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The Extraordinary Pause
The Extraordinary Pause is a beautiful keepsake testament of the pandemic of 2020 and 2021 and a tribute to the simple and remarkable efforts people made in the face of the unexpected and unknown. Whether reflecting on what was lost or gained, you’ll find this book is a wonderful tool for discussing the physical, mental, and emotional impact of this extraordinary event. This book will have a place in a child’s permanent collection of childhood favorites. It will be a place to return to as we reflect with our kids on the traumatic period they experienced during the extraordinary pause and help them to grapple with all the social, physical, and mental parts of the journey.
Includes access to bonus materials, including the ebook version and work sheets to facilitate discussion about what was learned and lost during the 2020-21 pandemic.
Includes access to bonus materials, including the ebook version and work sheets to facilitate discussion about what was learned and lost during the 2020-21 pandemic.
- GenresPicture BooksNonfiction
36 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2021
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 24, 2021
Thanks to BookSirens and Eifrig Publishing for providing this ARC for an honest review.
I didn't know what this book was about when I picked it up on BookSirens. It turns out it's a recounting of lockdown and the past year and a half due to COVID-19 in simple language that a young child could understand. First, what life was like before the pandemic (fast fast fast), what it was like during, inside the home and outside, and how life changed as a result. Not necessarily for the worse.
This is rather sweet. It doesn't sugar coat the negative aspects of lockdown, but it reminds us of the things that were different for the better.
I didn't know what this book was about when I picked it up on BookSirens. It turns out it's a recounting of lockdown and the past year and a half due to COVID-19 in simple language that a young child could understand. First, what life was like before the pandemic (fast fast fast), what it was like during, inside the home and outside, and how life changed as a result. Not necessarily for the worse.
This is rather sweet. It doesn't sugar coat the negative aspects of lockdown, but it reminds us of the things that were different for the better.
September 11, 2021
You don’t have to be an elementary teacher like me to have spent a lot of time thinking about the effects of the pandemic on children. The year of virtual learning (if they were lucky and not crammed into petri-dish classrooms at virus-hotspot schools), the masking, the social distancing, the separation from playmates and schoolmates — it was a lot for adults to absorb, much less children.
I don’t know what I like more: Sara Sadik’s thoughtful recounting of the global coronavirus pandemic or Karine Jaber’s whimsical illustrations. This is a must for school or classroom libraries, both for now, in order to make sense of the events of 2020 and 2021, and for future generations of children, who will want to understand this worldwide shakeup. And to remember, even in the haste and struggle of “normal life,” to not forget the smell of pancakes and how beautiful the color green can be. I love, love, love, love this book! The guided questions at the end are perfect for classroom use.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from BookSirens and Eifrig Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know what I like more: Sara Sadik’s thoughtful recounting of the global coronavirus pandemic or Karine Jaber’s whimsical illustrations. This is a must for school or classroom libraries, both for now, in order to make sense of the events of 2020 and 2021, and for future generations of children, who will want to understand this worldwide shakeup. And to remember, even in the haste and struggle of “normal life,” to not forget the smell of pancakes and how beautiful the color green can be. I love, love, love, love this book! The guided questions at the end are perfect for classroom use.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from BookSirens and Eifrig Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2021
It is a well known fact that the pandemic has affected our lives in so many ways and it was a matter of time before creators would start including it in their works.
This is a children's book that scratches off the surface of what the pandemic is and has social distancing and lockdown as its main focus.
In this, the virus is a big bully who comes uninvited and messes everyone's lives. Hugging and kissing is forbidden, stores are closed and children go to school via their computers.
But I like how the author didn't focus just on those things. Because the book ended on a positive note. That being, that you should take a moment to appreciate both the small things in life and show your loved ones what they mean to you. Because if the last couple of years have taught us anything, is that things such as going out or holding hands, can be taken from us or even be proved dangerous.
I think it is a nice way to explain to kids what has been going on in our world and the adorable illustrations are definitely a big plus!
