Some suggestions about what to read in the time of COVID-19.

 

While virtual activities are wonderful (and we are so excited to have hundreds of options listed on our site), we also love reading to our little ones. Toddlers, preschoolers and young children may not be able to understand why there have been such seismic shifts to their world in recent weeks. There are many age-appropriate books that can help make them feel safe. Here is a list of some of the ones that we love most.

 

All books are listed on this Amazon Idea List

 

 

 

  • WHOEVER YOU ARE –  By Mem Fox. This book takes the reader on a journey around the world and encourages understanding differences while fostering empathy. 
  • THE BAD SEED – By Jory John. This comical book is about a not so “Bad Seed” that does things that other people don’t like and learns to understand the consequences of his behavior.
  • THE RUNAWAY BUNNY– By Margaret Wise Brown. This classic book explains in words and pictures how much a parent loves their child and how they will always keep them safe. 
  • BE KIND – By Pat Zietlow Miller. This book gently teaches children the importance of kindness with your action and words and can help engender a discussion about kindness in your family. 
  • THE GOOD EGG – By Jory John. The story of an egg who is stuck in a box with 11 other eggs and starts to “crack” under the pressure of always trying to be perfect. The importance of taking care of yourself is also present in a sweet way.
  • THE GRUMPY MONKEY – By Suzanne Lang and Max Lang. Great book that gets your little ones talking about feelings and how to understand their own feelings. We can all learn a little from Jim the Chimpanzee’s bad mood.
  • PAPA, PLEASE GET THE MOON FOR ME – By Eric Carle. This is a sweet book that is about problem solving. A little girl asks for something and realizes that it was not what she really wanted. 
  • HERE WE ARE – By Oliver Jeffers – This book is about understanding your place in the world and how big it really is. There is an age-appropriate stress on treating others and the world kindly.
  • I WANT MY HAT BACK – By John Classon – A sweet story of a bear looking for his hat and the consequences of not being truthful.
  • ISH – By Peter H. Reynolds – A book that focuses on self expression and how you should be free to make art and self expression that pleases you.

 

 

With in-person activities and classes temporarily on hold, why not make reading a story to your child part of your new daily routine? Reading these books together will help your child feel a sense of connection and comfort in the midst of their new normal — and it will enable you to share some quality time together in the process.