Tumut teachers publish children's book, 'The World Caught a Germ', to explain pandemic

Hannah Goldspink and Brooke Bond work at Tumut Community Preschool, and have recently published a children's picture book called The World Caught a Germ.

Ms Goldspink, who wrote the book, said she didn't feel equipped to explain to her students why their lives had changed so suddenly.

"I wanted to help the students understand a bit more about what's happening in the world and why they have to say goodbye to their parents at the gate, why they have to get their temperatures checked before class and why there aren't as many kids in the classroom anymore," she said.

"I didn't really have any way to explain that, so I created the resource myself."

The book, illustrated by Ms Bond, follows the story of a young girl, Penny, who's parents are essential workers as a nurse and grocery store attendant.

Penny has to go to school and learns about 'bubble space', or social distancing, while her best friend Sam stays at home with his dad and learns about the importance of self isolation.

The two friends discover how to stay in touch with technology, the importance of washing their hands and how to navigate the new normal.

"It's a bit surreal actually, to see it in a hard copy," Ms Goldspink said.

"We've already sold 113 copies so far over June."

The teacher said her accomplishment inspired her to consider future publications.

"I'd love to write more books now on tricky concepts for kids," Ms Goldspink said.

"I've actually drafted one on the bushfires but we'll see how we go with this one first and go from there."

The World Caught a Germ is available in hard cover, paper back and for kindle on Amazon Australia.