Putting in a good word

The book is narrated by a boy discussing his disappointment when his father has to leave to treat patients and is unable to keep his promise of playing with him during the holiday. The child's resentment wanes as he sees the empty streets.

In his dream, behind a glass wall, he sees his father in medical protective clothing, saying sorry to him with a note on paper slip. With his written reply, the boy tells his father to take care and he will wait for his daddy's return, and will save his favorite candy as a homecoming gift.

From a kid's perspective, the book combines basic knowledge of the virus in its plotline, and serves as a record of the heroes everybody could become, says Liu Jiapeng, head editor of the publisher's picture book department.

"We hope the book helps to plant a seed of social duty and selfless undertaking in the younger readers' hearts," says Liu.

Aside from depicting the child's mindset, the illustrations also feature Wuhan's landmarks, like the Yellow Crane Tower and the Yangtze River, to add a touch of realism.

Besides this picture book, the publisher released another popular science book titled A Brief History of Viruses for Children (Illustrated), also made in just six days, and free online.

"Knowledge is one key to defeat the disease and the fear," says He.

He's idea is echoed by editors from Beijing-headquartered World Publishing Corp, who decided to cater to the psychological needs for Chinese people.

In a seven-day blitz, on Feb 11 the publisher released a handbook of psychological self-help information and offered it for free on multiple online platforms.

Under a guideline issued by the National Health Commission on emergent psychological crisis intervention work amid the epidemic, Hu Ping, with Renmin University of China, and her colleagues are manning hotlines that offer counseling. They compiled the book to help readers learn how to conduct psychological assessments and emotional adjustments in practical ways, how to de-stress, or find solutions when they fear they may get infected.