Dear readers, there is an egregious hole in my previous columns (here, here, here, here, here or here) where a massive kidlit undertaking should have been found: the Harry Potter at Home hub. During the month of April, the first Harry Potter audiobook was available for free listening for library patrons via OverDrive. But don't worriy if you missed out on the listening opportunity, there are plenty of other Harry Potter resources to enjoy, "including special contributions from Bloomsbury and Scholastic, nifty magical craft videos... fun articles, quizzes, puzzles and plenty more for first-time readers, as well as those already familiar with the wizarding world."
Random House has also launched virtual programming based on a book series. Magic Tree House Home Adventures invites children to read and explore with Jack and Annie every week. The Gotham Group, a Hollywood management and production firm, launched a YouTube reading series that features celebrities and public figures reading popular children's books. Roost Books has posted online resources for adults and their children, offering "nourishing recipes, calming creative explorations, children's activities and wellness offerings." The children's publisher Mims is offering its entire backlist of e-books and audiobooks for free (as are Amicus and Black Rabbit Books); the Quarto Group has pulled together a webpage of downloadable resources for children; and Lerner Books has a new site that "includes author videos, free downloads, and resources to help with virtual learning." Seven Stories Press is "hosting live story times for kids, author readings, and live online events to discuss topical issues," as is West Margin Press (celebrating Golden Gate Park, on May 5 and May 9). Barefoot Books, Lonely Planet, Schiffer Kids, Peachtree and Sleeping Bear Press have all created free activity kits.
The Everywhere Book Fest, a "virtual gathering of kidlit authors, illustrators, and books," created by Christina Soontornvat, Ellen Oh and Melanie Conklin, will take place May 1-2, and the Bologna Children's Book Fair is launching the BCBF Online Special Edition to be held May 4-7, inviting people in the children's literature world to come together "for business meetings and exchange [they] hope will be stimulating and rewarding." --Siân Gaetano, children's and YA editor