Changes to Bedtime Reads during Quarantine

So, like many of us, your new normal has probably become spending a LOT of quality time with each other thanks to COVID-19, which has its advantages and disadvantages.

One disruption to our routine is our library trips. Our local public library is where I would grab the new picture book releases and get many of our bedtime reads, but right now it is closed.

Now as much as I love books and reading, our bank account does not allow me to purchase every book that I would like to purchase, not to mention I don’t have enough shelf space for every book I would buy.

So, if your family is anything like mine, two things might be true: 1) You have spent a TON of extra time with your kiddos and may be interested in a break in “parenting-duties” and 2) You may be running out of books to read to your kids at bedtime that aren’t “free”.  If either of these are the case, I have a recommendation for you–virtual storytime!

A positive that has come out of this pandemic is that a lot of children’s book authors are doing their part to help kids, parents, and teachers with not being able to be at school right now. They are making videos of themselves reading their books available to the public, which is not something you can often find.  So, why not have Ame Dyckman (author of Dandy) or Mac Barnett (author of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole) read their books to your kids before bed? Now, I don’t recommend making a regular habit of this, but different times call for different measures, right? Below are a couple of websites with lists of authors reading their books online, hopefully you’ll find something your kiddos will enjoy!

A List of Authors Doing Virtual Storytime or Art Lessons

The Big List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds & Activities

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowhHSUaWp3KJDcuI0nR0vw

Even through Coronavirus–keep #RaisingReaders!