When We Stayed Home by Tara Fass, LMFT and Judith A. Proffer

*AD-gifted: A copy When We Stayed Home was received in exchange for the post. Affiliate links in this post will be clearly marked with a *

When We Stayed Home is a book very appropriate for the times we are living in at the moment. Wearing face covering is the new normal and it’s great to see a children’s book with a child wearing a face mask on the cover.

We were kindly sent this book to share our thoughts on it all the way from Book Publicity Services in America. Firstly here is what the synopsis says to give you an idea of what it’s about.

Book Description

When Covid-19 traveled the globe, we were prompted to stay home, wash our hands frequently, socially distance and wear masks to remain safe and help the helpers. For children who don’t yet grasp the concept of time and haven’t weathered enough life to understand the art of endurance, it’s been a particularly complicated and sometimes trying time. 

When We Stayed Home looks at one young boy’s pandemic journey and through colorful illustrations and heartfelt prose we see how he has used his trusty imagination and childlike creativity to navigate the trials of staying home day after day, becoming a super-helper in the process while missing family, friends, school and the “normal” life he once knew.

From decorating adorable toilet paper-shaped sugar cookies, building forts, painting and doing puzzles to frequent screen dates and dance parties with family and friends, young children will relate to his joys and sadnesses and how they too found connection and even serene moments of happiness while isolating. The book will comfort, entertain, and stir conversation about feelings and experiences the youngest stay-at-homers have experienced during these improbable times.

Written by Tara Fass, LMFT and Judith A. Proffer, the book was inspired by Proffer’s five year-old nephew, who continued to find big moments of mirth in home, nature, adventures and activities while at times tearfully longing for the virus to go far, far away. Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist Fass has worked with families during the pandemic to navigate its bumpy road with tools, optimism and hope.

What We Thought

When We Stayed Home is like a memoir of what happened earlier this year. It’s what children were doing all around the world. It’s the story of a little boy, telling us what he missed as well as what he did. He wants to be a super helper and help his community to stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s a great reminder of the tough times, communities pulling together, and unfortunately, this could happen again if we have to go back into lockdown.

I do feel the book is a little long for young children around 3/4. With my 4 year old we read it over a couple of sessions to keep her attention on it.

We loved the illustrations, talking through what was happening on each page. It gave us ideas on how to keep in touch with friends and family and how to keep busy while being at home. If we are in the same situation again, this book will be very useful.

Thanks to book publicity services for the gifted copy.

When We Stayed Home is available to buy from *Amazon.

Here is my book review category for similar kids book reviews.

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you’ve enjoyed this post.