A gently reassuring narrative explores the hardships and triumphs of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown without directly naming the virus. "Something strange happened on an unremarkable day..." A diverse neighborhood street, once filled with pedestrians, bikers, shoppers, and vehicles, becomes silent and empty. "Everybody who was outside... went inside. / Everyone. Everywhere. All over the world." Detailed illustrations offer a realistic window into people's lives as they adjust to the sudden change. Family members conduct their daily lives in small, shared spaces. Hospital scenes show essential workers caring for, and sometimes losing, patients. Despite challenges, worry, and grief, people are creative and resilient. Birthday parties become drive-by events. Encouraging signs pop up next to empty playgrounds. "Outside, the world kept growing. / Inside, we kept growing too." Ending on a hopeful note, the narrative reminds readers that the world sheltered in place because it was "the right thing to do." (Ages 3-7)

From Caldecott honoree LeUyen Pham, Outside, Inside is a moving picture book that captures the unforgettable moment during the pandemic when people all over the world came together. It celebrates the essential workers, frontline workers, and communities that worked with each other to protect our loved ones.

Something strange happened on an unremarkable day just before the season changed.

Everybody who was outside . . .

. . . went inside.

Outside, it was quieter, wilder, and different. Inside, we laughed, we cried, and we grew.

We remembered to protect the ones we love and love the ones who protect us.

While the world changed outside, we became stronger on the inside and believed that someday soon spring would come again.

A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of 2021
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids List of 2021
A Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of 2021
A 2022 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts List