Reviews

In March of this year, we saw life as we knew it ripped out from underneath us as countries around the globe put in place quarantine mandates. For many of us, we struggled a bit through isolation but held onto the understanding that this was necessary to save many human lives. But for younger ones, it may have been harder to wrap their heads around.  How do you explain to a child that they can’t see their friends or family or teachers or anyone really for… well, who knows how long? While we saw it as a chance to invest in new hobbies, in ourselves, and in our own well-being, younger ones may have seen it as an indefinite grounding--unable to go anywhere or play with anyone or enjoy anything.

As a long-time educator, author Roz Liberman was able to see and empathize with the confusion and anxieties felt by young children when the pandemic hit. She channels this understanding into her upcoming illustrated children’s book, An Ordinary Kid in Extraordinary Times. The book tells the story of COVID-19 through the eyes of a young girl as it relates to an ordinary family. Despite the distressing nature of the pandemic, Liberman offers an optimistic outlook to the current circumstances which makes the book feel, as she intends, “like a soft blanket or a big hug” to keep kids comforted during these uncertain times.

Illustrations by Cynthia Meadows help children visualize that optimistic outlook, giving them a greater understanding of the events surrounding the pandemic. Most importantly, they help children see that everything is going to be okay. It just might take a little bit of time.

Maybe you have a younger sibling, cousin, niece, or nephew who is struggling to cope with this new way of life. Or maybe you personally just need some uplifting. If that’s the case, An Ordinary Kid In Extraordinary Times by Roz Liberman will be the perfect book for you. Although it’s a children’s book, there’s ultimately something in it that any age can appreciate. The book will hit shelves in the fall of this year, so keep your eyes peeled for it; and it’s an absolute must-read for anyone seeking some comfort in these otherwise chaotic times.

Endorsements

“During uncertain times, it’s human nature to seek comfort in everyday life.  During a quiet time as I sat in my home isolated from the outside world, Before I read this little gem, I, myself, had been wondering what impact COVID 19 would have on everyday life and if we would ever return to “normal.”  As a nurse, I understood the virus, the modes of transmission to others, and, most importantly, how isolation and wearing masks can greatly reduce one’s exposure to it.  However, as a school nurse for almost 20 years, I wondered how my students were handling the new normal.  I envisioned them in my clinic asking endless questions about the “coroner” virus.  What thoughts and questions might a child be contemplating?  Like mine, their entire world changed in a matter of days.  As I read Ms. Liberman’s book, An Ordinary Kid Facing Extraordinary Times, I was transported into the mind of a young child as she pondered the irregular times she faced daily.  I chuckled as I envisioned my students’ faces as they asked me the same questions and wondered if their friend’s parent was being “quarter timed” because he may have bitten someone just like the neighbor’s dog did that was quarantined. Life is filled with uncertainties and always has been, but today’s uncertainty is unprecedented.  Reading this sweet book will bring reality into focus in a child’s mind and help them verbalize their feelings as they contemplate the new world around them.”

— Cyndi Braun, BSN, RN, NCSN

“As our world navigates a novel virus and the repercussions of the ever-changing news, anxieties can be high for both adults and children. In my work as an elementary school counselor, I help kids to change their mindset and to look for the positives in difficult situations; Roz Liberman's story sets the stage for school-age children to take control of their thinking by allowing children to explore the positives of change to help relieve worries, fears, or frustrations. This story gives parents and kids a concrete way of discussing a serious topic softened by comic relief both kids and their parents can appreciate. I read this book with my own three young children, and this gave us an opportunity to reflect on our new "normal" while laughing together about some of the changes we've been through as a family. The world HAS changed, and change is hard for anyone! An Ordinary Kid Facing Extraordinary Times captures a child's perception of big change and gives parents, teachers, and counselors a springboard for necessary discussions to help children cope with those changes.”

— Amber B. Pierce, M.Ed., LPC

“Roz Liberman’s book An Ordinary Kid Facing Extraordinary Times is a great way to help children understand what is occurring in today’s world. Written from a young girls perspective, the book uses humor to explain a serious topic so that even our youngest readers can understand. This book would be great for families to use at home or for schools to utilize as children begin to return back to school and are unsure about the changes around them.”

— Jill Hemme,  Principal, Grapevine.Colleyville ISD

“As a Speech-language pathologist specializing in working with children with autism and social communication disorders for over 20 years, I have witnessed firsthand how individuals with autism thrive using predictable routines and schedules. With COVID-19, everything unexpectedly changed for these children- from school, to teachers, therapy appointments, and the opportunities for social interactions with their peers. An Ordinary Kid Facing Extraordinary Times can be a comfort to children struggling to understand why their routines were disrupted due to COVID-19. This book offers a child's eye view into the Coronavirus pandemic, which can be helpful for parents trying to explain to their children, especially those with communication difficulties, what is happening in their world right now. It is critical to have teaching resources such as Roz's book to help children make sense of the world as they knew it before, and as it is today.”

— Julie Liberman, M.A., CCC-SLP 

“Navigating unexpected changes can be a challenge for everyone, and particularly children, who haven’t had the experience of knowing how daily life can be successfully adapted when necessary. In this book, Roz Liberman demonstrates to children how change can be positive even when it seems impossible. Her images and story line get right into the daily life of a family, how they interact, and how valuable new ways of doing things can be. As the author of a children’s book addressing children’s need to learn to get along in unfamiliar situations, I believe An Ordinary Kid Facing Extraordinary Times, accomplishes its goal. Both our books support children in building their self confidence with the help of family and friends.”

— Marla Schachtel, author of The Life of a Dog Living in a Cat’s World.