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    Maddie and the Virus | Dedicated Review

    TCBR ContributorBy TCBR Contributor3 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Author Showcase Health Picture Books
    Maddie and the Virus Dedicated Review
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    Book Review of Maddie and the Virus: A Young Girl Navigates Life During A Pandemic
    Sponsored* | All opinions are our own
    The Children’s Book Review

    Maddie and the Virus

    Maddie and the Virus: A Young Girl Navigates Life During A Pandemic

    Written by Gretchen Susan Romanowski

    Illustrated by Mike Rosado

    Ages 6-10 | 60 Pages

    Publisher: Lulu Press | ISBN-13: 978-1667156620

    What to Expect: Facing Adversity, Caring, Dancing, Creativity

    Maddie and the Virus deals with the past year and our response to the coronavirus. In this story, readers meet Maddie, an 8-year-old girl that finds creative ways to navigate life during the pandemic.

    The author does a wonderful job highlighting the frustrations Maddie feels, from technology woes to tricky homework and the boredom of being trapped at home. Maddie shows readers that it is okay to be scared or grumpy, but instead of focusing on negative emotions, she uses creativity and physical activities to combat hopelessness and anxiety. In addition to the coping techniques provided, the author also touches on many common themes seen during the pandemic, such as online learning, working from home, hand washing and social distancing, personal protective equipment, and the hope that a vaccine would be developed to help people stay safe.

     Along with the story, Mike Rosado provides clear and colorful illustrations that highlight Maddie’s thoughts and actions. This is especially helpful to show how dance and movement, and technology can be used to communicate and remain connected with family and friends. At the back of the book, the author has kindly included a glossary explaining some common pandemic terms using age-appropriate language and providing more information on the dance techniques mentioned in the story. Also offered are 12 “What Do You Think” questions that will encourage children and adults to discuss and reflect upon the story.

    Maddie and the Virus is an incredibly relatable picture book for both children and adults.

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    Gretchen Susan Romanowski Author Headshot

    About the Author

    Gretchen Susan Romanowski is a semi-retired dance educator who has enjoyed a wonderful career as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and director. She has been a dance teaching artist in public and private schools, universities, community programs, and arts academies. She has choreographed for the musical theatre and concert stage. Gretchen earned a Doctorate in Dance Education at Temple University and wrote her dissertation on “Dancing Wheels,” a contemporary dance company and school comprised of dancers with and without disabilities. Gretchen lives in Cary, NC, and enjoys sharing her love of storytelling and dance with her great-and-grandchildren.

    For more information, visit www.maddiesjourney.com.

    Mike Rosado Illustrator Headshot

    About the Illustrator

    Mike Rosado is an illustrator, musician, and owner of MRC, a branding company in the heart of downtown Raleigh. His love of drawing started at an early age and, throughout the years, has been incorporated into much of his work. He’s also the host of The Pencil Pushers Podcast, where he focuses on the love of the hand-drawn arts, inviting top-level artists from a myriad of different industries. Mike lives in Raleigh, NC with his partner Leah, stepdaughter Mila, and pet-daughter pup, Winnie.

    For more information, visit www.maddiesjourney.com and www.mrcraleigh.com.

    Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Maddie and the Virus: A Young Girl Navigates Life During A Pandemic. Learn more about getting a book review …

    What to Read Next:

    1. The Year We Wore Masks, by Kristin James | Dedicated Review
    2. C is for Chickasaw, by Wiley Barnes | Dedicated Review
    3. Mommy, Where Do Babies Come From? | Dedicated Review
    4. If the Dentist Were an Animal, by Rachel Grider RDH | Dedicated Review

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Dedicated Review Gretchen Susan Romanowski Mike Rosado Pandemic Books Picture Book
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    The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.

    1 Comment

    1. Glenda on October 18, 2023 9:44 am

      A couple of days ago, I met Gretchen in a parking lot. Her car was parked alongside of mine. I noticed the sign on the side of her car. At first glance, I thought it was a cleaning service. As I approached the car, I noticed it was far from a cleaning service. The sign was one of a children’s book, “Maddie and the Virus.” I was really impressed. As Getchen got out of the car, I asked if she mind if I take a picture of the sign so that I could check on line. She said, “of course.” I did so, and got in my car to leave. Then, there was a knock on my window. It was Gretchen, holding a copy of her book. She gave me a copy. Gretchen, thank you so much for being so generous and kind in giving. Today, I read your book. What a great read in the life of your granddaughter!!! I also love the glossary and the “What do you think section?” It really encourages conversation. Thank you again!

      Very Appreciative,

      Glenda

      Reply
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