We started this list of free activities and resources for children’s books back in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic led to lockdowns and many of us had to self-isolate or quarantine. Things were tough!
Thankfully, a number of authors, illustrators, publishers and more came together to offer free activities and resources for those in need. Although the lockdowns are over, we felt that it’s such a big list, it would be a shame to take it down – especially when there’s still so many fun things to find and do out there!
We’ll try to keep it updated, but do let us know if there’s something missing, or if a link no longer works. A number of these pages no longer get updated, but the content is still worth a look!
Categories:
Authors/ Illustrators
Sav Akyuz – ‘I Am Bear’ activities
https://splitwigs.wordpress.com/2020/03/22/activity-sheets-for-kids/
Jez Alborough – colouring, drawing games, quizzes & poems
https://www.jezalborough.com/club/?q=fun-for-kids
Steve Antony – Rainbowsaurus trail and activities for 6+
https://www.steveantony.com/
Philip Ardagh – book readings, storytelling games and more (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJLuhQbh9earTHkHFyDz4EA/videos
Authors Live (including Alex T Smith, Andy Stanton and many more)
https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/authors-live-on-demand
Claire Barker
Reading book chapters videos (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/user/missdizzydaisy1/videos
‘Picklewitch and Jack’ activity sheets: https://clairebarkerauthor.com/picklewitch-and-jack-activity-sheets/
‘Knitbone Pepper’ activities: https://clairebarkerauthor.com/stuff/
Mac Barnett – reading picture books and chapters on Instagram (under ‘Reels’)
https://www.instagram.com/macbarnett/channel/
Guy Bass – teaching guides, activity sheets, and video reads
https://www.guybass.com/activities
The Beano – free digital editions to download
https://www.beano.com/posts/the-golden-beano-worth-its-weight-in-lols
P. G. Bell – writing tips, activity sheets, teaching notes, and videos
https://www.pgbellwriter.com/extras/
Rob Biddulph – Draw with Rob videos
http://www.robbiddulph.com/draw-with-rob
Quentin Blake – e-cards and colouring
https://www.quentinblake.com/fun-free
Chris Bradford – ‘Young Samurai: The Way of Fire’ chapter readings (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/user/youngsamurai2008/videos
Matt Brown – book chapter readings and talking about writing
https://www.facebook.com/MattBrownWriter/videos/
Peter Bunzl – crafts, writing and design activities, resource packs, guided reading sheets, and more
http://www.peterbunzl.com/resources/
Jon Burgerman – ‘Everybody Worries’ activity sheets
PDF available here
Neill Cameron – ‘How to Make Awesome Comics’ activity sheets and challenges
http://www.neillcameron.com/resources
Matt Carr – draw-alongs
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ElCUVCm9StY_COFqZffzw
Sophie Cleverly – ‘Scarlet and Ivy’ learning resources, activities and more
https://sophiecleverly.com/extras/
Rebecca Cobb – reading and draw-alongs
https://www.instagram.com/rebecca_a_cobb/reels/
Jo Cotterill – ‘Jelly’ chapter resources, worksheets and games
https://jellybook.club/which-age-groups-can-study-jelly/resources/
Cressida Cowell – draw-alongs, book readings, and sharing magical ideas (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe01xn13M8q2dsIw0mvW9lg
Roald Dahl
Teaching resources: https://www.roalddahl.com/teach/
‘The Magic Finger’ online theatrical reading: https://www.unicorntheatre.com/events/the-magic-finger-online
Helen Docherty
Book readings with activities (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4eMMYeeJ0-XZTJ4qQ9G4Iw/videos
Audio readings, activity sheets, crafts, educator guides and more: https://www.helendocherty.com/resources/
Elys Dolan
Activity sheets: https://elysdolan.com/activities
Draw-along videos: https://elysdolan.com/how-to-draw-videos
Julia Donaldson & Alex Scheffler
Reading stories, songs and poems, and learning to draw with other authors and illustrators: https://www.facebook.com/pg/OfficialGruffalo/videos/
Activity sheets, games, and more: https://www.gruffalo.com/activities
John Dougherty – ‘The Health and Safety Pirates’ chapter readings (Youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtdflzEQLws91s_eQd4jFiw
Jonny Duddle – draw-along videos: https://www.youtube.com/@jonnyduddle2349/videos