Before ending this review, here's a message from your friendly book reviewer: Be careful. The virus isn't gone. It's still out there and while you shouldn't allow it to consume your lives, you shouldn't act like it's gone either. Wash your hands, wear your mask if you are in a crowded place and get vaccinated! You have no idea how priviledged we are to be living in an era where vaccines exist and how many lives would have been saved throughout the centuries had we discover them sooner. And unfortunately, not everyone is priviledged enough to have access to them, such as people who live in third world countries for example. My heart goes out to them.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
I received a free e-book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
This is a children's book that scratches off the surface of what the pandemic is and has social distancing and lockdown as its main focus.
In this, the virus is a big bully who comes uninvited and messes everyone's lives. Hugging and kissing is forbidden, stores are closed and children go to school via their computers.
But I like how the author didn't focus just on those things. Because the book ended on a positive note. That being, that you should take a moment to appreciate both the small things in life and show your loved ones what they mean to you. Because if the last couple of years have taught us anything, is that things such as going out or holding hands, can be taken from us or even be proved dangerous.
I think it is a nice way to explain to kids what has been going on in our world and the adorable illustrations are definitely a big plus!
Before ending this review, here's a message from your friendly book reviewer: Be careful. The virus isn't gone. It's still out there and while you shouldn't allow it to consume your lives, you shouldn't act like it's gone either. Wash your hands, wear your mask if you are in a crowded place and get vaccinated! You have no idea how priviledged we are to be living in an era where vaccines exist and how many lives would have been saved throughout the centuries had we discover them sooner. And unfortunately, not everyone is priviledged enough to have access to them, such as people who live in third world countries for example. My heart goes out to them.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)
I received a free e-book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2022
Life as we know completely changed post pandemic. No one was prepared for the outcome of the virus attack. It took the world by surprise like a stealth thief robbing a house in the middle of the night. The world which was running at a high speed , completely slowed down due to the pandemic. Streets became vacant, cafes and shops had a desolate look in the absence of customers.
The Extraordinary Pause by Sara Sadik explores the after effects of the pandemic through the eyes of a child. There is innocence and a child like bewilderment when hugs and kisses became illegal. The world paused in all its actions. There was no rush to reach or go anywhere. Everyone was behind doors due to the pandemic. For an adult this change was like hitting a pause button to the continuous flow of events. From the view of a child this pause was extraordinary. People paid more attention to smaller joys of life like spending time together, family time together, doing things together as a family which usually were given a miss due to the maddening rush of the day. This pause brought people closer and make them notice things they otherwise would miss.
The book highlights the positive effects of the pandemic as seen from the point of view of a child. Instead of a dismal and negative emotion that an adult would show, the book teaches everyone to sometime pause in life. Breathe and slowly look around at the smaller things in life-birds chirping, smiles and the time with family.
A pause at times can create magic only if one let's the magic unfold.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Extraordinary Pause by Sara Sadik explores the after effects of the pandemic through the eyes of a child. There is innocence and a child like bewilderment when hugs and kisses became illegal. The world paused in all its actions. There was no rush to reach or go anywhere. Everyone was behind doors due to the pandemic. For an adult this change was like hitting a pause button to the continuous flow of events. From the view of a child this pause was extraordinary. People paid more attention to smaller joys of life like spending time together, family time together, doing things together as a family which usually were given a miss due to the maddening rush of the day. This pause brought people closer and make them notice things they otherwise would miss.
The book highlights the positive effects of the pandemic as seen from the point of view of a child. Instead of a dismal and negative emotion that an adult would show, the book teaches everyone to sometime pause in life. Breathe and slowly look around at the smaller things in life-birds chirping, smiles and the time with family.
A pause at times can create magic only if one let's the magic unfold.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2021
This book beautifully captures the bittersweet curse/blessing of Covid-19. I love how the authors help children to see that even though lockdown was hard, it allowed us to slow down and reconnect with one another. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2021
The publishing industry is fairly gloating over the explosion of new material produced during the continuing pandemic.
