Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite

In Show and Tell is CLOSED by Tanja Kobasic, we are introduced to a sad, scared, and angry boy named Beau. He feels this way because there is an infectious germ that has spread all over the world, making it impossible for him to go to school or even play with his best friend. This affected Beau more than most kids because he was an only child and the quarantine made him very lonely. Beau disliked this new word because it meant everything was closed, even school where it was his turn next for show and tell. He wanted to show off his big glow in the dark ball, but after many months of isolation, Beau got sick of it and decided to get rid of it. Before he did, he wrote a note on it in magic marker. The ball traveled onward from person to person, each putting their message on it. Beau’s ball even went viral when the local influencer queen posted a photo and message to share it on her social media. When Beau found out he was the world's king of show and tell, he was happy that so many people shared what they did. It made him feel a bit less lonely, knowing that he had tons of friends.

I thought this was a very sweet and uplifting read. Child or adult, I think we can all relate to Beau and how he’s feeling during this pandemic. Everyone is handling it differently and, as the months have worn on, it has really affected the world. I thought the whole idea of this huge ball going around Beau’s town and everyone signing it was a brilliant and awesome idea. The fact that everyone who encountered this bouncy ball wrote their feelings about Covid was such a sweet gesture. The result is perfect because it showed Beau that he’s not the only one and he actually ends up gaining a lot more friends. The illustrations are beautifully done and fit perfectly with the storyline. Tanja Kobasic has done a wonderful job with Show And Tell Is CLOSED, and I cannot wait to see what the author comes up with next.