by Janet Chan No Ordinary Flu doubles as both a story of pandemics and public health guidance from the public health Center of Seattle and King County, Washington. Artists David Lasky and Lin Lucas use a limited color palette which succeeds in conveying both the sadness in the situations and the hope for the future. This short 12-page publication introduces a family on the brink of the 2020 Covid pandemic recounting their ancestors’ experiences during the 1918 flu pandemic. Through the story we see the events of the 1918 pandemic unfurl. The flu virus’ identification on the east coast and… Read More
No Ordinary Flu
Viral Combat: Monica Fights the Flu
Created through a collaboration of six University of Chicago medical students and one University of Chicago MFA student in 2011, this wonderful educational comic helps kids (and adults!) understand the virology and symptoms of influenza.The process and value of immunization against the flu is also described. Q&A inset boxes are used to clarify terms and provide reinforcement of learning. Compelling watercolored character-driven illustrations bring to life the metaphors of the text. A last page glossary of terms further clarifies the text. A Hektoen Journal article about the book can be found here.