Weathering the storm…

COVID-19.

How could something we’d never heard of a few short months ago change our lives so quickly — and in so many ways?

Some of us are merely inconvenienced (for now). Some of us are relishing long, uninterrupted writing days. Some of us are volunteering, jumping in to help however we can. Some of us are struggling with schedules and keeping kids on task. Some of us are sick– or anxious about sick loved ones. Some of us are suffering profound losses. None of us has any idea when things will improve.

ALL of us are being challenged and changed, in ways subtle or staggering.

Until this coronavirus storm passes by, I know I speak for all of us here at PBB when I say we hope and pray that you and your families are adapting and adjusting and coping and holding out for sunnier times ahead.

Meanwhile, I wanted to let you know that we’re going to carry on for the duration, talking all things picture books, because we know that great books feed kids’s minds and hearts and souls.

But those tummies need feeding, too. So with that in my own heart, I hope you won’t mind that I’ve put together a small list of organizations working to feed hungry children.

If you feel so moved, please visit any of these sites and make a donation.

No Kid Hungry

Feeding America

Save the Children

Blessings in a Backpack

World Central Kitchen

First Responders Children’s Foundation

The Salvation Army

Jill Esbaum

Jill Esbaum is the author of more than 50 children's books. Recent picture books include JACK KNIGHT'S BRAVE FLIGHT (a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection), HOW TO GROW A DINOSAUR, WHERE'D MY JO GO?, FROG BOOTS, and WE LOVE BABIES! She is also the author of a graphic early reader series, Thunder & Cluck (another Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection). In addition, she has authored two dozen nonfiction series books for Nat Geo Kids, including several titles in the immensely popular LITTLE KIDS BIG BOOK OF–– series. Next year brings her first humorous informational fiction pb, STINKBIRD HAS A SUPERPOWER. Lots more books are on the way! For more information about Jill and her books, visit her website at www.jillesbaum.com

18 Comments:

  1. Bless you for this list! We need to think of those who are much more than inconvenienced. Ty of rthis blog and stay safe and healthy.

    • Yes. I just watched an interview with a nurse from Georgia who’d arrived in NYC to help and I ended up in tears. Just so hard to imagine what those medical staffs are facing all day/night long. 🙁

  2. Thank you for this list! And your message. Spot on. So much change, anxiety, uncertainty. Blessings to all!

  3. Thanks, Jill. Donating is always the right thing to do. Some people don’t have their basic needs met. I can’t even imagine what they are going through. I pray all of us stay safe and healthy. (I’m better at praying than writing.)

  4. It’s heart-wrenching to see what’s happening. I think we all want to help in some way. Your list offers some great opportunities. Thank you for sharing, Jill!

  5. Thank you for sharing. Take care!!

  6. It’s hard not to cry every day about something, someone sacrificing, or going without, somewhere.

    Thanks for sharing, Jill, and be well!

  7. Jennifer Lane Wilson

    Bless you!

  8. Michelle Meadows

    Thanks for sharing this list, Jill. This is such an uncertain time. Stay safe!

  9. Thank you for offering the opportunity to connect and support hearts, minds, bellies and brains for all of us, together.

  10. Thank you, Jill, for sharing this list. They say that extraordinary times also bring extraordinary opportunities. And now is one of those times. Bless you and all those involved with PBB for carrying on. Picture books are points of light in the darkness. Also, if you don’t already know about this, take a look at the Good News Network online. It offers a daily jolt of good news that will make you smile or laugh or even weep with joy. Wishing you and your family good health, safety, and happiness. Onward!

  11. Carole Calladine

    Thank you, Jill, for pulling this list together. And thank you for carrying on. I look forward to the good content in PBB to enrich my day. Shelter in place and reach out safely to others building community.

  12. Nice words, Jill. Thank you. Since I fall in that “high risk” category, I’ve been sewing masks for hospitals and clinics–between writing/revising! Also have more time for piano playing ; ).

  13. While I’m grateful for many blessings, this unprecedented time causes many anxious feelings. I’ll continue to read, write, create, and plant more seeds.

    Thank you, Jill, for sharing this list of organizations.

    Take care. Be safe. Be healthy.

  14. Thank you for this list of wonderful organizations, Jill. This is a great way to help while sheltering in place. Take care.

  15. Thank you, Jill, and all the PBB bloggers for carrying on. We all need a little light in our days. Stay well.

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