For first-time children’s author, Sara Sadik and her illustrator, Karine Jaber, both UAE-residents, it has been a chance to nurture a friendship that began when they met at their respective children’s nursery and then to develop The Extraordinary Pause, swapping ideas via Zoom chat about text and illustrations and even accepting stern admonition from their kids - the representatives of their target audience.
I gleaned this much from an interview Sadik gave to US blogger Brianna Peterson in which she revealed how, as a human rights lawyer she turned to writing as therapy while coping with her new born daughter’s congenital hip dysplasia which confined her to a Pavlik harness for eight months.
Another reason why Sadik must find it easy to ‘blur the lines’ between cultures and ethnic backgrounds is that although a Muslim, she was educated at a Catholic school and despite being a Lebanese-Palestinian she is married to a Syrian.
*****
Full disclosure: I accepted my review copy of The Extraordinary Pause from BooksGoSocial with reservations as it is better known as a review platform for independent writers rather than traditionally published authors.
After reading through the gratis pdf e-edition, I read the professional review at Kirkus which commends it as a “short picture book (that) speaks directly to young readers about the many life changes that happened as a result of Covid-19 in ways they will comprehend. Discussion questions at the book’s close encourage reflection …”
Last, I asked my step-daughter and her boys, aged seven and three for their opinion.
A Sydney, Australia citizen, Victoria’s first question was about the intended market’s age range.
“Good question!”, I retorted. A mixed message is being delivered with Kirkus recommending ages four-six while different Amazon pages suggest age groups 3-10 years and baby-11 years.
Victoria added: “When we read the book to the boys my first thoughts were I didn’t like how they were portraying Corona as a big scary bully … I do like the ending of the book though, reminding us it’s nice to stop and appreciate all the small things and to be grateful for the extra time we have together. It was a nice way of trying to find the positives in such a negative time in our lives. Jacob (aged seven) liked the book and it got us talking about how he has been feeling during the last year and all the different emotions he’s been feeling. Oscar (aged three) doesn’t have a clue about the Corona virus or the pandemic, so the book was completely lost on him and went over his head and he was actually bored when I was reading it!”
*****
As the UAE now enjoys such good relations with Israel, and Sadik’s book is due for release in Spanish, Arabic, French and German, I hope a Hebrew edition will not be far behind.
For first-time children’s author, Sara Sadik and her illustrator, Karine Jaber, both UAE-residents, it has been a chance to nurture a friendship that began when they met at their respective children’s nursery and then to develop The Extraordinary Pause, swapping ideas via Zoom chat about text and illustrations and even accepting stern admonition from their kids - the representatives of their target audience.
I gleaned this much from an interview Sadik gave to US blogger Brianna Peterson in which she revealed how, as a human rights lawyer she turned to writing as therapy while coping with her new born daughter’s congenital hip dysplasia which confined her to a Pavlik harness for eight months.
Another reason why Sadik must find it easy to ‘blur the lines’ between cultures and ethnic backgrounds is that although a Muslim, she was educated at a Catholic school and despite being a Lebanese-Palestinian she is married to a Syrian.
*****
Full disclosure: I accepted my review copy of The Extraordinary Pause from BooksGoSocial with reservations as it is better known as a review platform for independent writers rather than traditionally published authors.
After reading through the gratis pdf e-edition, I read the professional review at Kirkus which commends it as a “short picture book (that) speaks directly to young readers about the many life changes that happened as a result of Covid-19 in ways they will comprehend. Discussion questions at the book’s close encourage reflection …”
Last, I asked my step-daughter and her boys, aged seven and three for their opinion.
A Sydney, Australia citizen, Victoria’s first question was about the intended market’s age range.
“Good question!”, I retorted. A mixed message is being delivered with Kirkus recommending ages four-six while different Amazon pages suggest age groups 3-10 years and baby-11 years.
