As the novelty of not having school wears off and the end of lockdown fades into the distance, many children will still have questions about coronavirus.
It can be tricky for parents to explain the situation without causing panic or being patronising - but a new book from the illustrator behind The Gruffalo could help.
Publishers at Nosy Crow have published Coronavirus: A Book for Children online, featuring drawings by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler.
The book is free to download and is designed for children aged between five and nine, using simple language to address common questions from curious youngsters.
Kate Wilson, managing director of Nosy Crow, said: "We were very aware that many parents and carers are struggling to explain the current extraordinary situation to children, many of whom are frightened and confused.
"We thought that the best thing we could do would be to use our skills to produce a free book to explain and, where possible, reassure children.
"We hope it helps answer difficult questions in difficult times."
Infectious disease expert Graham Medley, three London headteachers and a child psychologist helped to make sure the book was as informative as possible and well-suited to the target audience.
The book follows a question and answer format and includes information about why lots of places are closed, and why children are not able to see their relatives if they do not live with them.
It finishes on a positive note - "One day, this strange time will be over," reads the reassuring last line.
Axel Scheffler said: "I think it is extremely important for children and families to have access to good and reliable information in this unprecedented crisis.
"I hope that the popularity of the books I’ve done with Julia Donaldson will ensure that this digital book will reach many children who are now slightly older, but might still remember our picture books."
The book can be accessed via nosycrow.com.
Famous children's books including The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Mr Scheffler, have also released revised drawings in response to the pandemic.
We hope you enjoy these reimagined images and verses from #JuliaDonaldson and #AxelScheffler most-loved books and characters in light of the current times we all find ourselves in #inthistogether #rhymesforthetimes pic.twitter.com/xCj6kZ9poJ
— The Gruffalo (@TheRealGruffalo) April 4, 2020
In one, The Gruffalo follows mouse through the forest at a safe distance of two metres., teaching children about the importance of social distancing.
