Once Upon a Time Not So Long Ago

“Whiting’s painted tableaux, as spare as the narrative, depict a broadly diverse cast of contemporary human figures . . . ”
—Kirkus Reviews

"This beautifully illustrated picture book takes children through the story of the COVID-19 pandemic, from its early days (“a lot of people, all over the world, got sick”) to the present finally, things started getting better”) to the future (“things were different from the before-times”). Jennifer Grant doesn’t shy away from naming hard things: fear of illness, complications around shutdowns, and sadness over deaths. But she does so gently, and then she pivots to the ways we've responded to the pandemic by beginning to adapt our routines, help one another in new ways, find hope, and readjust our values. There are several journal pages at the end of the book with questions to prompt drawing, writing, and conversation."
—The Christian Century

“This book offers a powerful way for parents and children to process all that we have felt during the pandemic.”
—Matthew Paul Turner, author of When God Made You

“This book provides hope and meaning for children without glossing over the difficult facts of what happened.”
—Traci Smith, author of Prayers for Faithful Families

“Jennifer Grant’s economy of words and Gillian Whiting’s gentle, evocative illustrations combine to remind the reader that in the face of great suffering and loss, still there is hope and healing to be found.”
—Glenys Nellist, author of Snuggle Time and the Little Mole series

“Jennifer Grant encourages readers to reflect on what they’ve discovered is important as they emerge from these tough times. Illustrations by Gillian Whiting . . . portray a diversity of people and locales, reminding readers that the sickness struck across all ages, races, and locations. A beautiful book.”
—Patricia Toht, author of Dress Like a Girl

“ . . . This is a book about resilience and hope—a book about remembering. Jennifer is gentle in word and spirit - and her words, paired with the lush and evocative illustrations by Gillian Whiting, provide space for holy remembering.”
—Roger Hutchison, author of Come In, Come In!

“Thank goodness for Jennifer Grant and her truth- and hope-filled language to guide forward as we look back. A terrific resource for kids and adults alike.”
—Caryn Rivadeneira, author of the Helper Hounds series