Victoria added: “When we read the book to the boys my first thoughts were I didn’t like how they were portraying Corona as a big scary bully … I do like the ending of the book though, reminding us it’s nice to stop and appreciate all the small things and to be grateful for the extra time we have together. It was a nice way of trying to find the positives in such a negative time in our lives. Jacob (aged seven) liked the book and it got us talking about how he has been feeling during the last year and all the different emotions he’s been feeling. Oscar (aged three) doesn’t have a clue about the Corona virus or the pandemic, so the book was completely lost on him and went over his head and he was actually bored when I was reading it!”
*****
As the UAE now enjoys such good relations with Israel, and Sadik’s book is due for release in Spanish, Arabic, French and German, I hope a Hebrew edition will not be far behind.
January 15, 2025
A Heartfelt Tribute to Resilience: The Extraordinary Pause
Sara Sadik’s The Extraordinary Pause is a heartwarming and thought-provoking picture book that captures the essence of a moment in history—the global COVID-19 pandemic. With her empathetic narrative, Sadik conveys the emotional spectrum experienced during a time when the world came to a standstill.
The book takes young readers on a journey through the initial shock and fear brought by the virus, the adjustments to a slower pace of life, and the rediscovery of meaningful connections. Karine Jaber’s illustrations vividly complement the text, painting scenes of emptiness and warmth that evoke a sense of shared humanity.
A standout aspect of the book is its ability to blend simplicity with depth. Children will easily grasp the concepts of change, loss, and adaptation, while adults will appreciate the gentle reminder to cherish small moments and relationships. The story is punctuated with moments of hope, showing how even in darkness, light can shine through.
The reflective questions at the end elevate the book from a story to a conversation starter, encouraging readers to explore how their lives were transformed by the pandemic. This interactive element makes it an excellent resource for classrooms, families, and community discussions.
Why It Stands Out:
Strikes a delicate balance between addressing serious topics and maintaining a hopeful tone.
Stunning illustrations that capture the emotional weight of the story.
Promotes empathy, gratitude, and self-awareness.
Final Thoughts:
The Extraordinary Pause is more than a book—it is a tender reminder of how humanity navigated one of the most challenging times in modern history. Perfect for children and adults alike, it teaches us that even in moments of uncertainty, there is strength in togetherness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sara Sadik’s The Extraordinary Pause is a heartwarming and thought-provoking picture book that captures the essence of a moment in history—the global COVID-19 pandemic. With her empathetic narrative, Sadik conveys the emotional spectrum experienced during a time when the world came to a standstill.
The book takes young readers on a journey through the initial shock and fear brought by the virus, the adjustments to a slower pace of life, and the rediscovery of meaningful connections. Karine Jaber’s illustrations vividly complement the text, painting scenes of emptiness and warmth that evoke a sense of shared humanity.
A standout aspect of the book is its ability to blend simplicity with depth. Children will easily grasp the concepts of change, loss, and adaptation, while adults will appreciate the gentle reminder to cherish small moments and relationships. The story is punctuated with moments of hope, showing how even in darkness, light can shine through.
The reflective questions at the end elevate the book from a story to a conversation starter, encouraging readers to explore how their lives were transformed by the pandemic. This interactive element makes it an excellent resource for classrooms, families, and community discussions.
Why It Stands Out:
Strikes a delicate balance between addressing serious topics and maintaining a hopeful tone.
Stunning illustrations that capture the emotional weight of the story.
Promotes empathy, gratitude, and self-awareness.
Final Thoughts:
The Extraordinary Pause is more than a book—it is a tender reminder of how humanity navigated one of the most challenging times in modern history. Perfect for children and adults alike, it teaches us that even in moments of uncertainty, there is strength in togetherness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2025
Rediscovering Life's Simple Joys: The Extraordinary Pause
The Extraordinary Pause is a poignant and beautifully illustrated children’s book that captures the profound global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Written by Sara Sadik and brought to life through Karine Jaber's vibrant illustrations, the book invites readers to reflect on the sudden halt the world experienced in 2020.
The narrative begins with a fast-paced world where people stopped noticing life's simple pleasures—until the pandemic forced everything to slow down. Through relatable imagery and a tender tone, the book portrays the challenges of isolation, the adaptation to new norms, and the silver linings of connection, resilience, and gratitude that emerged.
