Storytime is a big part of every childhood and reading aloud regularly to babies and young children is one of the most effective ways to foster early literacy. It is a crucial factor responsible for building language and social skills as well as pronunciation and vocabulary. Introduce your children to classic children’s’ books and read along with storytellers like Michelle Obama and Julie Andrews.
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Virtual Storytime and Read-Alongs for Children
New York Public Library Virtual Storytime
No matter the circumstances, New York Public Library brings the joy of reading to the readers. Children’s librarians will read books, sing songs, and share early literacy tips with your children. Don’t miss the special storytime of Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude, a picture book by Josh Funk and read by him, or Buenas Noches Luna (Good Night Moon) by Margaret Wise Brown, and a muppet show for bilingual children. And check out the At Home Storytime guides that allow you to conduct your own storytime from home!
Julie’s Library: Storytime With Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews’ new podcast “Julie’s Library” will give a new unique voice to the best children’s classics. This weekly audio series created by Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton will share their library and read their favorite children’s books. Every tale will come to life with music and special guests who will surprise the listeners every week.
Monday Storytime with Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama remembers her favorite chidren’s book from the time her dauthers were little. The former First Lady will read four of the most beloved picture books, including The Gruffalo, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, There’s a Dragon in Your Book, and Miss Maple’s Seeds. You can watch the videos on the PBS Kids Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Seventeen weeks of Harry Potter read by Daniel Radcliffe, Stephen Fry, David Beckham, Dakota Fanning and others. Many inspiring contributors will help your children read through the first Harry Potter book, as they will get introduced to the Dursleys and to the magical world of Hogwarts. You can subscribe to Harry Potter at Home and get all the latest updates on further video readings too.
This is a federal campaign promoted by Penguin Random House and Parents magazine that celebrates the value and power of a shared reading experience between a parent and child. Every day, celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Alan Cumming read a book on their Instagram or Facebook page at 3 pm. All recordings will be available on the Read Togheter, Be Together website afterward.
Harper Publishers know that literature, art, music and other creative activities help create conversation, get children’s imaginations running wild and bring families together. During the COVID-19 crisis, while children and parents are at home and practicing social distancing, HarperKids are inviting you to come together in a safe way, every day. Join the HarperKids team each day at 12 pm for storytimes and read-alouds, fun content, and entertainment. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube Kids.
Hello, Supa Buddies! Find Dav Pilkey at Home on Scholastic and the Library of Congress featuring read-alouds, drawing lessons and other fun activities. Get creative and have fun with some of your favorite characters including Dog Man and Captain Underpants! Every Friday you will discover new activities, exciting videos, and stories!