When We Stayed Home

by Tara Fass, Judith A. Proffer

When Covid-19 traveled the globe, we were prompted to stay home, wash our hands frequently, socially distance and wear masks to remain safe and help the helpers. For children who don’t yet grasp the concept of time and haven’t weathered enough life to understand the art of endurance, it’s been a particularly complicated and sometimes trying time. When We Stayed Home looks at one young boy’s pandemic journey and through colorful illustrations and heartfelt prose we see how he has used his trusty imagination and childlike creativity to navigate the trials of staying home day after day, becoming a super-helper in the process while missing family, friends, school and the "normal" life he once knew. From decorating adorable toilet paper-shaped sugar cookies, building forts, painting and doing puzzles to frequent screen dates and dance parties with family and friends, young children will relate to his joys and sadnesses and how they too found connection and even serene moments of happiness while isolating. The book will comfort, entertain, and stir conversation about feelings and experiences the youngest stay-at-homers have experienced during these improbable times. Written by Tara Fass, LMFT and Judith A. Proffer, the book was inspired by Proffer's five year-old nephew, who continued to find big moments of mirth in home, nature, adventures and activities while at times tearfully longing for the virus to go far, far away. Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist Fass has worked with families during the pandemic to navigate its bumpy road with tools, optimism and hope.

Genres: Picture Books

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice story with cute illustrations about the hard times we spent in our homes. It is a positive view on the lock-down. It recognizes the difficulties that stayed at home brought, but it also praises the imagination and energy we all put on to make things better, and be super-helpers.

I received this copy in an Early Reviewers Giveaway in LibraryThing.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope kids and all of us do not experience a pandemic like this again. The amount of stress and anxiety; the loss and the pain this pandemic caused have been quite a lot to everyone, especially the kids.

This picture storybook tells one story of one such kid having to adopt all the rules to be maintained during the pandemic and is one such hero who has been trying his best!

I find the presentation quite fascinating. The writing is amazing despite the theme we are talking about. The illustrations are easy to the eyes and really good.

Thank you, Huqua Press, for the advance reading copy.

[Jeremy Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Kelsey from book publicity services for the gifted copy.

I thought this was a really cute book. I honestly loved the illustrations that were included. It is a very difficult time in the world due to covid-19, and I felt the authors did a wonderful job depicting what we now have to go through in our daily lives. In my heart, this was a very touching children's book that made me think of my daughter.

I would definitely recommend this book to all parents so they can have a better understanding of what kids are going through while this pandemic is unfolding.

[Darrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “When We Stayed Home” we see the ups and downs of quarantine through the eyes of a cute little boy. Our family loved the message and the adventures in this book. My five-year-old is in a huge superhero phase, and seeing himself in this little boy as a super-helper was very cool. I have three kids in very different reading stages right now. My 7-year-old is a very advanced independent reader. My 5-year-old is an emerging reader and my toddler still likes to destroy board books. :) This is one of those books that meets kids on all of those levels. The message is both simplified for younger kids and profound enough to keep older kids engaged.

They liked seeing some of the same things they’ve been doing the past several months, like baking, creating, reading, and a lot of Facetime with friends and family. They agreed that wearing a mask is hot and itchy but the complaints have definitely gotten better. :)

We continue to check in with our feelings because this is an ongoing transition for our kids. Sometimes I feel like we’re one of the only families in the world who isn’t playing sports and doing all the things right now. While it is frustrating sometimes, we’re also trying to keep everything in perspective. We’ve become avid hikers around our area, exploring fun trails and bike paths and forests. This book helped us continue those conversations about why we’re staying close to home and how we’re not alone.

We love the illustrations! The little dog companion is so cute. We can see all the fun things the boy gets to do at home using his imagination. My kids especially loved the chalk drawings and the food creations. We are doing many of these same activities and it was neat to see that mirrored in the book’s pages.

This is a book that not only has an important message for kids now, (because I know there are a lot of us who are still living a very cautious lifestyle), but I also feel like it will be cool to break out in a few years and “remember when” we all stayed home. I feel like this is a great book to have as a keepsake from this “unique” time in our lives. Thanks to Book Publicity Services for sending us a copy to check out!

[Harper’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we stayed home is a picture book about a little boy and his pet dog who are in lockdown.

He declares himself a super helper as he tries to stop the spread of coronavirus in his local community. We watch him as he washes his hands, social distances and follows all the guidelines. Not to forget that he waves to his friends from the window. This was really nice to incorporate.

