This year going back to school looks very different than ever before. No school buses, no first day back at school, no new classrooms, no field trips, etc. At least, not yet. It will take some adjusting, for sure. But through these uncertain times, there is something that will always be there for you: books.
 
Books can be your constant companion. They are an infinite source of discovery and learning, of true stories and of make believe, of science and fantasy. Books can answer questions and can make you wonder at the same time. Books can show you your world and open your eyes to different ones. You can even write your very own book!
 
Here's a list of titles to get you started:

How to Read a Book written by Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Audiobook available from Overdrive.

Suggests a method of reading that begins with planting oneself beneath a tree and leads to a book party one hopes will never end. Kwame Alexander’s evocative poetry and Melissa Sweet’s lush artwork come together to take you on a sensory journey between the pages of a book.

How to Read a Story written by Kate Messner; illustrated by Mark Siegel

ebook available from Hoopla.

Chronicles the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End. This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.

How to Write a Story written by Kate Messner; illustrated by Mark Siegel

ebook available from Overdrive.

Chronicles the process of becoming a writer in this fun follow-up to How to Read a Story, guiding young storytellers through the joys and challenges of the writing process. From choosing an idea, to creating a problem for their character to resolve, to coming to The End, this empowering picture book breaks down the writing process in a dynamic and accessible way, encouraging kids to explore their own creativity--and share their stories with others!

You Can Read written by Helaine Becker and Mark Hoffman

ebook available from Hoopla.

In this fun and funny celebration of literacy, kids of all ages will discover that the act of reading is a daring adventure that can take you anywhere! You can read at the playground, under the sea, at the opera and even in outer space! It turns out you can read everywhere! And when you do, you open yourself to a universe of adventure. Presented in light-hearted, rib-tickling verse that's perfect for reading aloud, You Can Read sings it loud and proud: Books are awesome. And so are the people who read them.

The Library Book written by Tom Chapin, Michael Mark; illustrated by Chuck Groening

ebook available from Overdrive.

Using the lyrics to Tom Chapin and Michael Mark's "The Library Song," this picture book celebrates the magic of reading and of libraries.

Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I Don’t) written by Barbara Bottner; illustrated by Michael Emberly

ebook available from Overdrive.

A first-grade girl who does not like to read stubbornly resists her school librarian's efforts to convince her to love books until she finds one that might change her mind.

Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills

ebook available from Overdrive.

Rocket loves books and he wants to make his own, but he can't think of a story. Encouraged by the little yellow bird to look closely at the world around him for inspiration, Rocket sets out on a journey. Along the way he discovers small details that he has never noticed before, a timid baby owl who becomes his friend, and an idea for a story.

Pig is Big on Books by Douglas Florian

ebook available from Overdrive.

Pig loves to read. He’s never without a big stack of books! He reads them one after another. His friends know they’ll find him with his snout in a book, whether he’s at home, on the bus or even at the beach. But one day, Pig has no books. He looks everywhere and can’t find a single thing to read! Instead of panicking, Pig has a great idea. He knows just how to solve this problem… Pig will write his own book!

Be sure to check our catalog and Overdrive Kids eReading Room, for these titles and many more being added!