As the whole country is at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are at home self isolating except for walks out in wild places and the occasional quick trip to the grocery store for supplies. We are fully stocked on books thank goodness with the libraries closed and are trying to keep a sense of a schedule over the next three weeks.

Many authors have had events cancelled, teachers are without students for read alouds and learning and many new books are being published that will not get the publicity they would otherwise. Thank goodness for social media as may publishers, authors and illustrators are creating virtual story times, resources for parents at home, and drawing prompts to help parents through this time.

• Scholastic has some excellent Learn From Home resources to keep the learning going.

• Tundra Books authors and illustrators are doing virtual story times this week. Check out https://tundrabooks.com/ for a listing

• Over on Instagram Monique Gray Smith is reading a couple of her storybooks You Hold Me Up and My Heart Fills with Happiness.

• On his YouTube channel, Kenneth Oppel is reading excerpts from some of this best selling books.

• Debbie Ridpath Ohi is doing engaging readings and art challenges on her YouTube channel.

I’m sure I have missed other wonderful authors and illustrators doing amazing things for our young readers during this time of uncertainty. If you are looking for content, check out the author’s websites, YouTube, and publisher websites for teaching resources, fun activities and interesting content.