Unable to go anywhere, he keeps busy building forts, baking cookies for the neighbours and playing with his dogs.

I love that this book helps little children understand coronavirus and lockdown. We all know someone who is young who doesn’t understand why they can’t go outside and do the things that you would normally do. Picture books are the perfect way of giving little kids a greater understanding of what they need to do.

I love that this picture book is from a child’s perspective. The child reading the book would hopefully want to do the same as the child in the book.

The book gives children ideas of what to do in lockdown if they are bored which is fun and helps them understand how to stop the spread of coronavirus in their local community.

I love dogs and loved at the beginning of the story there is a picture of the little boy’s dog. He is wearing a mask which has a doggy smiley face on it.

At the end of the book it says, ‘I didn’t get everything I wanted in lockdown, but I got everything I needed.’ It was the perfect quote and left me feeling happy.

[Ilham Alam · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book would have been more timely if it came out when COVID initially arrived in late winter/ early spring, it is still worth a read with kids. The illustrations are nice, although I find it is a bit too long for young kids (say 4yrs and younger) to sit through to the end.

With all the disinformation, hatred of science, anti-mask
Protests, rising infection and death tolls and many countries worldwide already facing a 2nd wave, this book should be read to promote the idea of being a super-helpers, to help our real-life superheroes, the healthcare workers & researchers who are at the frontlines of fighting back against COVID-19.

It illustrates simple steps that kids can take including wearing masks, washing hands with soap and water, staying home & not going out to crowded public places especially indoors, maintaining social and physical distancing even if it is with your loved ones and even if it breaks your heart to be away from them. Especially important if we go into lockdowns again.

We will get through this together but will need to make some sacrifices first, so that we don’t overwhelm and overburden our healthcare workers and hospitals AND also to keep our communities safe. And that is the message that the book is promoting.



Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in order to write my honest review.

[W · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are lovely; probably the best part of this book. The story is fine, although I wonder about the purpose of publishing it: while most states are no longer in complete lockdown, is this book meant to be more of a memento/reminder for children of those hard lockdown days? Or is it meant to be a useful tool in case we go into lockdown again? Either way, I think the book would be more effective if it were written in the present tense. The language is also a little too wordy for a picture book, and is sometimes clunky: "When we stayed home I had so many screen visits with family and friends. They always had smiles to see me. Sometimes their eyeballs leaked tears." I think the intended audience for this book would be able to understand the word "crying." Still, as a unique keepsake from an unprecedented time, this book could have a place in a home library.

Thank you to Huqua Press and LibraryThing for the advanced copy of this book!*
*This did not affect my review or rating.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing feels more timely than a book with a mask on the cover. This book made me wonder how many similar books we will publish during and after this strange period in history. Written by a therapist, this book feels like it was written to help kids process what is going on in their day to day life. How are they filling the time? How are their interactions different? How does wearing a mask feel? Reading this together feels like a solid stepping off point to talk about some of the strange things that are impacting our children in 2020. This story is direct, readable and covers a wide range of aspects of being stuck at home. What I liked most about this story was the inventive ways the child fills his days and continues to have relationships with the people he loves. Hopefully, if you are stuck at home too, this book will be comforting and perhaps even inspiring to your child.

[Rachel Graf · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHEN WE STAYED HOME is the sweetest story of a boy and his dog navigating the ups & downs of quarantine life — while it is a bit long in length, I think it could be a great way to converse with children about the pandemic. (I only wish it didn’t say “scary virus” and explained a bit more about the actual virus instead of alluding to it as a scary monster...)
.
.
in an interview, the co-author explains, “We know that when a child experiences any kind of trauma, and this pandemic certainly qualifies as such, the best action is to create an environment where they can openly share all they are feeling. We wrote this book for children to help them navigate these great big emotions. And to remind them that they’re resilient, and they’re not alone.”
.
.
this book does just that — it highlights the importance of staying home, wearing masks, washing hands, and helping others while also including many examples of creative ways to keep busy like baking, FaceTiming relatives, puzzles, making forts, and so many more!
.
.
one aspect I really loved about it was the fact that it included the emotional effects of staying home — it normalizes missing friends, school, playing at the park, and hugs.
.
.
the book ends with the sweetest quote, “when we stayed home I didn’t have everything I wanted. But I had everything I needed.” ❤️
.
.
thanks to @huquapress & @bookpublicityservices for a copy of this sweet book in exchange for an honest review

