19, by MaryLou Quillen
In this book, Steve the Penguin’s dad explains the virus to him. His dad answers his questions about masks and staying home. He tells him about washing his hands, covering coughs and sneezes. He reassures him that social distancing is not forever and the future will be different.

Books About Germs for Children

Do Not Lick This Book, by Idan Ben-Barak
I love how this book explains microbes (germs) and how they spread on our skin, our books, our mouth, our shirt. It was written by a microbiologist, but is in very simple terms for young children. I will warn you, though: it’s a bit interactive in telling kids to touch the book, then touch their teeth, then their shirt, etc. so you would probably want to tell kids to only pretend to do that, or else change the words a bit.

Germs Are Not for Sharing, by Elizabeth Verdick
This book explains how to stay healthy and protect others from germs and would be great for toddlers as well as preschoolers. It also comes in a board book. Talks about using a tissue, what to do when you cough, drop food, when to wash hands.

Sick Simon, by Dan Krall
Simon goes to school sick and the germs tell him he’s a germ hero because he spread germs to everyone at school. The germs explain to him how his germs spread to everyone else and made them sick, and Simon learns how to keep his friends healthy. A humorous book with a different spin on teaching about germs.

Books About Anxiety & Worry

A Little SPOT of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries, by Diane Alber
This book talks about feeling worried, nervous, anxious, or scared. It explains in a child-friendly way why we feel these emotions and what you can do about it. This book is not specifically about Covid-19, but will help children experiencing anxiety because of the virus (or any other reason they experience anxiety).