This book was a project developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG). The project was supported by global, regional, and country-based experts from Member Agencies of the IASC MHPSS RG, in addition to parents, caregivers, teachers, and children in 104 countries. A global survey was distributed in Arabic, English, Italian, French and Spanish to assess children’s mental health and psychosocial needs during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A framework of topics to be addressed through the story was developed using the survey results. The book was shared through storytelling to children in several countries affected by COVID-19. Feedback from children, parents, and caregivers was then used to review and update the story.
Over 1,700 children, parents, caregivers, and teachers from around the world took the time to share with us how they were coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. A big thank you to these children, their parents, caregivers, and teachers for completing our surveys and influencing this story. This is a story developed for and by children around the world.
This IASC MHPSS RG acknowledges Helen Patuck for writing the story script and illustrating this book.