GRANDPA'S 14 GAMES

A young girl imagines the different roles people have in a pandemic in this Chinese import.

While her doctor parents are away fighting “the virus,” the narrator spends her days under the care of her grandfather at home. To keep her entertained, Grandpa decides to introduce a game of pretend: Each day, she’ll pretend to be someone new. One day she is one of the many scientists “all over the world searching for a cure to beat the virus.” On another, she is a soldier delivering medical supplies. Through the game, she learns of the tough, brave roles people in the community play during a health crisis. While each day brings a new role to inhabit, bedtime is hard. Sometimes she can’t wait for what the next day will bring. Oftentimes, though, lips quiver, a nose tingles, and eyes dampen. But as Grandpa reassures, “It’s ok to be sad.” Soon, 14 days are up, and a masked Grandpa and granddaughter step outside. Isolation is over. Her next role will be that of a writer. And the task? To remember “all the wonderful people who have worked so hard to keep [them] safe.” Zhao’s quarantine narrative provides a primer of community helpers and first responders. Her text also highlights the emotional toll it takes on these individuals as well as the uncertainty both Grandpa and the girl feel. Huang’s illustrations bring the more playful imagery to life: A magician breathes fire, killing germs; a delivery person is adorned with fairy wings. Both Grandpa and narrator have pale skin, and the girl wears her straight, black hair in pigtails; they eat with chopsticks.

A general but timely overview of pandemic response.