10 Books to Read to Your Children While in Quarantine

The old saying that books can take you anywhere feels especially poignant now. If you’re looking to keep the kids away from electronics for a little while, reading to them can offer an escape, whether that’s exploring imaginary planets or tackling issues closer to home.

 A new storybook that aims to help children understand COVID-19 has been produced by a collaboration of organizations working in the humanitarian sector, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and Save the Children. “My Hero is You” explains how children can protect themselves from coronavirus and how to manage emotions during this unprecedented time.

Take a peek at these 10 books that come highly recommend for your preschool aged children:

1.“I Am a Rainbow” by Dolly Parton

This book provides children with a fun way to talk about their feelings in a colorful, upbeat picture book.

2. “Blanket of Love” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

A sweet, soothing story about the various ways we can find comfort all around.

3. “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

A lively, rhythmic story with fun colors to boot.

4. “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” by Eileen Christelow

A goofy and visually engaging retelling of the classic rhyme.

5. “When I Grow Up” by “Weird Al” Yankovic

This music parody icon brings his signature silly, smart wordplay to an exploration of potential future jobs.

6. “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney

Alice makes a vow to make the world a more beautiful place in this sweet story.

7. “Worry Says What?” by Allison Edwards

A glimpse into the ways worry whispers to young minds, and offers a powerful tool all children can use to silence those fears.

8. “ABC Mindful Me” by Chrstiane Engel

Pairing simplified mindfulness principles with each letter of the alphabet, “ABC Mindful Me” features colorful illustrations of children and animals, as well as playful rhymes to explain each concept to toddlers.

9. “Jabari Jumps” by Gaia Cornwall

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.

10. “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney

It’s bedtime and Baby Llama starts to worry as soon as his mama leaves the room. His whimpers turn to hollers and before long it’s an all-out llama drama!

Be sure to include books that are comfort reads, and poetry, and books about people being thoughtful, useful, and kind. As parents, we must work together to make sure students’ literary needs are met.