MOM IS HIDING

Faced with uncertainty during a pandemic, a Chinese girl finds her inner courage.

The simple, direct narrative introduces 6-year-old Nina, who lives with her mother while her dad works overseas in Africa. One day her mom sits her down to talk about a virus. Referring to the virus as “little monsters,” Mom explains the monsters bring disease, spreading in three ways: “1. Sneezing 2. Coughing 3. Touching.” Her father concurs, adding tips to protect themselves, such as staying indoors, wearing a mask outdoors, and maintaining healthy habits. Days later, reality hits when Nina’s mother isolates herself in the bedroom with a mask and a message to keep away. The mother explains through the door that the grocery store she visited was reported to have an outbreak of cases and she must isolate for 14 days to prevent spread. Emotive brown- and gray-toned textured illustrations portray Nina as she processes her feelings, from anger to fear despite online calls with her parents. Thankfully, Aunt Mary arrives, and she addresses Nina’s concerns with a 14-day plan of action. Empowered, Nina assures her mom that she will take care of her. Narrator Nina frankly worries that her mother will die, and the book ends with her mother still in quarantine; young readers may well have many questions.

While ending with uncertainty, this Chinese import offers a window for tough but essential discussions around a pandemic.