The prose is accessible, making it perfect for young readers, while also prompting reflection among adults. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, capturing both the emptiness of deserted streets and the warmth of family bonds.
Sadik skillfully includes questions at the end, encouraging readers to engage in discussions about their personal experiences during the pandemic. This makes the book an excellent tool for educators, parents, and caregivers to help children process their emotions and memories from that unprecedented time.
Strengths:
• Thoughtful storytelling with universal appeal.
• Gorgeous, evocative illustrations.
• Encourages dialogue and reflection through interactive questions.
The Extraordinary Pause serves as a keepsake of a historical moment, emphasizing the importance of appreciating life's simple joys. It is a touching tribute to humanity’s resilience and a valuable resource for fostering empathy and connection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Extraordinary Pause is a poignant and beautifully illustrated children’s book that captures the profound global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Written by Sara Sadik and brought to life through Karine Jaber's vibrant illustrations, the book invites readers to reflect on the sudden halt the world experienced in 2020.
The narrative begins with a fast-paced world where people stopped noticing life's simple pleasures—until the pandemic forced everything to slow down. Through relatable imagery and a tender tone, the book portrays the challenges of isolation, the adaptation to new norms, and the silver linings of connection, resilience, and gratitude that emerged.
The prose is accessible, making it perfect for young readers, while also prompting reflection among adults. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, capturing both the emptiness of deserted streets and the warmth of family bonds.
Sadik skillfully includes questions at the end, encouraging readers to engage in discussions about their personal experiences during the pandemic. This makes the book an excellent tool for educators, parents, and caregivers to help children process their emotions and memories from that unprecedented time.
Strengths:
• Thoughtful storytelling with universal appeal.
• Gorgeous, evocative illustrations.
• Encourages dialogue and reflection through interactive questions.
The Extraordinary Pause serves as a keepsake of a historical moment, emphasizing the importance of appreciating life's simple joys. It is a touching tribute to humanity’s resilience and a valuable resource for fostering empathy and connection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2021
I liked the concept of highlighting the changes the world went through during the pandemic to help children understand what transpired and why.
The loosely formatted layout made the book seem scattered throughout and hard to follow. I would have appreciated a more organized layout with an actual story line about the pandemic that more cohesively linked the ideas together.
I appreciated the set of questions at the end to help the child work through and discuss how the pandemic affected them personally. To me, this was the key to the entire book.
Kudos to the the author and illustrator for creating a book that can help children process what our world has gone through over the past several years. I am concerned with the possible long term effects that the pandemic will have on children.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens and the author. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The loosely formatted layout made the book seem scattered throughout and hard to follow. I would have appreciated a more organized layout with an actual story line about the pandemic that more cohesively linked the ideas together.
I appreciated the set of questions at the end to help the child work through and discuss how the pandemic affected them personally. To me, this was the key to the entire book.
Kudos to the the author and illustrator for creating a book that can help children process what our world has gone through over the past several years. I am concerned with the possible long term effects that the pandemic will have on children.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens and the author. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2021
The Extraordinary Pause is a simple, straightforward and strong book explaining the good and the bad of the global pandemic of 20-21. The line drawings with added color give the book an uncluttered feel that combines very well with the text. The sentences are short, the text is minimal on the pages but it covers a very difficult issue without being condescending or frightening. The pandemic is not referred to by any specific name, thus not limiting the scope of the subject to just the past year or two.
“The world changed overnight”. Such a simple yet powerful statement. This is such an optimistic book. I will certainly be sharing with the children in my life. The discussion and further resources at the end of the book make it a great choice for counselors, teachers and parents. Thank you Sara Sadik.
“The world changed overnight”. Such a simple yet powerful statement. This is such an optimistic book. I will certainly be sharing with the children in my life. The discussion and further resources at the end of the book make it a great choice for counselors, teachers and parents. Thank you Sara Sadik.
