North Oak NRZ VP Sandoval Writes Kids’ Book on COVID-19

Manny Sandoval, a community activist who is the Vice President of the North-Oak Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ), has written a children’s book about the questions and concerns kids have about COVID-19.

An announcement about the book says that,

When North Oak resident Manny Sandoval was volunteering and lending out laptops at an elementary school during the start of the pandemic, he overheard a little girl stumble over saying the word “pandemic.” At that moment, Sandoval was inspired to write a children’s book about Coronavirus.

Sandoval’s book, What is a Pie Medic? (Pandemic), is about a little girl named Ireni, and her experiences during the pandemic. “People all around the world are getting sick,” the book’s description says. “The word pandemic has been constantly on the TV.”

Sandoval’s story, the book’s announcement says, tells about Ireni,

and her family coming together, taking care of each other, and staying safe amid the pandemic. Ireni’s mom, Judi, patiently answers Ireni’s many questions about the pandemic and its fallout. The book also depicts Ireni’s dog, Masan, who protects her.

“When her world suddenly begins to turn upside down,” the book’s description says, “Ireni’s curiosity goes into overdrive,” adding that the story tells about how Ireni, “finds the answers to her questions, and gains peace and comfort while learning to stay healthy and safe.”

“Ireni,” the book’s announcement says, “learns to deal with going to school remotely, walking while social distancing, and staying in contact with her grandmother while keeping her safe.”

The announcement also says that the book, “reflects the multi-cultural reality of our world with reference to commonly used Spanish words and Puerto Rican cuisine such as arroz con pollo y habichuelas (rice and beans with chicken).”

“The NRZ has included the book in its COVID Care Kits that are currently being given out to North Oak families,” the book’s announcement says, adding, “Sandoval is also distributing the book through the Greater New Britain Collaborative’s Backpack Giveaway and the DCF RAC.”

NeighborWorks America provided a grant for a limited distribution of the book. The book can be found for sale on Amazon.

The book’s announcement says that,

A youth development advisor for Compass Youth Collaborative, Sandoval is a long time North Oak neighborhood resident and serves as the Vice President of the North Oak Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ). He wants his book to reach as many children and families as possible so they can learn the importance of social distancing, washing their hands, and wearing a mask. Hence, Sandoval has started by reaching out to the children and families in the North Oak neighborhood and in the City of New Britain.

Sandoval is the author and illustrator of the book.