The pandemic arrived in 2020, and many schools closed, teaching kids online. When children began to reenter schools after a time, parents, educators, and children from around the world entered into the unknown. No one knew what to expect once students returned to brick and mortar schools.

A picture book for children, Besitos de Lejitos, Kisses from a Distance shares the story of a little girl going back to school as her mother gives her reminders to keep her safe. Written in both Spanish and English, author Noemi Mendez celebrates the courage it took for all to return to in-person education.