A West Sussex teacher and author has created a picture book to remember the acts of kindness during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Alice King, who teaches at North Lancing Primary School, began writing and illustrating her book, Corona Kindness, nearly five years ago when Coronavirus began.

Alice, who had lived in Worthing all her life until moving to Lancing last year, said: “Corona Kindness is a book overflowing with thank-yous to all the real, inspiring, wonderfully kind heroes who brought a sprinkle of light during the very dark time of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“This little book celebrates the kindness of people. From a little gesture, like checking in on a friend, to a gigantic act such as saving the world with a vaccine, these heroes have taught us that no act of kindness is ever too small.

“I felt I had to write this book to celebrate the kindness of people and to remind us that there will always be light and kindness even in the darkest parts of our lives. The illustrations in this story are based on real experiences and events. These pages were all handwritten by people who had personal experiences relating to each page. For example, my sister wrote the page: Thank you to all the new parents who had to raise babies during the pandemic, as she gave birth to her first child at the very beginning of lockdown and had to navigate being a mum in the midst of a global pandemic.

“A percentage of the money raised from this book will be donated to charities that support those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The book is designed for all ages. It can be used to teach younger people about this period of history or it can be used as a tool to reminisce with loved ones.”

Alice has always loved reading and writing since a young age. Despite having dyslexia and struggling with spelling, Alice persevered through school and went on to complete a creative writing degree at the University of Chichester. She then went on to teach English abroad, in Thailand before qualifying in the UK as a primary school teacher. She now teachers Year 6, in Lancing.

Both of Alice’s grandads were incredibly artistic and this inspired Alice’s creativity, she said. She draws, paints and uses mixed media to create her artwork.

She now has great ambition to write and illustrate more books which target big subjects for young readers. She is currently working on a children’s novel which focuses on a ten-year-old refugee’s experience of coming to the UK.

Her book is available at: Amazon, Waterstones and Foyles. Alternatively via her website.

www.corona-kindness.co.uk. Or you can meet her at a book signing at The Crow Road Bookshop in Arundel (34 High Street, Arundel) on the Sunday, January 11 at 2pm.

She said she looks forward to seeing many people there “both young and old as this book is for everyone!

“I would love if people could share their personal stories by tagging @coronakindness on Instagram. It is lovely to hear others’ experiences of kindness during the Coronavirus pandemic and it is really important that we celebrate and share these moments.”