If you’re like me, you’re looking for a few more books to read these days. One place you can’t look for them is at the library, because they’re all closed until further notice. These troubled times make me more grateful than ever for my e-reader devices. If you haven’t tried borrowing books on library-based reading apps like Libby and Hoopla (and many more), this would be a great time to put them to use. Thanks to technology, we can all continue to find and read books while still keeping our social distance. Here are a few of my picture book favorites for e-readers. Enjoy!

“Waiting” written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes (Copyright 2015, Greenwillow Books division of HarperCollins Publishers) is both a Caldecott and Geisel Honor Book. At a time when we are all waiting patiently while watching the world from a distance, this book is perfection. It is the story of five toys who are expectantly waiting for wonderful things to happen as they sit on the windowsill and watch the world outside. The simplicity of the full-color art, created with watercolor paint, colored pencils, and brown ink, is complemented by an equally simple text, comprised of short sentences. I can’t think of a better age-appropriate example for helping young children understand this difficult concept.

“Piglet and Papa” written by Margaret Wild and illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Copyright 2007, Abrams Books for Young Readers) is a sweet story about the love that is shared between a parent and child. When little Piglet plays too rough with her Papa and hurts him, he chases her away. Not sure how angry he truly is, she becomes afraid that he doesn’t love her anymore and visits the other farm animals for reassurance. This story uses fun, colorful artwork and a repetitive style of text that make little Piglet’s journey back to her Papa one that warms the heart.

“Dancing Feet!” written by Lindsey Craig and illustrated by Marc Brown (Copyright 2010, Alfred A. Knopf imprint of Random House) is a fun, high-energy book that combines uniquely worded rhythmic text with collage illustrations that were created using hand-painted paper cut into primary shapes. Preschoolers will look forward to each page-turn as happy feet dance their way through this award-winning picture book.

One more note. . .some versions of picture e-books offer the option of a “read along” feature, allowing you to follow along with the story while listening to a professional narrator. It will even turn the pages for you as you read along, giving young readers another fun way to enjoy some of their favorite books.

Happy E-Reading 😊