Playmobil Explains Coronavirus to Kids

The most detailed, kid-focused explanation of coronavirus, COVID-19, and the changes taking place in the world around us has emerged from an unexpected source: Playmobil.

The German toymaker released a new, 5-minute video in which ROBert the robot explains the virus, the disease, and what families can do to make things better. Perhaps most importantly, the video explains why schools and daycares are closed and emphasized why it’s of paramount importance that kids avoid contact with other kids.

At Toy Fair New York, Playmobil unveiled its Novelmore brand and its Magic Mermaids collection. The company’s new Scooby-Doo! collection is at retail now with additional sets to be released later this year. Additionally, a range of Back to the Future toys are slated to hit stores this summer as part of the film’s 35th-anniversary celebration.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.