Abi Elphinstone – talking about the ideas and process behind writing ‘Jungledrop’ (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyK02hpIHfPCPrehOtBN4cVCVnfKPZOV_
Jonathan Emmett
Activity sheets, games, and teaching notes: https://www.scribblestreet.co.uk/games/index.html
Read-alongs (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC1JFgA2BPKHTdZNJAALXNw9wUHCuhxFv
Jim Field – learn to draw videos
https://www.jimfield.me/draw
Tom Fletcher – ‘Bedtime Story’ videos (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJBEXb5mWcA&list=PLZojNEFevKdSBy5sN0hqDYFLw15UN-210
Emily Fox – activity sheets
http://www.emilyafox.co.uk/activities
Claire Freedman – games and activity sheets
https://www.clairefreedman.co.uk/fun%20and%20gamesdt.htm
Josh Funk – storytime and Q&As with other authors and illustrators
https://www.facebook.com/Josh.Funk.Books/videos/
Neil Gaiman – activities (under “extras”) and videos reading books
http://www.mousecircus.com/
Pippa Goodhart – activities and worksheets
http://www.pippagoodhart.co.uk/activities.htm
Elise Gravel – downloadable comic explaining Covid-19 for kids
http://elisegravel.com/en/blog/coronavirus-free-printable-comic-for-kids/
Sophie Green – ‘Potkin and Stubbs’ activities and videos
http://www.sophiegreenwrites.com/resources.html
Adam and Charlotte Guillain
Songs: https://www.adamandcharlotteguillain.co.uk/songs/
Book reads, songs, and storytime (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFb16Mapxlf8mnn9S67AP4w
Dan Gutman – “Weird Read-A-Loud” videos
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044640840126&sk=videos
Swapna Haddow – activity sheets and puzzles
http://swapnahaddow.co.uk/fun-stuff/
Vashti Hardy – maps, posters and activity sheets
https://www.vashtihardy.com/books-downloads
Paula Harrison – masks and quizzes
https://paulaharrison.jimdofree.com/free-activities
Caryl Hart – activity packs (some free, some at low prices)
https://www.carylhart.com/visits
Chris Haughton
#stayathome book readings and art activities: https://www.chrishaughton.com/8640204-stayathome
Activity sheets and downloads: https://www.chrishaughton.com/downloads
Horrible Histories – online quizzes and videos
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/horrible-histories
Morag Hood – activity sheets
http://www.moraghood.co.uk/activity-sheets.html
Konnie Huq – book readings, activities and draw-alongs (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDlSobQTc4IifJEu6Lt22eA/videos
Rachel Ignotofsky (author of Women in Science/Art etc.) – colouring pages, posters and wallpapers
https://www.rachelignotofskydesign.com/free-downloads
Sean C Jackson – printable mazes
http://www.seancjackson.com/downloads-02
Oliver Jeffers – stay at home story time videos
https://www.oliverjeffers.com/books#/abookaday/
Gareth P Jones
How To Write videos: https://twitter.com/jonesgarethp/status/1241039487829934083
Videos and songs: https://www.garethwrites.co.uk/videos-songs
Rob Keeley
Daily writing prompts: https://twitter.com/RobKeeleyAuthor/status/1243473834881232896
Quizzes, activities and more: https://www.robkeeley.co.uk/extras
Kieran Larwood – games, podcasts, and videos
https://www.kmlarwood.com/resources/
Tony Lee – reading his graphic novels
https://www.facebook.com/mrtonylee/videos/
Steven Lenton – Draw-Along-A-Lenton (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbpwB792UfmrY9JeQ2nk5Iw/videos
M. G. Leonard
Video book readings, writing tips and interviews: https://www.mgleonard.com/video
‘Adventures On Trains’ activity sheets: https://www.adventuresontrains.com/activities
Jarrett Lerner
‘Finish This Comic!’ and downloadable drawing/writing activity prompts: https://jarrettlerner.com/activities/
‘Knights of the Kids’ Table’ unreleased novel: https://jarrettlerner.com/k-o-t-k-t/
David Litchfield – storytime read-alongs (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8J7LfV–SXdyikiMenIWlQ
Abie Longstaff – activity packs, sheets, and puzzles
https://www.abielongstaff.com/schools/resources/
James Mayhew – Story and song videos (Youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqq_Iz_q3pFTkkju-PpVOFA/videos
Sarah McIntyre
Draw your own comics: http://www.jabberworks.co.uk/pug-a-doodle-do/
Drawing and storytelling videos (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Ya_zhH1XgSKkWhF5U2Xiw
Dave McKean – ‘Postcard from Prague’ full book (must be logged in to view)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10159089422512069&type=3
Jenny McLachlan – make maps, magical creatures, and more
