Book Resources and Activities

There is a wealth of free book resources, draw-alongs, online readings and activities being made available online. We will be collating some of our favourites here to help you join in the fun, with links to the associated books so you can read along at home and support these fantastic authors and illustrators who are working so hard to keep kids smiling.

Feel free to let us know of any resources you have found and are enjoying. You can share them with us through our social media – @booknookhove on twitter and instagram and The Book Nook on Facebook.

Draw alongs

Steven Lenton is creating draw along activities where you can learn to draw lots of his characters. Head to #DrawAlongALenton on twitter and watch the videos on his Youtube channel here.

Rob Biddulph has some gorgeous animal character #DrawWithRob activities on his website.

Tom McLaughlin has a vast library of Doodle-Do-It learn to draw videos on his YouTube page.

Read alongs

Frank Cottrell Boyce

Head to Frank Cottrell Boyce’s instagram page where he is doing daily readings from his book The Astounding Broccoli Boy.

Chris Haughton is offering a daily story time through his Facebook page. Every day at 5pm, perfect for young children.

Oliver Jeffers is reading a story a day on his website at 6pm.

Emer Stamp is reading from her new book Pests on her YouTube channel where you can also find readings and drawing activities from her bestselling Diary of a Pig.

Activity sheets and downloads

Sarah McIntyre has free downloadable activity sheets for all her books on her website.

Michelle Robinson has everything you could ask for on her website! Printable activity and colouring sheets, fantastically fun audio games and children’s writing prompts.

Yuval Zommer has created a stunning How to Draw All Kinds of Bugs activity download. It is an amazing illustration resource for all ages.

Caryl Hart’s website has a huge number of activity sheets that cover science, PHSE, literacy, STEM, and a whole heap of creativity. Fun for all ages here. And there are even lesson plans for those parents whose children are making them work to very strict timetables! Head here to explore.

Author Masterclasses and writing prompts

Alex T. Smith is sharing brilliantly imaginative story starters for children and encouraging them to illustrate and share their stories. Head to his twitter account to see them in action.

Abi Elphinstone has author masterclasses and writing challenges linked to her amazing adventure story Rumblestar as well as sneak peeks and videos of her chatting about her new book Jungledrop.

Sarah Todd Taylor has created a ‘Write Your Own Mystery’ mini course with videos and worksheets on her website here.

Online chats and workshops

Sarah Crossan is hosting a series of online poetry chats, Q&As and workshops ideal for 11+ on Instagram Live. Includes fun poetry challenges for kids and adults. #PoetryChallenge #WeAreThePoets Head here to get involved.

Websites

The World Book Day website has free audio books and story extracts as well as reading list ideas.

The National Literacy Trust have a wealth of simple activities that will engage and entertain children at home whilst also benefiting their literacy skills.