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Stayed Home written by both Tara Fass and Judith Proffer is an inspiring book for children who are handling the covid-19 virus safety cautions at home. It's not an easy thing to do. Wearing a mask that itches and makes your face hot is also part of the key that protects germs from them. Washing one's hands daily and every time, is the other precaution. This little boy shows children how to stay safe while at home and out of the house. He also demonstrates all the ways one can have fun at home. Building forts and doing things in the yard are just a a few examples. Overall, this wonderfully illustrated book educates and children how to be mini heroes.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Cecelia]

I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for a review :) it’s a really lovely story that would be good for kids who are having a hard time with the covid-19 pandemic. I liked the evidence on how staying home & wearing a mask was how the boy & his family were “super helpers.” It also has lots of ideas of things to do while staying at home, while simultaneously validating feelings of sadness & frustration. It doesn’t have a lot of application outside of the covid-19 pandemic, but for kids or families that are looking for books specifically about that situation, this is a great pick 👍🏻

[Babies to Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great conversation starter for parents Who want to talk to their little ones about wearing masks and staying home during the pandemic. My five-year-old really enjoyed the story and loved the illustrations. The book does a great job of explaining why we are wearing masks and staying home, and how our actions can help others. It also gives kids ideas for how to stay connected to loved ones when we have to be apart. Overall this gentle story is a great way to talk to little ones about the pandemic and how they can help.

[Tula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book to promote conversation about what it was like to be quarantined during this pandemic. An introspective look at how it affected our lives and how it might look a little different for each family.

I think after remote learning for the last 2 weeks it will be nice to share this book and open up dialog for students to share their thoughts and feelings.

This book is amazingly crafted to share in a subtle way that we have experienced and open the door to some amazing conversations.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this book encompasses the big differences in what everyone had to do when Covid first started. But currently we are in a less stringent rules about staying home. Yes we still have to wear masks and wash hands but some places no longer require masks. So as long as parents explain what we had to go through and what we currently need to do, the book works fine. Great illustrations.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this book encompasses the big differences in what everyone had to do when Covid first started. But currently we are in a less stringent rules about staying home. Yes we still have to wear masks and wash hands but some places no longer require masks. So as long as parents explain what we had to go through and what we currently need to do, the book works fine. Great illustrations.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice book to use to begin the conversation with young children about what they did when they stayed home. It's relatable and the illustrations are cute.

[Meg Wulfekuhle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the true story about how some students and children felt during the lockdown due to Covid-19. This book has adorable illustrations and has a great story. I enjoyed reading this book. I still know children living through this so this book is a great resource.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book based on the times of 2020. It was a bit long but the illustrations were done so well and my kids enjoyed it.
*I received a gifted copy.

[Rachel Graf · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHEN WE STAYED HOME is the sweetest story of a boy and his dog navigating the ups & downs of quarantine life — while it is a bit long in length, I think it could be a great way to converse with children about the pandemic. (I only wish it didn’t say “scary virus” and explained a bit more about the actual virus instead of alluding to it as a scary monster...)
.
.
in an interview, the co-author explains, “We know that when a child experiences any kind of trauma, and this pandemic certainly qualifies as such, the best action is to create an environment where they can openly share all they are feeling. We wrote this book for children to help them navigate these great big emotions. And to remind them that they’re resilient, and they’re not alone.”
.
.
this book does just that — it highlights the importance of staying home, wearing masks, washing hands, and helping others while also including many examples of creative ways to keep busy like baking, FaceTiming relatives, puzzles, making forts, and so many more!
.
.
one aspect I really loved about it was the fact that it included the emotional effects of staying home — it normalizes missing friends, school, playing at the park, and hugs.
.
.
the book ends with the sweetest quote, “when we stayed home I didn’t have everything I wanted. But I had everything I needed.” ❤️
.
.
thanks to @huquapress & @bookpublicityservices for a copy of this sweet book in exchange for an honest review

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publication May 2, 2023

I loved the sweetly positive tone of this one. Since the wearing of masks is not that far away in our past, at least we hope it's in the past, it was fun to see even that adorable dog in the grinning mask. I actually had a similar one, albeit more as a decorative cover over the more efficient ones, so it brought back a smile. The illustrations themselves are both realistic and whimsical, keeping to the fun, positive tone of the book. I think my favorites were the fort full of books and the one of the toilet paper styled cookie decoration. They do a great job of showing that while the boy had moments when his "eyes leaked tears", he also managed to find ways to both be helpful and entertain himself.