https://jennymclachlan.com/resources/
Meg McLaren – drawing and activities
https://megmclaren.com/Drawing-and-activities
Tom McLaughlin – Doodle Do–It! learn to draw and behind the scene secrets (Youtube)
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd5OvpigUuUGZjBXZBDaqk6M6qVCRuL03
Wendy Meddour – picture book storytime videos
https://www.youtube.com/@wendymeddoursstorytime3285/videos
Kate Messner – reading stories aloud (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDN7Okp03Z_D4UzGtsG2T4Q/videos
Alex Milway – ‘Hotel Flamingo: Life in Lockdown’ free downloadable book
https://www.piccadillypress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Hotel-Flamingo-Life-in-Lockdown.pdf
Lydia Monks – how to draw videos (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCinqeIwwJHR6td3ReQ14icw/videos
Ross Montgomery – book reading (Youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNcvUbCFCUgiRXALttRfLRg/videos
Paul Morton – crafts, activities and more
https://bugbellycrafts.blogspot.com/
Harriet Muncaster – ‘Isadora Moon’ activities
https://harrietmuncaster.co.uk/resources
Karl Newson – The Mudwaffler Club videos, with activities and more
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUg1YAC7_rNcnQ5LcroIhlQ/videos
Garth Nix – reading extracts and other videos
https://vimeo.com/user60267805
Jeff Norton – ‘Alienated’ video readings
http://jeffnorton.com/reading-alienated-the-whole-book/
H. S. Norup – activity sheets
http://www.hsnorup.com/resources/
David O’Connell – comics, drawing and activities
http://davidoconnell.uk/activities/
Debbie Ridpath Ohi – activity sheets, advice and templates, teaching guides, and more
https://debbieohi.com/resources/
Tom Palmer
Videos, literacy resources and more: https://tompalmer.co.uk/free-stuff/
First chapters and short stories: https://tompalmer.co.uk/free-reads/
Guy Parker-Rees – colouring and drawing (‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’, ‘Dylan’ and many more)
http://guyparkerrees.com/downloads/
Tom Percival – ‘Attack of the Heebie Jeebies’ video readings (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDVN5O8yTA06qre3DnW_nQ/videos
Liz Pichon – activity sheets
https://lizpichon.com/free-activities/
Julie Pike – resources and activities for teaching
https://www.juliepikewrites.co.uk/#schools
Dav Pilkey – ‘Captain Underpants’ activities
https://pilkey.com/fun-stuff
Catherine Rayner – drawing guides and activity sheets
https://www.catherinerayner.co.uk/pages/activities-for-children
Shoo Rayner – story time and drawing videos with guest authors/illustrators (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/@shoorayner/playlists
Chris Riddell – reading audiobooks and drawing videos
https://www.facebook.com/watch/authorchrisriddell/
Michelle Robinson – teaching ideas, activity sheets, videos and audio games
http://www.michellerobinson.co.uk/resources.html
Vanessa Rogers – free downloadable workbook ‘Staying Well at Home in Self-Isolation: Coping with feelings of frustration and anger’ (11-19 yrs)
https://library.jkp.com/id004325787/
Michael Rosen – Kids’ Poems and Stories (Youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/MichaelRosenOfficial
Ben Rothery – wildlife facts, questions, puzzles and colouring sheets
https://www.benrotheryillustrator.co.uk/collections/free-colouring-images
Viviane Schwarz – activities, games and videos (under separate menu entries)
https://www.vivianeschwarz.co.uk/
Nick Sharratt – drawing tips
https://www.nicksharratt.com/drawing-tips
Hannah Shaw – drawing, colouring and making fun
https://www.hannahshawillustrator.co.uk/activities/
Andy Shepherd
‘The Boy Who Grew Dragons’ recipes and activities: https://www.andyshepherdwriter.co.uk/fun-stuff
Teaching resources and free downloadable short story: https://www.andyshepherdwriter.co.uk/teacher-resources
Neil Slorance and Colin Bell – ‘Dungeon Fun’ and ‘Pirate Fun’ free comics downloads
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/akb9n6y93y859pj/AADw5F03pV1hs7j7O4TPqpW6a?dl=0
Lemony Snicket – ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ games, trivia and other activities
https://www.lemonysnicket.com/activities/
Laurel Snyder – reading stories and activities (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLsPGns0OPEOBRVZOW3Ya-A
Zeb Soanes – ‘Gaspard’ videos (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdOkhE6ShoU1m00FRYHfDlw
Chitra Soundar – writing exercises, activities, resources and more (divided by book)
