And the People Stayed Home

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From the popular, globally viral prose poem comes a beautifully produced picture book that encourages us to look within, listen deeply, and connect with ourselves and nature in order to heal.

And the People Stayed Home is a picture book for children (and readers of all ages) by Kitty O’Meara, featuring her hopeful prose poem about the global coronavirus pandemic. The poem suggests there is meaning to be found in our experience of the coronavirus and conveys an optimistic message about the possibility of profound healing for people and the planet. Written by O’Meara in March 2020, the piece immediately went viral. It has been so widely shared through social media, news media, and by influencers such as Deepak Chopra that O’Meara, a former teacher and chaplain and currently a spiritual director, has been called “the poet laureate of the pandemic.”

The poem has resonated with people nationally and internationally in profound and sometimes surprising ways. In addition to going viral, it has already been translated into multiple languages, been the subject of many videos, and inspired musicians in countries across the globe to set it to music.

★ Silver medalist, Florida Authors & Publishers Association President's Book Awards

“In Kitty O’Meara's book, And the People Stayed Home, she 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 has managed to take such a complex historic moment and craft 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. Combined with the warm illustrations depicting life, this book offers the reader encouragement for a brighter tomorrow."—Kate Winslet, Academy Award-winning actress

“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

“It captured the kind of optimism people need right now.”—Esquire (UK)

“A communal beacon of hope.” —Washington Post

"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

“One of the most popular pandemic poems to date was authored by Kitty O'Meara…the emotion she shared resonated through a prism of social media remixes, showing up in images on Instagram, in YouTube videos, reposted on Twitter and beyond. It was translated into dozens of languages and even turned into song.”—To the Best of Our Knowledge (NPR)

“A stunning and peaceful offering of introspection and hope...a pandemic must-have!”—The Children’s Book Review

“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

“A perfectly illustrated version of a poem that continues to be relevant.”—School Library Journal

“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, Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words

“And the People Stayed Home is a deeply reflective poem that offers a hopeful and helpful message for people of all ages during this challenging time. It encourages everyone to think about…this difficult moment and to use it for good—to heal ourselves and those we love, and to consider how we might come together as one to heal the world.”—Dr. Judy Ho, neuropsychologist, author, and television and podcast host

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

Hardcover, $18.99, 32 pages, 9.25 x 12 inches, ISBN: 978-1734761788

PUMPKIN SOUP

2 1/4 pounds pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and fibers
removed
2 onions, grated
6 tbsp. Olive oil
2 tbsp. Cumin seeds
2 pinches of ground cayenne
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 ½-in. Fresh ginger, peeled
and finely chopped
2 cups coconut cream
salt and freshly ground
black pepper

Topping
4 to 6 tbsp. Crème fraiche or olive oil
4 to 6 tbsp. Pumpkin seeds, toasted
1 tbsp. Cumin seeds, toasted

Cut the pumpkin into small pieces. Sauté the onions in a large pan with the olive oil, cumin seeds, cayenne, garlic, and ginger. Add the pumpkin and sauté for 5 minutes without browning. Pour in the coconut cream and cook for about 30 minutes until everything is tender. If there is not enough liquid in the pan, a splash of water may be added. Blend the soup in a blender until it’s smooth or use an immersion blender in the pan. Strain the soup. If necessary, push the last remaining soup through the sieve with the rounded side of a spoon. Season the soup with salt and pepper.

Serve the soup with a tablespoon of crème fraîche and toasted pumpkin seeds added to each bowl and a sprinkle of cumin seeds. Serve with breadsticks.