Loading
Keeping Kids Busy at Home
No school due to COVID-19? These books can help keep your child entertained.
Published on June 15, 2023
Kids' Backyard Activities and Games: 25 boredom-busting ideas for tons of outdoor fun!
Adams MediaFor the very young little ones, here’s an activity book that should keep them occupied for hours. Aimed at toddlers and preschoolers, it’s full of creative ideas for games to play or crafts to make that you can do in your backyard or large indoor play-area.
The Bad Seed
Jory JohnDid you ever open up a bag of sunflower seeds and wonder about their personalities? Author Jory John must have, and the result is a wonderful tale of an ill-tempered, miscreant, and overall BAD seed whose offenses include not putting things back where they belong. Fortunately, he decides he wants to better himself. Will he succeed? You and your kid will have to read it to find out!
The Tiny Seed
Eric CarleIf you like your seeds with a little less attitude and a whole lot of awe-inducing power, author Eric Carle (“The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”) takes young readers on an exciting journey through one of nature’s most miraculous events.
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice SendakThis is more than just the story of little mischief maker Max, who sails away, meets some monsters, then returns home for dinner: It’s also one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. Share the wild rumpus with the little mischief maker in your life.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Mo WillemsTrixie and her dad take a trip to the local laundromat, but their neighborhood adventure goes terribly (and hilariously) wrong when Trixie discovers something is missing. A delightful tale from Mo Willems (“Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!,” “Elephant and Piggie”).
The Paper Bag Princess
Robert Munsch This modern, fun favorite slays by flipping the fairytale script. Sure, it has all the usual suspects — prince, princess, and dragon — but you won’t find any played-out Prince Charmings in this #girlboss adventure.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
William Steig A child-friendly entry in the “be careful what you wish for” genre, this book details the story of a donkey who finds a wish-granting pebble, encounters a scary lion, turns himself into a rock and … you’ll have to read it to find out what happens next. Beloved children’s author William Steig, who also created “Shrek,” tells this tale with warmth and humor.
Lost in the Solar System
Joanna Cole For kids who should be going to elementary school, there are lots of magical worlds awaiting them. Your kids may not be taking the school bus anytime soon, but they can enjoy many rides to fantastical places on The Magic School Bus.
A Bear Called Paddington
Michael Bond When a sweet, bedraggled bear appears in Paddington Station with “Please look after this bear” pinned to his coat, the Brown family gains a new family member — and infinitely more adventures.
The Adventures of Captain Underpants: Color Edition (Captain Underpants #1): Captain Underpants, Book 1
The Adventures of Captain Underpants: Color Edition (Captain Underpants #1): Captain Underpants, Book 1
Dav PilkeyHere's another kid-favorite series to get hooked on during this quarantine. With funny pranks and potty humor galore, the Captain Underpants books follow the adventures of two best friends and their self-created superhero come to life.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Richard Atwater This story starts off simply enough with a house painter who dreams of arctic adventures, but the arrival of a penguin changes everything. By the end of the book — which has been charming generations of children since its 1938 publication — there are 12 penguins who star in Mr. Popper’s traveling stage show. Your family will love the hijinks that ensue.
The True Story Of the Three Little Pigs: By A.Wolf
Jon Scieszka You think you know the story of the “Three Little Pigs,” but do you know the whole story? This book recounts the classic tale, but from the Wolf’s perspective, which is quite different from what we’ve heard before. Hint: His excuse involves an innocent sneeze. Another hint: Your kid will love this retelling of the classic fable.
Princess Cora and the Crocodile
Laura Amy Schlitz Author Laura Amy Schlitz, a Newbery Medal winner, has written an off-beat tale about a princess who takes a day off to get a bit rowdy with a crocodile. Full of cute hijinks that will have you laughing out loud.
A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of the Snowy Day
A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of the Snowy Day
Andrea Davis Pinkney If you value diversity in children’s literature, have your child listen to this biography of Ezra Jack Keats, who wrote “The Snowy Day.” An inspiring and educational read about a writer and illustrator who broke the color barrier in children’s books.
Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids (Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids)
Rob Elliott How did the lobster get to the ocean? By shell-icoptor. Even though that joke might not make YOU laugh out loud, your child will LOVE it, along with the hundreds of other kid-friendly gutbusters in this charming collection.
The Everything Kids' Easy Science Experiments Book: Explore the world of science through quick and fun experiments!
The Everything Kids' Easy Science Experiments Book: Explore the world of science through quick and fun experiments!
J. Elizabeth Mills If only your science classes were as fun as this wonderful book. Simple instructions and delightful drawings guide you and your little mad scientist through an assortment of experiments that will both delight and educate. Great for kids ages 9-12.
ChopChop: The Kids'
Sally Sampson Being stuck inside probably has you asking your kids to help more with chores. Teach them how to cook with “ChopChop.” Your little chef will be winning countless mini Michelin stars after preparing some of the delicious recipes featured in this award-winning cookbook.
A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning
Lemony Snicket Begin at the beginning of this wonderfully weird, impressively imaginative, sprawling series (of 13 books, a very unlucky number) by master wordsmith Lemony Snicket, whose spellbinding prose captivates readers of all ages (especially those 9 and older).
A Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L'Engle A strange delight that contains everything from thorough explorations of time travel to strong, vulnerable characters. One of few books that continues to completely enthrall children and adults alike.
The Hobbit
J. R. R. TolkienBilbo Baggins, a respectable, well-to-do hobbit, lives comfortably in his hobbit-hole until the day the wandering wizard Gandalf chooses him to take part in an adventure from which he may never return. Shaped by ancient mythology, this exciting and earthy quest story (populated by dragons, dwarfs, monsters and sorcerers) has engaging heroes and is perfect for your little adventurer. Older kids may want to continue the journey with The Lord of the Rings trilogy, starting with book one, “The Fellowship of the Ring.”
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. LewisFour English school children find their way through the back of a wardrobe into the magic land of Narnia and assist Aslan, the golden lion, to triumph over the White Witch, who has cursed the land with eternal winter. C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series has 10 books total, guaranteed to keep your kid transfixed for weeks.
The Everything KIDS' Book of Outrageous Facts: Explore the most fantastic, extraordinary, and unbelievable truths about your world!
The Everything KIDS' Book of Outrageous Facts: Explore the most fantastic, extraordinary, and unbelievable truths about your world!
Beth L Blair This book will turn your curious kid into a know-it-all (in a good way). With amazing trivia and tidbits in subjects ranging from astronomy to zoology to sports, it’s a compendium that will keep your whole family entertained and informed.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Jeff Kinney The first in the beloved Wimpy Kid series, this entry introduces us to sixth grader Greg Heffley who chronicles his sometimes scary, sometimes hilarious, always relatable adventures through drawings and entries in his journal.
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
Jason Reynolds What would you do if you saw a school bus fall from the sky? Beloved YA author Jason Reynolds “conjures entire worlds out of 10 city blocks by sharing the adventures and mishaps that befall children on their [various] ways home from school,” according to the National Book Foundation. A bittersweet novel in 10 stories, filled with humor, authenticity, and pathos.
The Dragonet Prophecy: Wings of Fire, Book 1
Tui T. Sutherland This thrilling first book in the Wings of Fire series introduces us to the five dragonets who, after being raised in a hidden cave, were enlisted to end a terrible war. What happens next? Your kid is definitely going to want to find out.