Mansfield teacher’s brilliant “Coronasaurus” book helps kids understand the lockdown

Jade Toplis, writing as Jade Millington, reads "The Coronavirus Rex"

Jade Topliss, who works at Holly Primary School in Forest Town, has made “The Coronasaurus Rex!” book free to read on Instagram and has filmed herself reading it on Youtube – sparking enthusiastic reviews from teachers as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.

Jade, 31, of Ravenshead, who writes under the pen-name of Jade Millington, signed a contract with Austin Macauley Publishers last year for her first childrens’ book “Leo, The Lion Who Lost His Roar.”

Sadly because of the lockdown, publication will be delayed, but Jade was inspired to write another one after she had to leave work because she is five-months pregnant.

“On March 17 I was told to leave school,” she said. “So I am not able to go in and help with the key workers’ children.

“I have had a lot of extra time. I kept thinking what on earth must the children be thinking about the lockdown at their age. They must be so confused.

“I envisaged a dinosaur walking around that might tell them what coronavirus is – in a nice, harmless way, and inform them there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“It explains that we need to keep washing out hands in case we pass these tiny bugs on.”

The book, co-illustrated by Gary Armstrong, can be read here and watched here.