http://chitrasoundar.com/kids/
Emer Stamp – ‘Diary of Pig’ activities and worksheets (under different menu items)
https://www.diaryofpig.com/
Robin Stevens – detective activities
https://robin-stevens.co.uk/top-secret/
Sarah Todd Taylor – Building a Mystery online workshop course with videos and worksheets
https://sarahtoddtaylor.com/activities-and-games/
Piers Torday
Story starters: https://www.pierstorday.co.uk/storystarters/
Reading chapters, writing tips and more (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/c/piersftorday/videos
Laura Trinder – activities, posters, and teaching resources
https://www.lauratrinder.co.uk/resources
Ed Vere – How To Draw videos
https://ed-vere.format.com/draw-with-ed-vere
Clara Vulliamy
Art and drawing activity videos (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChAlNnv8fEaVirCtfnktsbw/videos
Easter activities, crafting, cooking and more: http://claras.me/fun-stuff-2/
David Walliams
Activity sheets and resources: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/activities/
Marvellous Musical Podcast: http://marvellousmusicalpodcast.com/
Steve and Sue Weatherill – activities and puzzles
https://babygoz.webflow.io/downloads
Elaine Wickson – activity sheets, creative writing exercises and more
https://www.elainewickson.co.uk/fun-stuff
Mo Willems – lunch doodles
https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
Eloise Williams – creative writing activities
https://padlet.com/joanna_suvarna/Get_Creative_With_Eloise
Marcia Williams – Shakespeare masks and colouring activities
http://www.marciawilliams.co.uk/colouring-activities/
Jools Wilson – ‘Painting Poems’ activity sheets
https://joolswilson.com/painting-poems/
Poets and Poetry
Liz Brownlee – Poetry Roundabout – blog with interviews, videos, resources and more
https://poetryroundabout.com/
Kate Clanchy – sharing poetry from young people
https://twitter.com/KateClanchy1
Joseph Coelho
Poetry prompts and readings (YouTube): https://youtube.com/@JosephCoelho/videos
Resources, ideas, and videos (under ‘poetry classroom’ and ‘watch & listen’) : https://www.thepoetryofjosephcoelho.com/
‘Understanding Poetry’ videos: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/english-ks1-ks2-joseph-coelho-understanding-poetry/zdhbqp3
Paul Cookson – activities
http://paulcooksonpoet.co.uk/freebies
Matt Goodfellow – poetry workshops from 2020 (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuFyDOWqe7QT0hPpmnZwyA
Nikki Grimes – poetry readings and writing prompts from 2020 (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdbicK417wrZt4rDhfcOD1Q/videos
A. F. Harrold – poetry videos
http://www.afharroldkids.com/poetry-videos
Joshua Seigal – poems and videos
https://www.joshuaseigal.co.uk/
Prartho Sereno – ‘Poetic Journeys for Kids’ activities and poem writing (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClqJwm-6nQvaBWMbbaE81bw/videos
Chris White – poetry readings with creative activities and drawing (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxTKAyHlyL0cqPfUePF6B7A
Children’s Poetry Archive – poetry read out loud online
https://childrens.poetryarchive.org/
CLPE Poetryline – poet interviews and writing tips
https://clpe.org.uk/poetryline/poets-videos/poet-interviews
The Poetry Society – Learning from Home hub (activities, workshops, prompts and more)
http://poetrysociety.org.uk/education/learning-from-home/
Poetry Zone – poetry reading videos
http://poetryzone.co.uk/videozone/
Young Poets Network – writing challenges and more for 11+
https://ypn.poetrysociety.org.uk/features/ypn-writing-prompts-for-self-isolation/
Publishing Houses
Andersen Press
Activities for all ages, from picture books to teen fiction: https://www.andersenpress.co.uk/free-stuff/
‘Staying Home’ free book download: https://www.andersenpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/STAYING_HOME_medium-res.pdf
b small publishing – activities, posters, teacher notes and more
https://bsmall.co.uk/resources
Barefoot Books
Activity creation advice: https://www.barefootbooks.com/blog/post/2020-08-how-to-create-activities-with-one-book
Global Summer Adventure Club: https://www.barefootbooks.com/blog/post/2020-06-global-summer-adventure-club
Barrington Stoke
Build your own Globe Theatre: http://www.barringtonstoke.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Make-Your-Own-Globe-Theatre-Download-Online.pdf
Homeschooling help pack: https://www.barringtonstoke.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BS-Home-Help-pack_FINAL.pdf
