The Day the World Went Inside

In the town of Sunnydale, the sun always shines, just as it has done every day for one hundred years. But then one morning, the town’s children wake up to see the sun has gone away! Their parents say, “The world must be changing. We better stay inside!”

Meanwhile, off in the forest, seven animal friends also notice that the sun is not shining. Soon they see people wearing masks covering their faces and walking far apart from each other. They also discover that schools, stores, and office buildings are closed and parking lots are empty; they know the world is changing. And though people old and young become sad, the animal friends also find that families are spending more time together, people are donating food to those in need, and heroes are rushing to work to help others. As love and kindness spread throughout the lands, everyone is sure the world has changed.

Inspired by the fear young people may feel during a pandemic, this children’s story shows that even in the midst of a crisis, people can come together to make the world better.