Children's Book Authors Are Offering Free Online Videos While Kids Are Home From School

With school closures taking place around the world, it's no surprise parents are scrambling to keep their little ones occupied at home. Although it's great to have a handful of easy-to-execute indoor activities, kid-friendly movies, and educational websites at hand, it doesn't hurt to change it up a little. Fortunately, children's book authors like Mo Willems (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!) and Dan Gutman (My Weird School: Class Pet Mess!) have opted to share videos centered on their work that are completely free of charge while kids are home, and frankly, it's music to our ears. Scroll ahead to get a look at some of the clips these authors are sharing — whether they're doling out hands-on creative instruction or simply reading their books aloud.

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Lunch Doodle With Mo Willems

The award-winning author is hosting a workshop for kids every single day beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Children can draw, doodle, and experiment with story-telling — don't forget the pen and paper!

Drawing Sessions With Dav Pilkey

The author and illustrator behind the beloved children's series Captain Underpants and Dog Man will be hosting free drawing and read-along sessions every Friday at 8 a.m. ET on the Library of Congress and Scholastic websites and social media accounts.

Read-Aloud With Dan Gutman

Dan Gutman shared he'd be doing a daily read-aloud of his latest book, Miss Blake Is a Flake! every day at 2 p.m. ET, adding, "These are weird times, so I thought a little fireside chat might help."

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Read-Aloud With Kate Messner

An author of more than 35 children's books, Kate Messner shared a series of videos in which she reads one of her titles aloud.

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Read- and Draw-Along With Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Kids who love to draw will enjoy this hands-on session with children's book author and illustrator, Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Be sure to share your little one's creations on social media once they're done listening to her read Where Are My Books?.

Other Children's Book Authors Offering Read-Alongs
Amazon

Other Children's Book Authors Offering Read-Alongs

Author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers (Here We Are, The Fate of Fausto, How to Catch a Star) will read one of his books every day on Instagram live beginning at 2 p.m. ET. Mac Barnett (Extra Yarn, Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem), also announced he'll be doing a daily live reading of his books on Instagram live at 3 p.m. ET while schools are closed. Additionally, author and illustrator Ben Clanton (It Came in the Mail, Something Extraordinary) scheduled two read aloud sessions on Facebook Live on March 18 at 2 p.m. PT and March 20 at 5 p.m. PT.