LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — COVID-19 effects everyone young and old. But helping little ones understand the importance of masks or washing their hands can be challenging. Now there's help. 13 Action News anchor Tricia Kean speaks to a local teacher who just wrote a new children's book.
THE LITTLE BUG
"As doctors, nurses and those in the lab work hard to help all of us," says Dr. Jilly Hauritz reading aloud.
Dr. Hauritz just wrote The Little Bug That Changed the World. The valley teacher wrote it in response to concerns she heard from her own pre-k students.
HARD SUBJECT
"I realize there's difficult subjects to talk to your children about. Kids need to know that they're going to be happy and healthy and secure and have hope, no matter what," says Dr. Hauritz.
She teamed up with local first-time illustrator Ariel Chasse to help tell the story.
"I loved art. But to be able to help teach people things about something that is kind of a hard subject and to help people cope especially young children, I was excited to be a part of that," says Ariel.
EVERY RACE & COLOR
Together they wanted to show children of every race and color around the world, doing their part to stay safe.
"I wanted them to know they could pick up this book and there would be a little boy or little girl that look like them," says Dr. Hauritz.
LOTS OF ANIMALS
But some of the most popular characters are the animals.
"They love to see that; oh they wash their hands and they're a panda bear? Well I'm going to wash my hands like the panda bear," says Dr. Hauritz.
But along with teaching healthy practices, the book also aims to challenge children.
STAY IN SCHOOL
"It's about staying in school, being smart and you're going to grow up to be a doctor or a nurse or whatever you choose to be, and you're going to have a great part in this world," says Dr. Hauritz.
But don't worry mom and dad, Ariel says this book has a message for every age.
"No matter how young, how old, you can follow all these practices and stay safe and healthy," says Ariel.
The Little Bug That Changed the World is now for sale on Amazon.
