In these worrying times we recognise more than ever how much children (and adults too) need books, songs and stories. We know that despite materials being provided by teachers, many parents still struggle with ways of keeping their children busy, entertained, and, most importantly, happy. So we had a good look around the internet for resources and found an amazing array of children's books related videos, blogs and web pages. Hopefully they will make staying indoors for a while a bit (or a lot) more fun.
Don't forget, our local children's bookshop, Bags of Books, is still open for orders and offers free delivery in Lewes, as well as 15% off for Lewes Children's Book Group members (for children's and adult books). Find them at www.bags-of-books.co.uk.
BookTrust Home Time Enjoy storytime with their free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters.
National Literacy Trust - Family Zone A comprehensive web portal for parents, to support them during this time. Split by age group and full of free reading and writing resources, audiobooks, videos, competitions and reading challenges.
500 Words' Bedtime Stories Podcast Bedtime stories for kids, written by kids. A selection of sensational stories from the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show 500 Words competition.
Rebel Girls at Home A free digital version of I Am a Rebel Girl journal as well as step-by-step activities that are found at the end of their chapter books.
Power of Pictures Free primary teaching materials and resources from the Power of Pictures project (free for the duration of lockdown).
Scottish Book Trust Find videos of authors reading their picture books and much more on Scottish Book Trust's YouTube channel.
AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR PAGES:
Emily Gravett - she will post a new video of herself reading and drawing each Tuesday and Thursday at 11am, on her Facebook page. The videos can also be found on her YouTube channel. A lot of activities are on her webpage as well.
Will Mabbitt - he has posted a new chapter of a story on his website every day. Let your children be creative by filling in the spaces where there are supposed to be illustrations.
Michael Morpurgo - teaching resources for his books can be found on his website.
Rob Biddulph - he will be posting a draw-along video every Tuesday and Thursda at 10 am. Find all videos and more info on his web page.
Sarah Webb - a YouTube channel with lots of recommendations.
Chris Riddell - he is posting an audio chapter of Hugo Pepper (written by Paul Stewart and illustrated by Chris Riddell) on Facebook and YouTube each day.
David Walliams - every day at 11am for the next month, he will be sharing an audio story from one of his books. Find the story of the day on his website.
Michelle Robinson - her Read, Write & Play series on YouTube helps you get even more out of her books.
Chris Haughton - a Facebook live storytime at 5pm every weekday and free downloadable activity sheets on his web page.
Ed Vere - posting "how to draw" videos each Wednesday and Friday at 10am on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & his website.
We will be uploading more links when we find something new; please get in touch with suggestions of pages that your children already enjoy.