Colour Your Way Through Coronavirus with 'Q is for Quarantine' Colouring Book

Introducing Q is For Quarantine: The ABCs of the Coronavirus, a free, printable colouring book, written by Brian Siedband and Gordy Sang, and illustrated by Gordy Sang and Larry Day, available here. The idea for the book came to Brian and Gordy, two freelance creative directors, as they were going stir crazy in their homes during the coronavirus lockdown in Chicago, looking for ways to entertain their respective children. Realising that other parents around the country are in the same situation, they thought this book could be a fun way to help pass the time, and also lighten the mood during this weird and confusing period.

“Normally during times like this - although there’s never literally been a time like this - we’d have sports to distract us, or SNL to make light of what we’re going through. But we don’t have those, so we thought maybe this could provide a short relief from the Black Mirror episode we’re living in,” says Gordy Sang.

“We wanted it to be something kids found goofy and fun, but also have a little edge to it so adults could enjoy it too. Plus since our kids are asking us questions about all the weird stuff happening around us, we thought it could be slightly informative for them,” says Brian Siedband. 

They also saw the book as an opportunity to shine a light on those who don’t have the luxury of staying safe at home - the healthcare workers staying at work everyday to help those who need it. So with every download they’re asking people to consider donating to Direct Relief’s Coronavirus Fund, which provides protective equipment like masks and gloves to healthcare workers.

Since they’ve never published or illustrated a kids book, and there are a lot of letters in the alphabet, they enlisted the help of friend and children’s book illustrator Larry Day. They put it together from concept to illustrations to published website in six days, working at night and in between finagling stay-at-home activities for their kids. They’re asking people to share their coloured pages on Instagram, and plan on sending the finest pieces of work a free bottle of hand sanitiser.