What's All The Commotion?

A very age-appropriate introduction to "everything going on" with the coronavirus and social distancing to help explain a difficult topic to kids—a topic that will likely not go away anytime soon, unfortunately! I also love all of the inclusive illustrations.

We have all been wondering how to talk to children about Covid, but most importantly about how the virus has affected our lives.
There were theories early on which said it is worth to limit how much we told children, but as the situation developed it seemed impossible to do so.
Children are very aware of changes and pick up on stress and anxiety adults have.
This book is designed to help parents talk to their children – or, in fact, for any adult to talk to children, mostly about their feelings in these difficult times.
The drawings make it possible to read the book with children, though the text are more about giving adults guidelines, or even a script, to have what is quite a difficult conversation.

We need a novel like this!

It's imperative that we be able to teach our little ones about social distancing and the current state of things. The illustrations were lovely and of course diverse which is much needed. This breaks it down in a way that's easy for kids to understand- without making them fearful.

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

I think the premise of this book is timely and important for kids in this time. The world is pretty crazy right now and this book does a good job of helping to explain what's happening to children. The illustration are cute and it touches on most of the topics of why social distancing is so important. Enough that most parents could probably take it from there with this as a baseline for the conversation. I couldn't quite peg the age range for this. I would think very young readers, but it tripped me up that there were some words like contagious that I don't think those readers would understand and weren't defined. It was also a little vague at times (I'm assuming in thinking parent would lead the conversation. I do think it would have benefited from touching on people wearing masks and why that is an important part of social distancing as well.

What’s All the Commotion? is the perfect conversation starter for little ones in the age of covid. The illustrations were lovely and diverse and the message was on point. I LOVED that they asked questions throughout, especially asking “is there anyone you are worried about right now?” I’m definitely buying copies for the parents and teachers in my life. 👏🏼

Would love to see a follow up about why masks are important! This could be a whole series!!

A simple book with easy to follow illustrations that explains in very basic terms that there is a virus at the moment which requires social distancing. It asks questions that children can respond to which would allow an adult to then help the child with anything they're worrying about, and briefly touches on the fact that things are different and that adults may be acting differently too because they're worried. It ends on a positive note, that this is temporary to keep people safe, and that we'll be able to hug our friends again.

I read this with my three year old and although he's not really articulate enough to ask questions yet, he did understand the concept, nodded along and enjoyed the pictures. I think it would be ideal for anywhere from 3 - 8 years old or so as a starting point for understanding the current situation.

I very much appreciate that all the proceeds from the sale will be donated to charity.

I really appreciate how timely this book is because of the current pandemic and how most people really lack discipline at the time it is needed the most. I like the illustrations and how colorful those were. I just want to comment about the first lines. I suggest that the line "most everyone" be changed to "almost everyone". I just find it awkward. It was a good book, an easy read and a must read.

Helpful for Explaining Disease and Social Distancing

If you have or know of a child to who doesn't quite understand what “all the commotion” around the pandemic is about and the importance of social distancing and other protective measures, this book opens a dialog directly by having questions written in the text that the adult or caregiver reading it to the child can ask as well as gives the reasons for social distancing and other things we’re doing now. Especially at the beginning of the book, the author asks direct questions to the reader so that the adult can fill in needed information or better understand what the child is thinking about different aspects of this, like asking the child if they know how germs spread or what precisely they have heard about what's going on. In the dedication, the author implies that this was written for two children who asked what the commotion was all about; I love that this book is inspired by real children. But I think my favorite question was when the child is asked to say if there is any person who she or he is concerned about at this time because of the coronavirus. That's a superb way to shed light on any personal fears a child may not have yet vocalized. Later in the book, the author discusses the need for social distancing and how to do it, explaining that it is difficult to be separated from those that are normally a part of your life. The author further explains that the child may see adults do unexpected things to help keep the family and those around them safe. The author ends on a hopeful note stating that, essentially, this too shall pass. The illustrations are vivid, colorful, yet simple, depicting an inclusive range of races. If you’ve had trouble explaining all that is going on and our need to do things that are sometimes difficult and strange, this book is a direct way to start that important conversation. Highly recommended.

