There are a huge number of free online resources available to support children and young people while schools and libraries are closed. Many publishers and authors are offering free storytimes and activities for children of all ages and there are fantastic ‘one-stop shop’ websites with great fun learning activities too.

We’ve been adding them to a handy list for parents which will be updated on a regular basis, so remember to keep coming back to check for updates. We’ve included resources from organisations which are designed to foster a love of reading and support literacy skills at the same time. These are organised into age categories to help you find what you’re looking for.

Here’s three of our favourite partner sites .


HomeTime from BookTrust – free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite book characters https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-
reading/have-some-fun/?q=&sortOption=AtoZ&pageNo=1


Family Zone from National Literacy Trust – free reading and writing resources, audiobooks, videos, competitions and reading challenges
https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/


Book Ideas Hub from World Book Day – free super activities you and your family can do together, as well as ideas from authors, illustrators and other booky people – from Writers’ Club to author readings, to a poetry podcast or learning through picture books
https://www.worldbookday.com/2020/03/book-ideas-hub-brilliant-stay-at-home-ideas-free-resources/

Please let us know what you think and share your reading with us using #ReadMCR – we’d love to see how you’re sharing stories together!