September 7, 2021
I can't imagine how kids are making sense of the past 18 months, but they've shown wonderful resilience and ingenuity. This book is a lovely resource to give them a framework and vocabulary to talk about what has happened to them as a result of the pandemic. It's especially valuable because it prompts an examination of both the good and the bad, acknowledging that things are rarely all one or the other.
This has a very thoughtful, soothing tone and would be great as a classroom read and especially appropriate for small groups where kids can discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other. I would definitely recommend it for pre-K through at least mid-elementary.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
This has a very thoughtful, soothing tone and would be great as a classroom read and especially appropriate for small groups where kids can discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other. I would definitely recommend it for pre-K through at least mid-elementary.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
November 15, 2021
Received a copy for review from BookSirens. This book published July 26, 2021.
This is a lovely book about the 2020 quarantine. There is a look-at-the-bright-side approach to this story that is perfect for children but is also much needed for some adults that are still struggling with the aftermath of that quarantine (or with the effects we are STILL feeling).
The art is lovely, whimsical, and cheery and there is diversity on the page which I wish we didn't have to applaud (but, yeah, we still have to applaud).
The message is clear and concise but there is enough room for questions and interpretations. (well, as long as you believe in masking... Which you should.) Perfect execution on the goal.
This is a lovely book about the 2020 quarantine. There is a look-at-the-bright-side approach to this story that is perfect for children but is also much needed for some adults that are still struggling with the aftermath of that quarantine (or with the effects we are STILL feeling).
The art is lovely, whimsical, and cheery and there is diversity on the page which I wish we didn't have to applaud (but, yeah, we still have to applaud).
The message is clear and concise but there is enough room for questions and interpretations. (well, as long as you believe in masking... Which you should.) Perfect execution on the goal.
September 15, 2021
The Extraordinary Pause is beautifully written, beautifully illustrated, giving its readers a moment to pause and reflect and process some of what the pandemic has done to all of our lives. My whole family loved reading it. The author, Sara Sadik, has thoughtfully included helpful questions at the end to guide a conversation with loved ones about the pandemic.
Reading this book left me with a feeling of calm, gratitude and being connected to others far across the world. Highly recommend this for young and older readers alike.
You can tell it has been written and illustrated with absolute love, by two very talented women.
Reading this book left me with a feeling of calm, gratitude and being connected to others far across the world. Highly recommend this for young and older readers alike.
You can tell it has been written and illustrated with absolute love, by two very talented women.
February 27, 2022
The Extraordinary Pause is extraordinary in its deceptively simple, yet complex and exceptional portrayal of a phenomenon that has affected us all, and particularly so children. How does one make sense of a world that suddenly changes when the norms are no longer what they used to be? In approaching Covid-19 in a sensitive and not condescending way for children, the author and the illustrator do a magnificent job in underscoring our ability to transcend difficulties and using the challenges of the times to forge friendships in non-traditional, yet meaningful ways. It is a story of hope in the midst of uncertainties.
August 27, 2021
Pandemic.
Staying at home.
Dealing with kids.
It feels more like a zoo than home actually. Especially when then kids are cooped up for more than three days without any physical activities. Whining every single day to go out and meet families and friends.
It is a struggle to make them understand about the crisis that the world is facing right now. Somehow, this book helps to calm me down. It makes me feel understood that i am not the only one having this feeling about the pandemic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Staying at home.
Dealing with kids.
It feels more like a zoo than home actually. Especially when then kids are cooped up for more than three days without any physical activities. Whining every single day to go out and meet families and friends.
It is a struggle to make them understand about the crisis that the world is facing right now. Somehow, this book helps to calm me down. It makes me feel understood that i am not the only one having this feeling about the pandemic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2021
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"For some, life s-l-o-w-e-d down, while for many others, it had never moved faster."
This book is the life in the pandemic through the lens of a child. I like how the authors help children understand that, while the pandemic was terrible, it did allow us to slow down and "really notice each other". The illustrations are just great and are able to convey the full message of the story.
"For some, life s-l-o-w-e-d down, while for many others, it had never moved faster."
