The Power of Positivity: The ABC's of a Pandemic is an educational concept picture book for children written by Ruth Maille and illustrated by Harry Aveira. We are all impacted to some degree or other by the pandemic which has taken over the planet. While adults are able to read newspapers and otherwise learn more about the coronavirus, kids are often left out of the information chain. Instead, they just see endless restrictions in their daily lives. Many attend school via their laptops and Zoom and miss out on the fun of recesses and social interaction with friends. Likewise, their after-school play sessions with other kids in the neighborhood have ended or are now strictly supervised by adults, with attention given to social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and masks. Masks are fun in some ways, but they also make it hard to interact fully as you can’t see the expressions on others’ faces -- only their eyes.

Ruth Maille provides an ABC that addresses the dearth of information available to young children. Each letter covers an aspect of the virus itself or how it impacts our everyday lives, and in a way that emphasizes having a positive outlook on life during the pandemic and afterward -- because there is an afterward, though some may feel as though it will never get here. Maille suggests readers make the most of this time. In the front of the book, she also introduces Orbit, the mascot of the book who looks exactly like our planet, only small and wearing white gloves, white booties, and a big smile. Orbit appears at least once on every page in the book. There’s a link provided to check and see if your young reader has found all the Orbits in the book. Maille says to be careful as Orbit can be tricky.

The Power of Positivity is an upbeat and positive picture book that gives kids the information they need and shows them how to make the most of this unusual time and situation. Harry Aveira’s brightly colored and fun illustrations work perfectly to keep the tenor of this book positive while giving kids the lowdown on a pandemic that has been life-changing in so many ways. His clever inclusions of Orbit are particularly fun to spot and kept me entertained as I read. The Power of Positivity: The ABC's of a Pandemic is most highly recommended.

Written by Ruth Maille and illustrated by Harry Aveira, The Power of Positivity: The ABC’s of a Pandemic highlights many aspects of the unprecedented Covid-19 situation. Using one keyword for each of the twenty-six alphabets, Maille and Aveira paint a realistic picture of today’s world. The book cites certain things that have suddenly become commonplace, such as face masks or Zoom meetings. It even includes the recent trends like driving by and beeping the horn to celebrate special days, writing messages on the pavements, or keeping Teddy Bears at the windows. At the same time, Maille reminds us of the significant role the doctors, researchers, and the government are playing. Finally, a glossary clarifies all the terms used in the book.

Although the pandemic situation came as a shock to all, the sudden upheaval has unsettled children the most. The Power of Positivity: The ABC’s of a Pandemic will help them to cope with the accompanying uncertainties and stresses. I love how Ruth Maille underscores the bright sides of the ‘new normal.’ She shows how families are spending more time together, people are bonding with each other through acts of love and compassion, and loved ones are staying connected over the internet. Using short but powerful sentences, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining the healthy habits of wearing masks and washing hands. The life-like illustrations by Aveira make the book all the more appealing. It is a perfectly-timed read that I would recommend to both children and adults.

Ruth Maille has calmed the hearts and minds of minor children in her daycare and around the world with her new book, "The Power of Positivity - The ABC's of a Pandemic." The pictures are fun.

Orbit, the mascot, enjoys the ABC journey inspiring and learning with the children and adults on every page. See if you can count how many times he shows up in the book. Discover the positive things in our world despite the Covid pandemic, like finding joy and increased family time, exploring our attitudes and feelings, finding fun activities, and focusing on positive thoughts.

The ABCs of a pandemic has won the Reader's Favorite Five Star Review and Bronze Medal, the Gold Feathered Quill Award. In addition, the author has appeared on the Rhode show, WRCR 1700 AM on the Peter CLEMental show, Cool Chick Cafe, Appeared at Easton Book Festival Read Aloud visit her website for these and more. Maille is active and passionate about spreading positivity. The book is also available in Spanish. How great is that!