Studio of Books proudly featured “Covid-19 and Me” by Janette A. Smith as part of its Book Gallery at the 2026 Frankfurt Book Fair, held from October 7–11, 2026, in Frankfurt, Germany. As one of the world’s most prominent international publishing events, the fair provided an exciting opportunity to bring stories, ideas, and diverse author voices to a global audience.
Bringing together publishers, authors, literary agents, booksellers, and publishing professionals from around the world, the Frankfurt Book Fair serves as an important meeting place for the international literary community. Beyond celebrating books and storytelling, the event creates opportunities for cultural exchange, meaningful connections, and the discovery of works that cross geographical and linguistic boundaries.
As part of this year’s event, Studio of Books presented its Book Gallery, featuring a diverse selection of titles representing different genres, perspectives, and experiences. Each featured work reflected the creativity, dedication, and unique voice of its author, reinforcing Studio of Books’ commitment to helping stories reach readers beyond borders.
Among the meaningful children’s books showcased in the gallery was “Covid-19 and Me” by Janette A. Smith, a thoughtful story that explores the emotional challenges children experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the perspective of a young girl struggling to adjust to virtual schooling and changes in her everyday routine, Smith brings attention to the uncertainty, frustration, and longing for normalcy that many children encountered during this unprecedented period.
At the heart of “Covid-19 and Me” is a young girl whose familiar school life has been unexpectedly disrupted. Instead of attending classes in person, spending time with friends, and learning directly from her teachers, she must adapt to receiving lessons through a computer screen while studying at home under her parents’ supervision. What may initially seem like a simple change in learning arrangements becomes an emotional challenge as she struggles to understand why everything around her has changed.
As the story unfolds, the young girl expresses her frustration with virtual learning and the difficulties of adjusting to her parents’ teaching methods. Although her parents are trying to support her education, she finds the experience very different from the classroom environment she has grown to love. She misses the guidance of her teachers, the companionship of her classmates, and the everyday interactions that once made school enjoyable. Her experiences reflect the challenges faced by many families as homes became temporary classrooms and parents assumed additional responsibilities in their children’s education.
Through this relatable situation, “Covid-19 and Me” highlights the importance of recognizing children’s emotions during periods of uncertainty and change. The young girl’s disappointment and frustration illustrate how disruptions to familiar routines can affect a child’s sense of comfort and belonging. Smith presents these feelings as an important part of the story, encouraging readers to understand that children, like adults, need patience, reassurance, and emotional support when navigating unfamiliar circumstances.
Beyond its portrayal of virtual schooling, the book addresses the wider impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families and communities. School closures, business disruptions, health concerns, and changes in social interactions created challenges that affected people across different ages and backgrounds. By incorporating these realities into a child-centered narrative, Smith provides an opportunity for young readers to better understand the circumstances that transformed everyday life during the pandemic.
An important aspect of “Covid-19 and Me” is its emphasis on finding practical ways to respond to difficult situations. Alongside the young girl’s experiences, Smith introduces solutions, alternatives, and preventive measures intended to help readers understand and navigate the challenges associated with COVID-19. The book encourages an awareness of health and safety while reinforcing the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and supporting one another through uncertain times.
What makes the story particularly meaningful is its focus on the emotional and social aspects of childhood during a public health crisis. For many young learners, school represents much more than an academic environment. It is also a place where friendships develop, social skills grow, and children experience a sense of independence and community. By showing how deeply the young girl misses these familiar connections, Smith reminds readers of the important role that teachers, classmates, and shared experiences play in a child’s development.
The book also explores the changing dynamics within families as parents and children adjust to new responsibilities. The young girl’s dissatisfaction with her parents’ approach to teaching reflects the difficulties that can arise when educational routines suddenly move into the home. Through this experience, the story creates opportunities for conversations about patience, communication, and understanding the challenges faced by different family members.
For parents, educators, and caregivers, “Covid-19 and Me” offers a starting point for discussing the pandemic and its effects on children’s lives. Its relatable storyline can help young readers express their own memories, feelings, and questions about a period marked by significant changes. The book also provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of emotional well-being, family support, and maintaining meaningful connections during challenging circumstances.
Through her storytelling, Janette A. Smith captures a recognizable aspect of the pandemic experience by presenting it through the eyes of a child. Rather than focusing solely on the broader health crisis, she brings attention to the personal experiences that shaped daily life for young learners. Her approach demonstrates how children’s literature can make complicated events more understandable by connecting them to familiar emotions, relationships, and everyday situations.
The book also serves as a reflection on an important period in recent history. While the COVID-19 pandemic affected communities worldwide, each individual experienced its challenges differently. By preserving one young girl’s perspective, “Covid-19 and Me” contributes to the collection of personal and fictional narratives that help readers understand how major global events influence ordinary lives. Its themes of adaptation, resilience, and emotional understanding remain meaningful beyond the immediate circumstances of the pandemic.
The inclusion of “Covid-19 and Me” in the Studio of Books Book Gallery at the 2026 Frankfurt Book Fair highlighted the role of children’s literature in addressing real-world experiences and encouraging meaningful discussions. At an international literary gathering that celebrates stories from diverse backgrounds, Smith’s work offered a perspective on a global event that affected families, schools, and communities across geographical boundaries. Its focus on childhood emotions and the challenges of adapting to change reflects experiences that many readers around the world can recognize.
By featuring “Covid-19 and Me” at the 2026 Frankfurt Book Fair, Studio of Books helped introduce Janette A. Smith’s thoughtful children’s story to an international literary audience. Through the experiences of a young girl navigating virtual schooling and the disruptions brought by the pandemic, the book encourages understanding, patience, and compassion for those facing unexpected changes. Above all, “Covid-19 and Me” reminds readers that even during difficult and uncertain times, listening to children’s feelings, supporting one another, and finding ways to adapt can help families move forward with greater understanding and resilience.