The storytelling can be better.

The art can be better too.

But yes, it serves its purpose.

Thank you #NetGalley for the copy.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Liked how this asks questions and is an overall pretty good guide book to help with like having a conversation about things.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this one a lot. It's very timely and provides a structure and groundwork to talk to kids about the virus. I appreciated the interactive elements that will make it easier for kids to talk about their feelings around everything going on. I especially appreciate that when discussing social distancing, they used "people who don't live with you" instead of how a lot of people are discussing it as "family" since that's not the most accurate term. I also liked that they mentioned how kids might perceive their family's reactions and that even grown ups don't always like change!

Overall, this is super timely, age appropriate, and sets up for good conversations with parents. I'd recommend this for kids and everyone else right now.

What's All The Commotion? by Jessie Glenn is a great conversation starter for small children that are struggling to understand why things are the way they are right now during the pandemic shutdowns. If you are struggling with how to explain the circumstances, then this may be the way to go for you. The book includes awesome inclusive illustrations that will aid in the conversation as well. Glenn breaks down the details of the current happenings into a couple, easy to understand sentences that can lead your child to more questions to facilitate the conversation even more.

What's All The Commotion? This book answers questions little ones may have about COVID and offers reassurance with comforting words and fun illustrations.
Jessie Glenn outlines how to navigate the pandemic for young readers, including talking about hygiene and social distancing in ways that kids can understand.
Many thanks to Eldredge Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

This timely book is a gem. The book is an excellent conversation starter, as children are hearing and feeling so many things and it is often difficult for them to verbalize. It is also difficult to simply explain to young children about the pandemic and the why behind what we all need to do to be responsible. This book does it. It would also be good for social stories. Facts are told in simple words and simple, wonderful illustrations.

Very simple conversation starter book for younger elementary kids. The illustrations are a little lacking but the intent of the text is very good. I think this would make a good first day/week of school text to help students open up about their emotions during this troubling time.

A timely picture book that may be a useful resource for some young children struggling to understand the changes in their environment due to COVID-19, or other contagious illnesses.

*Read Now title on NetGalley*

"What's All the Commotion?" is a good picture to help parents, guardians, and educators have an open discussion about covid-19 and the drastic life changes that have occurred.

It's a very matter-of-fact book and simplistic with text and full color on one page and a beautiful, full color illustration on the other. The facts and information presented in this book is clear, concise and accessible.

I liked the tone of the story. It was inviting and welcoming, encouraging kids that it's okay to have questions about what's been happening and any fears or anxiety they've been having as a result of this virus.

"What's All the Commotion?" is worth the read and free on Kindle Unlimited.

The book poses questions for children regarding feeling and fears experienced during the Covid pandemic allowing adults to better understand And address their specific concerns.

This is a great, easy-to-understand book that addresses the current pandemic. Although I know that this book is geared toward children, I know of quite a few adults who could use the information in this book.

Thank you so much for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book has good ideas and is a good starting point for discussions around COVID 19 and the precautions one should take to remain healthy and keep others healthy. I liked the open ended questions and the brief description of social distancing. Some things I would have liked discuss was the reasons and importance of wearing a mask, more details and explanation of social distancing for kids and what that looks like (besides just keeping a big space ), washing hands, covering your mouth as well as your nose when you sneeze and cough.

We are all living a nightmare these days. It is nice to find a book explains why and how to do children since they don't know or understand. This book is nicely thought. It explains we should take on some precautions.

It covers the situation by colourful and sincere illustrations but the text is very plain. Also the text induced pages look like a news article. I am well aware that the situation is dire. However, this is a children's book and didactic approach is better be diminished for them to be interested and learn and apply.

Nevertheless, this book will give the idea to children and I appreciate this very much.

Commotion is a good word for what is going for children to grasp what they can do. It's all about control and how we can help as parents to help our children have some control of what is going on.
First up is the spread of germs. How germs can cause us to be sick and how it can spread. Again this is helping children put themselves in control of what this commotion is all about.

I think parents will have to add lib some of their own insights for their kids. It was a little dry so as a parent you will have to put some life into this one so kids make this their own.

