News

New children’s book aims to ease lockdown anxiety

By Chris Hill · June 26, 2020

Cover of Oh What a Lovely Lockdown

Oh! What a Lovely Lockdown by Dr Vijaytha Murali helps to inspire an optimistic approach to the restrictions on the lives of children during lockdown. With a forward by WellChild Ambassador, Oliver Phelps, profits from the book will be donated to WellChild.

The book is now available for purchase now on Amazon >>

Oh! What a Lovely Lockdown! is a social distancing adventure for children, written by Dr Vijaytha Murali, an acute medical physician at an NHS hospital in Birmingham.

The story features twins Lily and Leo. Confused and upset that their birthday party can’t go ahead as planned due to COVID-19 pandemic, the twins are inspired by their parents to discover fun, joy and creativity at home.

Embedded throughout the story are ideas, inspirations and insights that aim to encourage children to explore their creative skills. Oh! What a Lovely Lockdown! has been written to support families in spending more time at home with optimism.

"This book couldn’t have come at a better time. Vijaytha has created such a timely, engaging children’s book that will entertain children and parents alike."

WellChild Ambassador, Oliver Phelps

All profits from its sale will be donated to WellChild to support seriously ill children around the UK. Oh! What a Lovely Lockdown! can be purchased on Amazon now >>

As a front-line medic during the pandemic, author Dr Vijaytha Murali has seen first-hand the effects of Covid-19 on many people, not least her friends and colleagues.

Vijaytha feels it is key to everyone’s well being at this time to stay connected, uplifted and happy at this time. She is passionate about creativity and feels that the pandemic presents the opportunity for the exploration and nurturing of new skills. It is the author’s hope that after reading Oh! What a Lovely Lockdown!, children and adult readers alike will feel inspired to explore their hidden creative potential to help them navigate these unprecedented times.

Colin Dyer, Chief Executive at WellChild said: “We are grateful for Dr Vijaytha Murali’s support through the publication of this fantastic children’s book. The impact of this crisis on children in particular cannot be understated, and I hope that the brilliant message of this book helps families find their way through the strange and unprecedented restrictions of lockdown.”