Bloomsbury
Activity packs, posters, and teaching notes: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/childrens/downloadable-free-activities/
Young Readers activity sheet: https://media.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/bloomsbury-yr-activity-sheet.pdf
Bonnier Books – resources and activities for 3+, 6+ and 8+
https://www.bonnierbooks.co.uk/news/teachingresources/
Book Island – picture book resources
https://mailchi.mp/b2e8f885eef2/free-resources-for-self-isolating-readers-kickstarter-update
Booklife Publishing – posters, activities, and worksheets
https://booklife.co.uk/collections/free-resources
Buster Books – colouring, drawing, puzzles, activities, and apps
https://www.mombooks.com/buster/online-activities/
Candlewick Press – learn to draw, writing tips, poetry and more, with various authors and illustrators (YouTube)
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEqVZlLgos-WN7boUH8tsFWNihT745u9u
Chicken House Books – ‘Cooped Up Kids’ Hub with author readings, Q&As, special events, downloads and competitions
https://www.chickenhousebooks.com/schools/coopedupkids/
Child’s Play Publishing – activities organised by book
http://www.childs-play.com/parent-zone/activities.html
Collins
Free ‘Big Cat’ and more e-books and downloadable worksheets: https://collins.co.uk/pages/primary-english-collins-big-cat-free-resources
DK Publishing – home learning, activity sheets and teaching guides (preschool – 12yrs)
https://www.dk.com/us/information/home-learning-for-kids/
Dref Wen – free picture book audio books in Welsh
https://www.drefwen.com/english/books/free-audio-books/
Egmont Books – activity sheets and packs, lesson plans and more
https://www.egmontbooks.co.uk/resources/
Faber & Faber – Faber Booktime with authors and illustrators (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvqjskRY40cs3YyJiCl_LynRY5094vMuc
Firefly Press – resource packs organised by book
https://fireflypress.co.uk/resources/
Guppy Books – interviews, tips, draw-alongs and more, featuring authors and illustrators (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPjEPpTkx2D0eNOBMCRmbGg/videos
Hachette Children’s Group – activity sheets, worksheets, and teaching guides, organised by book
https://www.hachetteschools.co.uk/resources/
HarperCollins Children’s Books
Free audio books: https://www.harpercollinschildrensbooks.co.uk/listen-for-free/
Resources and activities: https://harpercollinschildrensbooks.co.uk/fun-and-learning/
Ladybird Books – 10 Minutes to Bed, and ‘Starting School’ videos (Youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/user/ladybirdbooks
Little Island Books – teaching guides
https://www.littleisland.ie/pages/for-teachers
Little Tiger Press – activities and resources
https://littletiger.co.uk/resource-category/activities
New Frontier Publishing – teaching notes and activities
https://www.newfrontierpublishing.co.uk/teachers-and-librarians/all
Nosy Crow
Activity sheets, quizzes, teachers’ resources: https://nosycrow.com/activity-sheets/
Discover non-fiction (from 2020): https://twitter.com/hashtag/NosyCrowDiscover
Coronavirus – A Book for Children (illustrated by Alex Scheffler): https://nosycrow.com/blog/released-today-free-information-book-explaining-coronavirus-children-illustrated-gruffalo-illustrator-axel-scheffler/
Otter-Barry Books
Storytime and poetry (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSvmTqms_rFNrSocxHSyUA/videos
Teacher’s notes and videos: https://www.otterbarrybooks.com/resources
Oxford University Press
‘The Legend of Kevin’ draw your own comic: http://fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/oxed/children/kevin-comic-sheets.pdf
Oxford Owl activity sheets and ideas, videos, creative writing, and more:
Oxford Owl ‘Isadora Moon’ activity sheets and videos: https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/bookshop/isadora-moon/
Oxford Owl ‘Kitty’ activity sheets and draw-a-long: https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/bookshop/kitty/
Oxford Owl ‘Winnie and Wilbur’ free e-book download and other resources: https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/bookshop/winnie-and-wilbur/
Oxford Owl free e-book library (registration required): https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/free-ebooks/
Puffin Books
Games and activities, videos, audiobooks and more: https://www.penguin.co.uk/puffin
