Okay, this month has been SOOO stressful. If you or a member of your family is directly affected by Covid-19, my heart goes out to you. I’m wishing all of you good physical and emotional well being right now. And I know many of our lives have drastically changed. Much of this news this month is Covid-19 related. I did the best that I could to link to any helpful and free materials that are out there right now, but with the loss of childcare and my still working, it’s very difficult for me to keep up with kid lit news. But here’s what I have, and I’ll try to update with more links on Facebook and Instagram!
I’m really inspired by how the kid lit community is pulling together right now by providing storytimes, resources, and free books for parents and their children.
COVID-19 UPDATES FROM THE BOOKISH WORLD from Book Riot
The Book Riot team is keeping track of the latest free books and bookish news related to Covid-19 far better than I can as a single person. Bookmark their page to stay up to date on the latest info.
Read, Wonder, and Learn! Favorite Authors & Illustrators Share Resources for Learning Anywhere – Spring 2020
This is an excellent resource with free educational material and readings for kids of all ages. If you’re homeschooling right now, check this out.
Kids’ favorite authors and illustrators share stories, lessons from home by Mary Quattlebaum, from The Washington Post
Another great resource with links to free materials.
With Kids Learning From Home, Children’s Publishers See a Spike By Alexandra Alter, from The New York Times
Some good news, at least!
Audible is offering free audiobooks for kids
Jimmy Fallon, Betty White and more celebs read books to kids with online story time by Mary Cadden, from USA Today
Rufus Sewell reading Shel Silverstein
Okay, so I’m a big Rufus Sewell fan and I love most of Shel Silverstein (except The Giving Tree, don’t fight me) and let me tell you this is great!
Josh Gad (Olaf) reads picture books!
Gonna admit, I’m not a Frozen fan, but I bet a whole lot of y’all’s little ones are and would love to hear Olaf read them a story.
Pete the Cat Club
Author James Dean reads a Pete the Cat story every weekday.
DOWNLOAD FREE COLORING PAGES FROM OVER 100 MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES WORLDWIDE by Jesse Doogan, from Book Riot
Relaxing for adults and kids!
Parents Rejoice! Sesame Workshop Has Made 110 Sesame Street eBooks Free by Andrew Liszewski, from Gizmodo
We’re big Sesame Street fans here. Unfortunately, we don’t have a tablet to read these on!
Sales soar 2,000% for Little Princess picture book on handwashing by Alison Flood, from The Guardian
I haven’t read this but it looks good!
Penny Candy Books has free homebound educator resources and lesson plans
Mims House Books has free backlist ebooks and audiobooks
They have a lot of good nature and science books.
Black Baby Books has a spreadsheet of virtual readings. Check out their Instagram, and then click on the Virtual Readings highlight.
Fun Children’s Book Lists And Other Stuff
10 Nonfiction Children’s Books That Humanize Mathematics by Kara Newhouse, from KQED
Great list.
8 books for your little political activist by Hillary Bird, from Chicago Parent
Check out our similar list on voting and politics.
20 MUST-READ CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT IMMIGRATION by Katisha Smith, from Book Riot
I’m surprised by how many I haven’t read on this list.