Online Stories & Activities with Children's Authors & Illustrators

Published Thursday, April 9, 2020

We may have to stay at home, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun with wonderfully creative and talented children's authors and illustrators. Many authors and illustrators have graciously provided virtual story times, activities, and learning for the kid in all of us while we are home. See if your favorite is on this list!

Mondays with Michelle Obama
As part of the PBS KIDS Read-Along series, Michelle Obama will read four of her favorite children’s books (one book every Monday through 5/11!) The first book is “The Gruffalo.

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems!
Mo Willems, author and illustrator rock star, has let us all into his studio to share his love of doodling and teach artists of all ages how to doodle like him! Another plus is getting to see original artwork for many of his books!

Stay at Home Story Time with Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers, author of many books (such as Stuck and Once Upon An Alphabet) and illustrator of The Day the Crayons Quit, has been reading stories on Instagram live. This link will take you to his website with all the videos uploaded.

Quarantine Fun with Vashti Harrison
Vashti Harrison, bestselling author and illustrator of Little Legends, Little Dreamers, and Little Leaders, is sharing drawing tutorials and worksheets on her instagram page.

Mac's Book Club Show
Mac Barnett, author of Extra Yarn and Sam and Dave Dig A Hole, plus many more books, has a fun story time reading his books on instagram live.

Read, Wonder, and Learn with Kate Messner!
Kate Messner is the author of more than three dozen books for kids. In addition to readings of her books and links to other authors videos, she has compiled resources for families during this unprecedented time.

Squiggles & Scribbles with Ben Clanton
Ben Clanton, author and illustrator of the Narwhal and Jelly series, has a great facebook page where you can learn how to draw Narwhal and Jelly, get coloring pages, and learn how to draw something new!

Dav Pilkey at Home
Calling all Dog Man and Captain Underpants supa fans! Every week there will be new videos, activities, and readings by Dav Pilkey!

Harry Potter at Home
J.K. Rowling created the magical wizarding world and we have never been the same since. This is your go to place for all things Harry Potter.

DC Kids Camp
An At-Home Activity Program Curated by DC Middle Grade Authors and Artists
Meg Cabot, Agnes Garbowska, Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, Minh Lê, Michael Northrop,
Ridley Pearson, Kirk Scroggs, and Gene Luen Yang, Among Others. Tune In to DC Kids Social Channels for Kid-Friendly, Downloadable Activity Kits and Graphic Novel Previews, Plus Interactive Author/Artist Videos.

Read Aloud with Peter H. Reynolds
Peter H. Reynolds, author of the beloved book The Dot, is doing read alouds of his books on Facebook.

Readings and Drawings with Grace Lin
Grace Lin, author of middle grade novels and picture books, has uploaded drawing tutorials and readings of her books on her youtube page. In addition to her youtube channel, she has created a podcast called "Kids Ask Authors" to give kids an opportunity to ask their favorite authors about their books

Draw Every Day with JJK
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of the graphic novel series Lunch Lady, is posting drawing tutorials on his youtube channel every day!

About the Author

Megan is the Head Librarian of Youth Services at Edwardsville Public Library and she loves reading stories to children, seeing kids get excited about books, and learning new board games. Megan has worked at EPL since 2014.