New picture book follows Elmo as he adjusts to new routines and safety measures put in place.
With nurseries, day care centres and schools set to reopen next month across the UK, Sesame Workshop has teamed up with Sourcebooks on a new title to help parents allay any fears which young children might have about the new routines and safety measures they will encounter.
Heroes Wear Masks: Elmo’s Super Adventure is a new picture book which aims to help children manage any back to school or nursery anxiety and understand the changes they’ll face in their classrooms and playrooms.
Children will see Elmo getting ready to head back to school, with some changes to his morning routine. Things are a little different when Elmo gets to school too: their Sesame Street friend will adopt – and adapt to – some of the safety measures kids will experience themselves, including:
- Wearing a mask
- Feeling anxious about leaving home
- Washing hands frequently
- Social distancing – not being able to give hugs or high-fives to friends
- Temperature checks
- New classroom seating arrangements
The book will also feature tips for parents and caregivers including language they can use with young children around handwashing, face masks, back to school anxiety and other ways to stay healthy.
“One of the most powerful things about the Sesame Street Muppets is how deeply kids identify with them. When they see their friend Elmo adjusting to something unfamiliar – like wearing a mask to school – they realise that they can do it too,” said Steve Youngwood, Sesame Workshop’s president, Media & Education and chief operating officer. “We’re thrilled to work with Sourcebooks to get this special book to families – we hope it helps ease their back to school transitions in this difficult time.”
Karen Shapiro, publishing manager at Sourcebooks Wonderland, added: “We are so excited to work with our extraordinary partner Sesame Workshop in bringing forth a story that can spark playful learning and offer comfort to families and children facing a new sense of normalcy.”
