The kids have been home for almost a month in many cases and it looks like we are scheduled for another month at home. We are blessed with some excellent school districts and amazing educators who have devised online learning curriculums so our kids don’t fall behind.
At a time when parents are trying to keep kids occupied and reassured their world will return to normal, snuggling together with a good book to enjoy some quality time together will help them feel safe and loved.
There are many ways books can be used to fill the gaps left by social distancing. Grandparents, aunts and uncles can read a favorite story to your kids on Skype or FaceTime or better yet, let your kids read stories to them. Get a group of your kids’ friends together for story time and let the kids take turns selecting books. Here are a few selections:
My Little Builder: Toddlers Learn All about Tools to Fix and Build Things (Daddy Books Book 3) by A.D. Largie – Kids about tools, including which tools to use to fix broken things. Join this adorable toddler as he helps his Dad fix stuff around the house. He loves doing repairs so much he keeps finding broken things to fix. By the end of the day, he’s used wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, scissors, paintbrush, pumps, saws, measuring tapes, rulers, tweezers, drills and shovels to help Dad fix everything in the house. For ages 0 - 5
World So Wide by Alison McGhee – a beautiful and optimistic book about firsts. This book is ideal for new parents and young children. It’s about all the exciting things awaiting them in this world. For ages 0-6
Kid Engineers (Stem Books for Kids Book 2) by A.D. Largie – Kids learn about different types of engineers, what each one does, how to think like an engineer and apply the engineering process to problem-solving. It shows real-world solutions created by engineers that we use every day. Follow a team of Kid Engineers as they solve the problems humans face exploring other planets and surviving long distances in space. For ages 3-5
Harry the Happy Mouse by N.G. K. – Harry the kindly mouse helps his friend frog and asks frog to help someone else in return. Children will learn how one act of kindness can be paid forward and benefit everyone. For ages 3-8
Solar System Amazing Space Adventure (Kids Books for Young Explorers 3) by Gene Lipen – Arthur the dog takes off in his space ship to explore all the planets in the solar system. How will he choose his favorite? Beautiful illustrations; fun facts and easy to remember rhyming verses make this 3rd installment for young explorers a winner. For ages 3-9
Kid Chef Easter Holiday: Simple Recipes Secret Techniques for New Kids Chef in the Kitchen (First Cookbook for Kids 4) by Patricia Ola – Teach kids basic kitchen techniques, vocabulary and essential safety tips. Now is a great time for hands-on lessons in basic cooking skills like measuring ingredients or separating eggs. Kids can choose from a variety of recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner including desserts. For ages 3 – 12
Sophia Wants to Write a Book by Marie White – Learn creative writing skills that cover the basics of who, what, when, where and why while helping Sophia the dog write a book. For ages 6 & up
Would You Rather For Kids: 100 Silly Scenarios, Hilarious Questions and Challenging Family Fun by Bryce Ross – 200 very funny scenarios to share with your kids. Best for ages 6 and up
In the French Kitchen with Kids: Easy, Everyday Dishes for the Whole Family to Make and Enjoy by Mardi Michels – Kids can learn to create French classics. Michels takes the mystery out of French cooking with helpful timetables to plan out baking projects and tips on getting kids excited about cooking. For ages 9 – 12
Fun facts for kids: 400 interesting facts for kids and family by Linda Nguyen – Fun for the whole family. Answer those pressing questions like, “Do penguins have knees?” or “Why do camels have humps?” For all ages
The Organic Artist for Kids: A DIY Guide to Making Your Own Eco-Friendly Art Supplies from Nature by Nick Neddo – Learn how to make your own paints, brushes and stencils and create azure themed art projects. For kids of all ages with adult supervision
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell – Cath and her twin sister Wren grew up being Simon Snow fans. They read and reread every tabloid article and Cath could practically recite the words from all his movies. After their mother left, Simon Snow helped fill the void, but as they grew up Wren moved on to other interests. Now it’s their freshman year at college and Wren wants to go her own way. Cath’s roommate has an ever present boyfriend and her English professor thinks fan fiction will be the death of literature. Can Cath move on from her childhood crush and face a world without Wren as her wingman? For YA