Book paints a brave picture for children

Besides providing "knowledge" and praising the heroes, the book intends to help children accept their emotions and cultivate a sense of responsibility for society.

"The mother in the book talks about being scared of the virus, because we want our children to know that it is okay to feel scared and frightened in this situation. Those emotions are natural for everyone," Wu says.

"But more importantly, we want them to know that even when someone is scared, they can still choose to do the right thing, to shoulder their responsibility, and this is true bravery."

Wu says she was so moved by the subject, that she finished the first draft of the book in just one night after putting her girl to sleep.

The text was then polished by Wu's team and editors at the publishing house, proofread by Zhang Silai, a pediatric expert with the previous ministry of health, and illustrated by Hu Yuran.

"Some medics working on the front line shared their experience with me, and I am so moved by their deeds and spirit," she says. "They told me about the tough work in a lighthearted tone."