A special thank you to Eldredge Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I received an electronic copy Eldredge Books through NetGalley.
A read together book for families to talk about social distancing and why it's important. Simple text and illustrations provide basic information at a level elementary students will understand. The book begins with actions everyone was already doing and moves on to why people are more aware of their actions and doing more to stay separated.

The sentiment of this short children's book is great - trying to explain a little about the Coronavirus and social distancing. I really liked the fact it was quite simple and designed to elicit interaction from the child, by asking them questions about what they are thinking and feeling about the situation. What let's it down for me is the illustrations. While colourful and obviously designed with children in mind (I do like the block coloured pages), some of the drawings are a little haphazard and mildly confusing (not sure a child would get what the man is going with the groceries at the door) and I'm not sure they are interesting enough to a child to make them want to repeatedly look at this book.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to No Kid Hungry.

WHAT’S ALL THE COMMOTION – A children’s book about the importance of social distancing.

‘The changes in children’s lives around the world due to the virus pandemic are startling and stressful in many cases. What’s All the Commotion? seeks to answer children’s questions simply and directly with an optimistic outlook.’

WHAT’S ALL THE COMMOTION? is a great book to talk to your children about social distancing, why it’s important, what it means for them, and opens the door for parents to ask their children how they’re feeling about what’s going on around them.

Though this book doesn’t discuss the need to wear a mask, there are children’s books that can be read along with this one that highlight wearing a mask and why it’s important.

Thank you, NetGalley and Mindbuck Media for loaning me an eBook of WHAT’S ALL THE COMMOTION? In exchange for an honest review.

This book is a great resource for any parents, guardians, or teachers who want to explain social distancing to children. The story is told in simple language that kids will understand and offers a lot of opportunities for kids to express themselves and their questions to allow adults to dialog with them.

This is a simplistic but gentle overview of the current pandemic aimed at younger children. It emphasizes community and social responsibility, which are so important right now, and ends with the positive message that we will get through this and it won't last forever. There are several questions posed in the book, encouraging children to reflect and posing jumping-off places for discussion. The illustrations feature racially diverse people. I will likely use this as a read-aloud to spark discussion with students (grades 4 and 5).

What's All The Commotion?
by Jessie Glenn
really reassuring for young students, the works are simple an the sentences with help can be read by the youngest of students. teachers can use this book to help children understand what is happening and how to explain the problems. and changes of the future social distancing.

A very good picture book for young children. Very well written and illustrated. Explains the most important things about coronavirus. Good book for reading and sharing pictures with toddlers also

This was a good picture book for young children about COVID and the importance of social distancing and good hygiene practices. The author explained how this virus can be passed and quickly spread with many people getting sick. So the best way is to social distance and make sure everything is cleaned properly. There were many open ended questions to further discussions on this topic.

This is a very timely book to help parents and teachers explain the importance that children follow the social distancing rules. It is especially important now since some states are allowing children to return to the classroom. They will be excited to see their friends, but need to understand they can’t interact with them as they used to do. They need to follow the rules.

As a side note, the author explained about social distancing, but there was no mention of the use of face masks. In some state, face masks are required for all children going back to school. As parents/teachers read this book to young children, I think it will be extremely helpful to also explain the use of face masks when discussing those pages referring to the spreading of germs.

An ARC was given for an honest review.

What's All the Commotion? is a kid-friendly, non threatening story about how Covid has changed our day to day lives. The illustrations are diverse and relatable. This is a great for families of primary age children. Thanks Eldredge Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this title.

"Social distancing is how we can help to care for all the people we know and all the lovable people we don't know." This was such a kind and compassionate children's book that explains both the why and how of social distancing to children navigating the global COVID-19 pandemic.

As our understanding of the virus changes rapidly, some of the illustrations may already be a bit dated (the need for everyone to disinfect groceries for example), the need to do our best to keep each other safe in the best ways we know how remain the same.

This would be a great book to read with a child in either a family or a classroom setting. I think both children and adults will find it to be a calming and encouraging voice in these unusual times.

Very calm explanation of COVID-19. Easy for even very young children to understand. Hopefully it will be reassuring to children who might be nervous or confused about the virus.