How a Sunderland animator is helping to explain the Covid-19 outbreak to children

A Sunderland animator has created a short film to explain coronavirus to youngsters who may be feeling scared.

By Tony Gillan

Published 2nd Jul 2020, 16:45 BST

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Hannah Parsonage is a freelance drama facilitator and regional branch manager for Theatre Tots North East, which in normal times produces workshops, shows and books for early years children, their families and teachers.

But like many organisations, the group has had to adapt during lockdown and has produced a five-minute cartoon called Bean and the Corona King, directed and produced by Hannah and aimed at children aged between two and seven.

Hannah, from Millfield, worked on the production with her colleague, writer and CEO of Theatre Tots, Laura Sydonies. It already has thousands of hits online.

Sunderland animator Hannah Parsonage has created Bean and the Corona King, a five-minute animated film explaining the pandemic to youngsters.

Sunderland animator Hannah Parsonage has created Bean and the Corona King, a five-minute animated film explaining the pandemic to youngsters.

Bean and the Corona King tells the story of coronavirus as seen through the eyes of a four-year-old called Bean, and opens with a traditional: “Once upon a time, on a day before today …”

It gives lockdown scenarios that children can relate to, explaining social distancing and why we are unable to meet relatives in the flesh. One memorable line is: “Granny has moved house. She lives in the computer now.”

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The video also explains Covid-19 in language that youngsters can understand. The ‘baddie’, King Corona, does his worst, but ultimately ‘the world was too clever and too strong for King Corona’, who eventually disappears ‘to live with his friend, Smallpox’.

Animator Hannah Parsonage, seen here hard at work at Theatre Tots North East before lockdown.

Animator Hannah Parsonage, seen here hard at work at Theatre Tots North East before lockdown.

Meanwhile, Granny moves back out of the computer.

Hannah said: “I came up with the images and Laura came up with the story. She wanted to make something that would appeal to her four year-old, Sid.

“I’m not a designer. But I just started playing around images. I saw this paper doll and thought I would animate it. The characters’ voices are provided by the children of my colleagues.

“We’ve had lots of feedback and all of it has been really positive. It’s really come across well. Adults seem to love it too. We tried to create something that would help children to reflect on their own experiences.

You can watch the video on YouTube here.

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