Everywhere You Can Get Free Virtual Story Time for Your Kids
During this difficult period of social distancing, many parents are looking for ways to keep the kids entertained while they're trapped at home.
Luckily, a handful of individuals (including celebs like Amy Adams) and companies have devoted their time to sharing stories online. Here, seven places you can get free virtual stories for bedtime (or anytime).
1. Storyline Online
Perhaps one of the most popular options, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrities reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Previous readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and more.
? Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 14, 2020
2. JOSH GAD’S VIRTUAL STORY TIME
What’s better than being read a book by one of your all-time favorite characters, Olaf (Josh Gad) from Frozen?
The 39-year-old Beauty and the Beast star decided to do parents everywhere a major solid amid ongoing social distancing. While many school districts are closed and families are stuck at home, Gad is aiming to bring some levity to these difficult times by reading his favorite children’s books on social media.
Introducing #OperationStorytime! As families across the world get creative with kids at home, we've asked our fave authors, illustrators, celebs, and childhood educators to perform their stories online for your (kids') enjoyment. Sharing in a thread, here! https://t.co/nXe6ZclHrR
? Romper (@romper) March 16, 2020
3. #OperationStorytime
The #OperationStoryTime tag on social media will bring you to a growing collection of children's book authors, celebrities and illustrators reading books (both their own works and others) aloud for children and families. The best part about these is that if you check back every few hours, new videos will be posted.
4. Save with Stories initiative
Actresses Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams launched the “Save With Stories” initiative in partnership Save the Children and No Kid Hungry. The goal of the initiative is to post story time videos on Facebook and Instagram as well as raise money for children stuck at home during this social distancing.
5. Brooklyn Public Library
While the library’s in-person events are on hold, it is offering virtual programming of book readings, songs and more on Facebook Live and its website. View the broadcast on the Brooklyn Public Library Family page at 11:00am.
6. David Spencer Youtube Channel
Illustrator and author David Spencer recorded himself reading the children's book he wrote, "The Epic Adventures of Huggie and Stick.” And while this was his first video so far, we’re assuming there’s more to come.
7. Oliver Jeffers Readings
The artist, illustrator and writer announced on Instagram Sunday that he will be reading and discussing one of his books every day of the week.
“For all you folks stuck at home in the coming weeks. Starting on Monday, at 6pm GMT / 2pm EST / 11am PST I will be reading one of my books every weekday, and talking about some of the things that went into making it,” he captioned the post. “We are all at home, but none of us are alone. Let’s be bored together.”