This book is the life in the pandemic through the lens of a child. I like how the authors help children understand that, while the pandemic was terrible, it did allow us to slow down and "really notice each other". The illustrations are just great and are able to convey the full message of the story.
October 30, 2021
I absolutely love this book and can’t wait to share it with my students!
So many of them are struggling with fear and anxiety due to the pandemic experience and this book is the perfect reminder that good things also came about during our quarantine time.
Sweet illustrations, simple direct text, and the conversation starters that the author provides at the end make this a must-read for families and classrooms.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So many of them are struggling with fear and anxiety due to the pandemic experience and this book is the perfect reminder that good things also came about during our quarantine time.
Sweet illustrations, simple direct text, and the conversation starters that the author provides at the end make this a must-read for families and classrooms.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2021
This book is a great way to explain to young children what happens and continues to happen during the pandemic. While reading this book I became emotional. Although this is a children's book I enjoyed every word. It made me think about the pandemic in a new light, this book was able to highlight the positives that have occurred during this time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2021
This book was simple, yet beautiful. The book aims to find the silver lining in the pandemic and can help explain to children what's happening and can help jump start conversations with children at home or in the classroom. It was a very touching book covering a crazy and uncertain time in our history. I enjoyed the simplistic text and the illustration style/colour scheme.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens. Thank you for letting me read this book and provide my honest review.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens. Thank you for letting me read this book and provide my honest review.
January 1, 2022
This sweet little picture book hit all the right notes. The Extraordinary pause takes a realistic but hopeful look at the day to day impact that the recent pandemic had on children's lives. This would be a fantastic conversation starter for this topic. I can see it being very useful in classroom and group counseling sessions. In fact, it even cones with a QR code for extra resources! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2022
The Extraordinary Pause by Sara Sadik is a lovely book for children that explains what happened in the worldwide pandemic and shutdown. This book encapsulates all the good that came with the world coming together to fight this virus and protect each other. It is a lovely remembrance of those early days and I think kids and adults would like this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
September 4, 2021
Wow! I've read a few of the pandemic books and this is a MUST read. A beautiful book about our new world and how we had to slow down and started to see things again. The illustrations in this book are so beautiful. Highly recommend this book to read to your children.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
September 18, 2021
A simple, yet thoughtful look at how the pandemic snuck into all of our lives and how our world changed in what felt like an instant. The author made talking about the virus accessible but not scary, which makes this a great book to read with young children who are questioning what is going on in the world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2021
I enjoyed The Extraordinary Pause. A short, quick read that reflects on the current pandemic. The illustrations are adorable and the book explores some of the positives and hardships of the pandemic. I think this book could have been longer to explore daily life during the pandemic more, but overall a great little read.
September 22, 2021
This book is a nice way to explain to children what is happening in regards to the pandemic. It clears their confusion about something that might be frightening to them. I loved the illustrations and the imaginative way in which it introduces the topic. Not wordy, a fast read, which keeps the attention engaged. Recommended!
September 22, 2021
The Extraordinary Pause is an excellent picture book. I think it would help younger audiences connect with and understand their experiences from 2020. I think it would help parents talk with kids and help them process what we all went through.
A very touching book, I liked it.
A very touching book, I liked it.
August 4, 2021
A fantastic children’s book explaining the 2020 Lockdown in simple, caring terms. Great for younger children.
Want to read
September 18, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 3, 2021
Very sweet extraordinary book, Iam a fan of this author now. Thank you @booktesters for the amazing recommendation.
May 4, 2022
Thank you to BookSirens for an advanced copy of this picture book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great picture book that explains the pandemic in a way that children will understand. It talks about how life was during the shutdown and what life looked like. It gives young readers a moment to pause and reflect on what happened during 2020 - and of course we still have no idea what lasting impacts COVID will have on children.
The art is also beautiful and rather whimsical.
This is a great picture book that explains the pandemic in a way that children will understand. It talks about how life was during the shutdown and what life looked like. It gives young readers a moment to pause and reflect on what happened during 2020 - and of course we still have no idea what lasting impacts COVID will have on children.
The art is also beautiful and rather whimsical.
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