‘Puffin Storytime’ and more, with authors and illustrators (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/user/puffinbooks1/videos
Downloadable activity pack: https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/children/2020/mar/download-puffin-activity-pack.html
Craft ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’: https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/children/2018/how-to-make-caterpillar-paper-chains.html
Puffin Podcast for kids: https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/children/2020/mar/puffin-podcast-episode-1-under-the-sea.html
Puffin Schools – draw-along, how to and storytime videos, and teaching resources (divided by key stage)
https://www.puffinschools.co.uk/resources/
Ruby Tuesday Books – non-fiction quizzes and resources
https://rubytuesdaybooks.com/free-resources/
Scallywag Press – free activities and resources (divided by title)
https://www.scallywagpress.com/resources.html
Scholastic
Author readings and home learning resources: https://bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/chapter-one
Kids Club (games, puzzles, activities and more): https://clubs-kids.scholastic.co.uk/
Sweet Cherry Publishing – teaching packs, activities and more
https://sweetcherrypublishing.com/resources/
Thames and Hudson – ‘How To Draw All Kinds of Bugs’ PDF by Yuval Zommer
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ff2f6y23jp4tvqs/Big%20Book%20of%20Bugs%20-%20How%20to%20Draw%20Bugs.pdf?dl=0
Tiny Owl Publishing – ‘Fly with Tiny Owl’ read-along and how-to videos (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzoOckl0Pqj7vN7u7m-Ih0pXSHVPmfeMj
Usbourne Books – activities, fun facts, story readings and more
https://usborne.com/gb/activities-for-kids
Walker Books
‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ activities and videos: https://www.jointhebearhunt.com/
Author readings and book trailer videos (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Begme37cpqPTlv6dqMA6Q
Stay Home Hub (activity sheets, videos and resources for a range of titles): http://stayhome.walker.co.uk/
What On Earth Books – activity sheets, colouring, teacher’s guides, and more
https://www.whatonearthbooks.com/resources/
Independent Bookshops
The Alligator’s Mouth – colouring, activities, Comics Club worksheets and videos
https://www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk/resources
‘At Home With’ – group of four independent bookshops working with authors, illustrators, publishers and other indies to provide live author events
https://www.facebook.com/AtHomeWith4Indies/
The Book Nook – live online events with readings, drawings and Q&As, featuring guest authors and illustrators
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Booknookhove/videos/
Moon Lane – author readings, illustrator draw-alongs, Q&As, and ‘HipHop Love Books’ story time sessions with hip-hop stars (in association with Nicci Cheeks)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaft16bnMpkFQqcayyCZO7w/videos
Mr B’s Emporium – Kid’s Story Time and more videos (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mR_4u3IhLBsGaxZQgXBRA/videos
Peters
‘The Story Of’ series teaching notes and colouring sheets: https://peters.co.uk/the-story-of
Large range of activities and teaching resources divided by year group: https://peters.co.uk/100-books-for-parents
Sevenoaks Bookshop – review scheme
https://sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk/young-readers-review-scheme/
Book Clubs
The Bookwanderers Club – hosted by author Anna James with guest authors, featuring interviews, bookshop recommendations, Q&As and recent book round-ups from 2021 and earlier (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/c/acaseforbooks
Josh Gad Book Club – videos from 2020 of live weekly book readings
https://twitter.com/hashtag/GadBookClub
Reading Zone
Book Club – reviews, readings, writing tips and more to come: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz2PCm7k6LH_2qaKwFAkVFg
Bookclub with guest authors, readings and creative writing topics: https://vimeo.com/readingzone
Others
#SaveWithStories – celebrities reading children’s books on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/savewithstories/
Activity Village – activity packs and more in a range of languages
https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/school-closures
Authorfy – author videos, activities, writing resources, and more
https://authorfy.com/
