And the People Stayed Home

Gr 2-6–As with the YouTube viral video of The Great Realization that became a book, this is a picture book version of O’Meara’s poem from March 2020 originally entitled “In the Time of Pandemic” which was widely viewed on Facebook and beyond. Readers follow a pandemic journey beginning with quarantine: “They listened, and read books, and rested, and made art, and exercised and played games, and learned new ways of being.” It continues with how the new ways of being created new ways of thinking and healing for both the people and the earth. “And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.” And lastly to the future where the pandemic’s end allows the people to come together grieving their losses, making new choices, and creating new ways to live. Di Cristofaro and Pereda imbue O’Meara’s words with visual context, bold color, and a global feel. The people are depicted in a wide variety of skin colors and dress. A variety of layouts, text placement, and scenery gives the poem additional depth.