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The complete guide to finding a book for every reader in your home.
The thing I’ve missed most during quarantine? My library. If you’re finding yourself trying to keep the reading rainbow shining bright in your home while your library doors are closed, I have a few resources for you. Choose the statement below that best describes your current household reading mantra to find resources for every reader in your home.
I HAVE A HOUSE FULL OF KIDS BURNING THROUGH BOOKS!
I hear you, mama. Loud and clear. You will want to spring for the free options out there to give you variety, age-appropriate options, and some leftover change to purchase a Snickers bar that you’ll probably eat in the closet. Alone. Here are some options that will keep those kids busy in the best way without dropping a single dollar:
The Libby App
By far the easiest option for free literature, The Libby App gives you full access to ebooks and digital audiobooks from your public library. Every reader in your home can find what they’re looking for using Libby, including you. All you need is a library card! Within the app, there are features to help you keep books organized, connect audiobooks to your home smart speakers (Google Home, Alexa, etc), and it even allows you to access multiple public libraries at once.
Little Free Library
For those of you who miss getting out and going to the library, finding a Little Free Library could be a great option for you. Check the map on their website to find your closest library box, grab your brood, and head out on an adventure to find those books. Don’t forget to bring your own books to exchange! Fingers crossed there is a Little Free Library within biking distance. Talk about the perfect quarantine field trip.
Audible
It’s probably not news to you that Audible allows you to listen to every book your heart could ever want, but did you know they’re offering a large selection of children’s stories and books for FREE during Coronavirus quarantine? It’s true! Audible and Whitney Houston get it: The children are our future. Audiobooks are especially nice for car rides when you just want to get out of the house or for quiet time in your home. Plus, studies show that audiobooks are very effective in helping children build vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Podcasts
Podcasts are another fun way for your kids to experience storytelling and learning at home or in the car without having to track down a book. I love Story Pirates, Circle Round, and Wow in the World. Find a few more favorite educational podcasts here.
I LOVE BUYING BOOKS BECAUSE WE READ THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN!
You are my spirit animal and I support you. To get you reading, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you secure great literature without spending your entire stimulus check.
Book Outlet
Book Outlet has been a go-to resource for inexpensive reading options that are worth shouting to your neighbor about from six feet away. Their tagline, “Read-icuously Low Prices,” lets you know that puns and cheap books are their specialty and I am here for it. Most of the inventory they offer is over 50% off the prices you’ll find elsewhere. Another bonus here is that you can create a wish list and share it with others, just in case you have an upcoming holiday that may warrant a gift (cough… Mother’s Day). Use this link for $10 off your first order!
Abe Books
Abe Books is another great resource for buying books online while also filling the need to thumb through carts of old books at a used bookstore—virtually, of course. Not only do they sell new and used books, but they’re known for helping you find rare books or specific editions of your favorite book that you’ve been searching for. It’s a book lover’s dreamland.
Book of the Month Club
A new, beautiful book delivered to my doorstep every month? Yes, please! This subscription series curates a list of five great reads each month. You review the list and decide how many of those titles you want, and then watch the mailbox like a bookish hawk. The titles they pick are great reads and they discount the prices so the books end up being far less expensive than buying the book elsewhere. If you don’t like any of the titles they offer one month, no problem! You can skip a month or cancel at any time. This is a great way to keep fresh reading options on hand. Click here to get your first book for $9.99.
Bookshop
Bookshop is a creative organization aimed at supporting and sustaining local bookstores. With so many Amazon carts filling with books, some of the local bookstores have been feeling the pinch. Bookshop allows you to purchase a book and choose which local bookstore the profit will go to. If you aren’t sure where you want the profit shares to go, they split the dividend among all participating bookstores. It’s a great way to support local businesses from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
I HAVE LITTLES WHO ARE MISSING STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY.
Some of my favorite authors are reading their books aloud during quarantine.
My kids have loved putting a face to the books they love. As an added bonus, they get to hear the authors read their own books and tell the stories behind them.
Hearing our longtime favorite, Oliver Jeffers, read to us in his lilting Irish accent never gets old! Bookroo created an amazing calendar of read aloud events happening all over the internet every day. This calendar is an amazing way to see all of your online storytime options.
I AM READY TO READ, I WANT TO READ… BUT WHAT SHOULD I READ?
Yes. I just gave you option after option to get books into your hands but you are now seeing page after page of books and aren’t sure where to start. I’ve got you!
For adults, check out this book list I’m working through in 2020. I’d love to hear your thoughts as you read along with me.
What I’m Reading in 2020
For kids, I have a few options to look through. Try scanning these lists with your child to see what piques their interest. It might surprise you!
The Best Picture and Activity Books for Homeschool
100 Amazing Picture Books Kids of All Ages Will Love
Hopefully by this point of the post, I’ve addressed your reading dilemmas and offered a solution that works for you. Buy, borrow, or binge. You have options!
It’s difficult to say what the next month or so will look like, and how things will change or remain the same. Let reading be an escape and a comfort for you and your kids as we navigate these funky waters.
Happy reading in your homes, friends.
