
Free reading and writing activities from your favourite childrens’ authors from the National Literacy Trust.
The Book of Hopes
Edited by Katherine Rundell, with contributions from more than 100 children’s writers and illustrators
Completely free for all children and families, and aimed at 9-12 year olds, the extraordinary collection of short stories, poems, essays and pictures has contributions from more than 110 children’s writers and illustrators, including Lauren Child, Anthony Horowitz, Greg James and Chris Smith, Michael Morpurgo, Liz Pichon, Axel Scheffler, Francesca Simon and Jacqueline Wilson.
The collection, published by Bloomsbury, is dedicated to the doctors, nurses, carers, porters, cleaners and everyone currently working in hospitals.
The Book of Hopes is currently available to read online
https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/9-12/book-hopes/
Borrow Box APP
Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks free from your library using the free BorrowBox app.
All you need is an Essex Libraries card.
https://www.borrowbox.com/
Storytime Online & World of Stories
Watch a range of famous authors and stars reading children’s books and short stories for kids of all ages. It’s never too early to read stories with your child and spending just ten minutes every day enjoying books together can make a BIG difference to their development. Sharing stories boosts creativity and imagination, improves wellbeing, is a positive experience for parents, carers, guardians, grandparents – everyone! – and is great fun!
Share a Story Corner - World Book Day
World Book Day Audiobooks
Cressida Cowell: Children's Laureate for 2019-21.
The role of Children's Laureate is awarded once every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children's books. Cressida Cowell is the author-illustrator of the How to Train Your Dragon and The Wizards of Once book series, and the author of the Emily Brown picture books.
Find out more about her here:
https://www.cressidacowell.co.uk/
David Walliams
Children's book author David Walliams is reading an audio story from The World's Worst Children every day for a month, starting in March.
https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
Looking for some fun reading-related activities to do at home? Then just click here:
https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/free-activities/ https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/category/activities/
Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers - author and illustrator - will be reading one of his books every weekday, and talking about some of the things that went into making it.
https://www.oliverjeffers.com/books#/abookaday/
If you are interested in some fun activities, try these:
http://www.oliverjeffersworld.com/#activities
Book Trust
Here you can find lots of interactive books to read online or watch with signing. There are classic children's stories such as Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson and newer favourites such as Everybunny Dance! by Ellie Sandall.
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/storybooks-and-games/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwdvn_IC26AIViLbtCh2uNA0ZEAAYASAAEgLZGvD_BwE
Audible
Right now, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Ideas for younger children
Perfect activity ideas, complete with dressing-up inspiration, all based on twenty of our favourite picture books, including classics such as Elmer and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and newer titles such as The Pirates Next Door and Oi Frog!
https://www.worldbookday.com/resources/schools/early-years-ideas/