“Kitty O’Meara…offers us wisdom that can help during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. She is challenging us to grow—to look inside, to listen deeply, to allow ourselves to think differently, and ultimately, to create new ways of living on the planet."

– Deepak Chopra, MD, author, Metahuman

“Kitty O'Meara is the poet laureate of the pandemic…The poem has become shorthand for a silver-linings perspective during the coronavirus outbreak—the hope that something good can come out of this collective state of ‘together, apart.’ ”

– O, The Oprah Magazine

"An eloquent, heartwarming reflection that will resonate with generations to come. In a time when we all need to believe something good can come out of something so devastating, Kitty’s words give us pause and hope…this book offers the reader encouragement for a brighter tomorrow."

– Kate Winslet

“Thank you, Kitty O'Meara, for showing us promise amid the panic, and for pointing out that at this very moment, this very day, we can seize the opportunity to restore wholeness to our world."

– Sy Montgomery, bestselling author of The Good Good Pig and The Soul of an Octopus

And the People Stayed Home is an uplifting perspective on the resilience of the human spirit and the healing potential we have to change our world for the better.

– Shelf Awareness

“Images of nature healing show the author’s vision of hope for the future…The accessible prose and beautiful images make this a natural selection for young readers, but older ones may appreciate the work’s deeper meaning.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“This is a perfectly illustrated version of a poem that continues to be relevant.”

– School Library Journal

“A stunning and peaceful offering of introspection and hope…a positive response to the global COVID-19 pandemic…effortlessly captivates…will open minds of all ages…the result is the feeling of an open heart.”

– The Children’s Book Review

Ten Best Children’s Books of 2020: "A calming, optimistic read, and a salve for children trying their best to navigate this time."

– Smithsonian Magazine

"A communal beacon of hope."

– Washington Post

“It captured the kind of optimism people need right now.”

– Esquire (UK)

"A unique, timely, and welcome addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections as it perfectly reflects particular and universal aspects of the pandemic experience.”

– Midwest Book Review

“A poem by American writer Kitty O’Meara has deservedly gone viral.”

– Edinburgh Evening News

“One of the most popular pandemic poems to date was authored by Kitty O'Meara...”

– To the Best of Our Knowledge (NPR)

“A deeply reflective poem that offers a hopeful and helpful message for people of all ages during this challenging time.”

– Dr. Judy Ho, neuropsychologist, author, and television and podcast host

“Kitty O’Meara… captured the world’s attention with her poem…showing readers the ways that the stillness and quiet could heal.”

– Wisconsin State Journal

“It’s obvious why this meditative poem has resonated so deeply with people.”

– Book Riot

“A lovely take on our dealing with, and eventual recovery from, the COVID-19 pandemic”

– Creators.com

Elena Nicolaou, culture editor at O, The Oprah Magazine (online), wrote about Kitty O’Meara’s poem when it first went viral. Months later, she followed up with O’Meara for the thoughtful feature article “The Most Famous Poem of the Pandemic is Becoming a Picture Book For Readers of All Ages.” (September 1, 2020)

– O, The Oprah Magazine

“Quietly, tenderly and with irresistible, lighthearted wisdom, Kitty O’Meara’s words call us to the revolutionary choices that could save not only ourselves but the planet. At this painful moment in history, each page, each phrase, each delight-filled image is a spell to ignite the possibility of rebirth."

– Kim Rosen, author of Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words

“The pandemic has been [a] bittersweet combination of fear and hope for humanity’s future. This book perfectly captures this balance many of us felt throughout the last year.”

– Mutually Inclusive

"O’Meara’s timely and poignant message [has] quickly resonated with audiences looking for meaning in today’s uncertain times."

– Vacancy

"A beautifully produced picture book featuring Kitty O’Meara’s popular, globally viral prose poem about the coronavirus pandemic, which has a hopeful and timeless message."

– YABooksCentral.com

“O’Meara’s words come to life for future generations to remember what happened and encourage everyone to find silver linings, think differently and never lose hope.”

– B&N Reads

“The wildly popular quarantine-inspired poem for all ages offers words of inspiration, hope and healing.

– Businesswire

It’s no surprise that her words caught the attention of millions. Hope swells in your chest as you read them. They’re inspiring, empowering even. She has given the world a small piece of joy.

– BookTrib