"OUTSIDE,
the sky was quiet,
but the wind still blew
and birds kept singing.
Raccoons came out
and squirrels played in
the streets,
but the cars stayed away.
The world felt
a little different."
This is a book you will want to have. Ms. Pham sheds a light on the spirit that humans exhibited when faced with spring 2020 and the Covid virus. Although she does not mention the virus by name, she very carefully describes a world askew.
As winter turned to spring, people of the world went inside, and their outside world was abruptly changed. They stayed in and watched the world through their windows as outdoor action slowed to a crawl. Not everyone could stay inside; many needed to be outside to do what needed to be done. They opened stores, transported sick patients, cared for those patients, delivered mail.
Outside, nature changed. Animals came out to play, the streets were quiet, birds sang - it all felt peaceful. Inside, families worked and played, learned new skills and did their best to keep busy and healthy.
"INSIDE
we waited
and we worried,
we laughed
and we cried,
and we tried to breathe.
We made things together
and did things alone.
We hoped
and prayed
and wished.
We were all changing
a tiny bit inside."
Gloriously illustrated to bring attention to OUR shared experiences and the many adaptations made to do the right thing, this book is filled with sensitive vignettes. The text is calm, the words are simple and flawless, the tone is hopeful and inspiring. Sharing it with children will spark conversation, memories, and careful attention to the detailed artwork. It is a record for all of a shared experience, and a time when communities came together to do the right thing.
A meaningful author's note is inspiring, and the dedication to first responders and essential workers feels absolutely perfect.
“On the outside, we are all different. But on the inside, we are all the same.”
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