Ava’s Box – 5-year-old Ava and her mother reading Ava’s favourite stories
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiJEebtRGd1p6Ns-e0BVhMg/videos
Beanstalk Charity – reading rainbow downloadable sheet
https://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/news/help-us-share-a-love-of-reading
The Big Book Festival – virtual book festival from 2020 and 2021, bringing together content from cancelled British literary festivals, including interviews, panel discussions, interactive sessions and more
https://bigbookweekend.com/
Blackpool Libraries – original stories, story and rhyme time, and more
https://www.facebook.com/BlackpoolLibraries/videos/
Book Trust
Home Time: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/
Home Time digital hub (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/booktrusthometime
Cymru HomeTime: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/hometime-cymru
Booklings Chat – audio author interviews (including current Carnegie nominees)
https://soundcloud.com/booklingschat
Books for Topics – ‘Branching Out’ book recommendation posters
https://www.booksfortopics.com/branching-out
BookTastic BookFest – 2020 virtual book festival catch-up
https://www.youtube.com/c/BookTasticBookFest/videos
BorrowBox – local library e-book and audiobook lending app (available on Android and Apple devices, and Kindle Fire; requires library card and local library to be signed up. See also: Libby)
https://www.borrowbox.com/
CBeebies Bedtime Stories – celebrities reading stories
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00jdlm2/cbeebies-bedtime-stories
Children’s Books Ireland – ideas and activity packs, guidance for parents and teachers
https://childrensbooksireland.ie/resources-ideas
The Children’s Bookshow – ‘Bookshow at Home’, featuring author and poet readings, and activities
http://thechildrensbookshow.com/news
CILIP – ‘National Shelf Service’ e-book recommendations (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPUIqlJM0aieXdq-LxKDvWA/videos
CLPE – huge range of free resources for teaching, including book guides, teaching sequences, reading/writing scales and more
https://clpe.org.uk/teaching-resources
Dolly Parton – reading videos, activity sheets, and reading tips
https://imaginationlibrary.com/news-resources/parent-resources/
Down The Rabbit Hole – children’s books radio and podcast with author/illustrator guests
http://dtrhradio.com/
Everywhere Book Fest – 2020 virtual book festival catch-up
https://www.facebook.com/EverywhereBookFest/videos/
Federation of Children’s Book Groups – resource hub and booklists (under the resource menu)
https://fcbg.org.uk/about-resources/
Fun Time French – ‘Story Time’ reading stories in English and French, with extra activities for young children
http://funtimefrench.co.uk/?LMCL=nahd0r&page_id=192
Great School Libraries – ‘Ask A Librarian’ advice forum
https://www.greatschoollibraries.org.uk/askalibrarian/ask-a-librarian
Halloween Costumes – fairy tales and bedtime stories
https://www.halloweencostumes.com/fairy-tales-and-bedtime-stories.html
Hay Festival – online videos of author/illustrator talks from past years
https://www.hayfestival.com/c-209-archive-hay-player.aspx?skinid=16&ManufacturerFilterID=0&VectorFilterID=0&GenreFilterID=58&pagenum=1
Hexham Book Festival – Story Space, authors and others reading online stories (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbabH04OqBi1TiEEz3iACbA/videos
Inspire Education Library Service – #InspireOnline arts, activities, challenges and more
https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/be-inspired/online/children-and-families/
Julie’s Library – podcast hosted by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton reading and discussing children’s books (with special guests)
https://www.julieslibraryshow.org/
Libby – local library e-book and audiobook lending app (available on Google Play, Apple App Store and Microsoft Store; requires library card and local library to be signed up. See also: BorrowBox)
https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/
Library Girl and Book Boy – #FunnyBookChat with authors
https://twitter.com/hashtag/FunnyBookChat
Little Angel Theatre – education and home learning packs
https://www.littleangeltheatre.com/for-schools/resources/#education-packs
LoveReading4Kids – Kids Zone (videos, activities, competitions and more)
https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/kids-zone/