Overall, "When We Stayed Home" conveys a message of optimism, even mixed with tears, as one child is depicted dealing with how his world became smaller due to the epidemic. One photo shows him with a globe in his hands, a subtle reminder that while we may be restricted from socializing and moving about freely, there is a world of possibilities out there for those who look. The illustrations alone will entertain children, with perhaps any adult reading with them asking simple questions about the pictures. For instance, what was the meaning behind the "6 Feet" cookie decoration? What do you spy in his fort? What would you want to share via Zoom (or a known to the child program) with family or friends? What can you do with your dog/cat/pet that is fun inside? I'm sure others will have better ideas.

Bottom line, lots of ideas within, ideas that don't need frighting times to be used, all seen from a child's perspective. Perfect quote to tie things together at the end, too. "I didn't get everything I wanted in lockdown but I got everything I needed."

Thanks #NetGalley and #IPG - #IndependentPublishersGroup - #Meteor17Books for reminding us of what is positive and hopeful in our sometimes scary world.

[Deviant Quill Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.deviantquill.com/post/whe...

"When We Stayed Home" is a touching picture book that tells the story of children who had to stay home during the Covid 19 pandemic that started in 2020. It pays homage to all the young heroes who understood they had to stay home for a long time to protect themselves and others during this difficult time.

Some children were initially frustrated and bored, but they managed to find creative ways to entertain themselves. They learned new skills, played games with their families, and explored the world through new ways, books, and video games.
The book highlights children's resilience and resourcefulness, showing how individual choices in a community make a big difference.

The illustrations in "When We Stayed Home" are beautiful and colorful, with expressive drawings that capture the children's interest. The author uses simple language, making it easy for young readers to understand the story, while also conveying an important message.
Overall, "When We Stayed Home" is a wonderful picture book that shares with children a positive and uplifting message about a time that won’t be easy to forget. It is a must-read for children and families who experienced the effects of the Covid 19 but also for those kids who never had to go through it.


Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley

[Kelly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Stayed Home
(children's book, realistic fiction, imagination, coronavirus, COVID-19, quarantine)

When We Stayed Home by Tara Fass and Judith Proffer is a timely story about a little boy who is stuck inside during quarantine. He is bored and comes up with ideas of different things he can do to keep busy and have some fun. Families can read this book together then brainstorm a list of things they can do at home.

If you are a homeschooling parent, When We Stayed Home would be good for your language arts and health lessons. Classroom teachers would enjoy this story as a read aloud and as an addition to their classroom libraries.

Best for early elementary grades. Whole group, small group, and independent reading.

Kelly Wilson
Teacher/Children's Book Blogger
Kelly's Classroom Online
www.kellysclassroomonline.com

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a time when there was a virus threatening people all over the world. The child in the story learns that handwashing, wearing masks, and social distancing were some of the ways to keep safe. Most of all, doing these things were part of being a Super Helper, and that is a wonderful thing!
The illustrations by Yōko Matsuoka are simple, colorful, and meaningful.
Loved it!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Independent Publishers Group/Huqua Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Codie McNutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to goodreads and the publisher for the giveaway win!

this book is obviously about the pandemic lol the illustrations are super cute! my son is only 2 so was born september 2020, i doubt he’ll remember anything about the pandemic but when i do have to wear a mask at certain places still he definitely gets a confused look lol so this book will be a cute reminder of something that was definitely a difficult time. hopefully something we won’t see again any time soon but it’ll be a good story to read to him one day and tell him about my own experience and how he was born during it all!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for a copy to review.

My immediate feelings on reading this is that I never want to experience what we went through March 2020 - June 2020 ever again. Those early days were…anxiety-inducing. We altered what we could to help make a difference and learn about the virus.

We know so much more about covid than we did back then, which is why I think this book serves well to describe a period of time rather than the on-going endemic reality of covid.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very interesting. As all Covid things have now been considered done and over this book is more of a reminder, then I hope to get through. It would also be great for the next pandemic, when we are once again locked behind doors. This book stays to the hopeful and the exciting but mentioned that you don’t always get what you want or have what you need but you still had the world.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple story about a young boy and all that he did when we all stayed home due to COVID-19. Well presented for younger children, but also reaffirming for older ones as well.

[JennaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for helping kids cope with the difficulties from the recent pamdemic

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This story celebrates those who stayed home and were superheroes by staying home, socially distancing, and washing washing washing their hands.