Weekly storytime can often be the highlight of many young children’s week. With the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order, it is important for families to follow their normal routines as much as possible. While we miss seeing your kiddos in person, here are some resources that will allow you to continue your weekly routine by participating in virtual storytimes.

The intentional practice of early literacy skills – talking, singing, reading, writing and playing – for young children are more important now than ever, as your child continues to develop even during this time of upheaval.

Online Storytimes

Authors Everywhere! – YouTube channel created and run by children’s book authors and illustrators.

Operation Storytime – Virtual storytimes and activities by children’s book authors. Search the hashtag #OperationStoryTime on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Pete the Cat Club – Live virtual storytime with author James Dean at noon on Instagram.

Storyline Online – Streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.

Storytime from Space – Astronauts are videotaping themselves reading books to the children of Earth.

Peter Reynolds – Daily read aloud at noon.

Oliver Jeffers – Stay at Home Story Time on Instagram Live each weekday at 2 p.m.

Mac Barnett – Mac’s Book Club Show each day at 3 p.m.

#GadBookClub – Josh Gad (voice of Olaf) performs children’s chapter and picture books using hashtag #GadBookClub.

Laurie Berkner Breaks – Join Laurie for singing, stories, moving our bodies and more.

Read Together, Be Together – Series of daily virtual storytimes with bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators, and celebrity readers, plus reading tips for caregivers and recommended age-appropriate books.

Penguin Kids – Live picture book reading and kid challenge, weekdays at 11 a.m.

#SaveWithStories – Live picture book readings from celebrities.

Circle Round Podcast – Adaptations of selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10.

Story Pirates Podcast – A story podcast for kids, by kids, with famous special guests.

Storytime Seedlings – Podcast to grow young readers from newborn to 5, featuring books, fingerplays, rhymes, stories and songs for a screen-free storytime experience, anytime.

More Online Fun for Children

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems – Draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually, weekdays at 1 p.m.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka Drawing Webcasts – Award-winning author and illustrator drawing webcasts weekdays at 2 p.m.

Emily Arrow – At Home with Emily Arrow offering sing-alongs daily at 1 p.m.

Mr. Jon & Friends – Weekday livestream concerts for toddlers and preschoolers, 10:30 a.m.