Love My Books – activities, reviews, recommendations, crafting and more
http://www.lovemybooks.co.uk/
Mike Forde – free downloadable ‘Parsley Mimblewood’ books
https://parsleymimblewood.wordpress.com/
National Book Tokens Caboodle
Caboodler’s Corner (interviews, games, competitions and more): https://caboodle.nationalbooktokens.com/caboodlers-corner/junior-bookworms
Book Island Challenge game: https://caboodle.nationalbooktokens.com/bookisland/
National Geographic For Kids – resources organised by topic
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk
The National Literacy Trust
‘Words for Life’ activities and more (divided by age): https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/
‘The Book of Hopes’ activities and resources: https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/9-12/book-hopes/
Virtual School Library with author book readings: https://wordsforlife.org.uk/virtual-school-library/
National Writing Day – information and resources
https://firststory.org.uk/writeday/
The Nincompoops (featuring Andy Stanton and Carrie Quinlan)
‘Home Skoolin’ with the Nincompoops’ videos (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSSnHwYXq8GFOCstGuvozWg/videos
‘Ask the Nincompoops’ podcast: https://play.acast.com/s/nincompoops
Picture Book Den – activities by various picture book authors
http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/p/to-print-click-on-image-you-wish-to.html
Plazoom – ‘Author in Your Classroom’ podcast and accompanying resources
https://www.plazoom.com/collections/author-in-your-classroom
RAF Museum – short story chapters and activities from Children’s Author-in-Residence Tom Palmer (under ‘stories’)
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/schools/resources/PrimaryClassroom/
The Reader Teacher – #BookMatch for finding similar reads, plus reading lists divided by class/key stage, book recommendations and more
https://www.thereaderteacher.com/bookmatch
Reading Realm – Learning at Home episodes from 2020, poetry, and other resources
https://thereadingrealm.co.uk/category/resources/
Reading Zone – book extracts, author interviews, activities, videos, and more
https://readingzone.com/index.php
ROOTS (freelance illustrator) – colouring sheets
https://sites.google.com/view/roots0121/home/colouring-sheets
Scottish Book Trust – activities, videos, and more
https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/home-activities
Sefton Libraries – storytime and more
https://www.facebook.com/pg/seftonlibraries/videos/
Shakespeare Week – Shakespeare-themed videos, activities and more
https://www.shakespeareweek.org.uk/kids-zone/
Shakespeare’s Globe
Artists performing excerpts from Shakespeare’s works: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/watch/love-in-isolation-2020/
‘Playing Shakespeare’ (videos production of Macbeth and learning resources): https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/learn/secondary-schools/playing-shakespeare-with-deutsche-bank/macbeth-2020-playing-shakespeare/
The Story Lady (Audra Mitcheson) – reading books and creating adventures (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_J6nrH9Y-YQWY0W7hWXCQ/videos
The Story Museum – ‘Stories from the Woodshed’ online storytelling videos, creative challenges, riddles and author/illustrator interviews (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/user/storymuseum
Story Seeds Podcast – podcast pairing children with authors to create short stories
https://www.storyseedspodcast.com/
Storyline Online – celebrities reading stories (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/user/StorylineOnline
Storytime from Space – astronauts reading children’s books (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpotjVqWv3KfGHjWztjPKgg
Suffolk Libraries – songs, storytime and craft videos
https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/whats-on?days=0&type=primary&online=1
Surrey Libraries – storytime, crafting and activity videos
https://www.facebook.com/pg/surreylibrariesUK/videos/
Toppsta – Write reviews, win books
https://toppsta.com/
World Book Day
Lots of resources and activities: https://www.worldbookday.com/resources/primary/
Audiobooks, creative activities, videos and more: https://www.worldbookday.com/2020/03/book-ideas-hub-brilliant-stay-at-home-ideas-free-resources/
Compiled by Libraries4Schools
If you’re looking for something new to read, why not check out our book reviews for some ideas?
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