BOSTON - s4story -- Childhood anxiety and mental health concerns are at an all-time high surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.  Educators and parents continue to be overwhelmed by the pressing need to address ongoing challenges that young school-aged children are facing with changing routines, limited social interactions, and school closures.  When the World Closed was created to be a resource for these pressing needs, as a place to begin necessary conversations with children about the current times, and inspire social and emotional growth and resilience.

Debut author E.E. Thorgaard uses her extensive experience in psychology and education to write directly to children facing hardships related to ongoing coronavirus quarantines.  Holding a Master of Science degree in Psychology, and working in educational policy and research for many years, Thorgaard is intimately familiar with the current needs of children.  She worries about the ongoing stress and anxiety children are experiencing across the globe. "Without thoughtful action on the part of educators, parents, and mental health counselors, this pandemic –and the now chronic stress associated with it– will define the mental health of a generation," she said.

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"Children need books about COVID-19 that go beyond encouraging them to wash their hands," says Thorgaard.  "It is my hope that in reading this book together, children and their caregivers will be able to have important conversations about their personal experiences and feelings about the pandemic.  Having those conversations will be an important step in building children's emotional resilience and healing from these traumas."

When the World Closed: A magical adventure to inspire social and emotional growth during isolation is the story of Finley and Tate, children under 9 years old who are experiencing school closures and stay-at-home restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.  Instead of staying scared, frustrated, and bored in their home, they decide to build a blanket fort in their living room.  Once inside the fort, their day becomes anything but ordinary as they are magically whisked away on an inspiring adventure that helps them feel less alone even though they are stuck at home.  Illustrated by artist J. Shapiro in vibrant watercolor, the images of the book uplift and inspire.

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The book is available in hardcover and paperback, and will be promoted on Amazon.com for Giving Tuesday, December 1st, highlighting the publishing team's commitment to donating copies of the book to schools, libraries, and care centers in need.

For more information or to order the book, visit WhentheWorldClosed.com

Contact E.E. Thorgaard at whentheworldclosed@gmail.com for review copies, inquiries, and interviews.  Follow @stories.by.eethorgaard on Instagram for book content, and @EEThorgaard on Twitter for educational resources.