Another week of ‘Stay-at-Home’ orders down, and Lord only knows how many more to go. For those that are cooped up at home, I hope you are keeping safe and sane.

I know that for some of you, official schoolwork at home started this week, and I hope you are navigating that OK. I know, it’s a lot, it’s sort of confusing, and trying to work ‘Study Island’ is making you wish for a tech-free beach vacation.

But, once again, me being the forever optimist, it’s time to find a silver lining.

Being stuck at home isn’t great, but it is a great opportunity to catch up on that reading you never have time to do. It’s also a great time to get the kids to read. I’ve got some suggestions for children’s books courtesy of our own Terri Schlichenmeyer (The Bookworm Sez) and some of my own.

Books are great antidotes to being cooped up for weeks, and “Johnny’s Pheasant” by Cheryl Minnema, illustrated by Julie Flett is a good one to have. It’s the story of an injured bird, a grandma’s love, and a boy with dreams. Another goodie for little readers is “Bedtime for Sweet Creatures” by Nikki Grimes, pictures by Elizabeth Zunon. It’s a tale of goodnight, and it’s perfect for little sleepyheads.

For the middle-grader who worries about the earth, “Bugs in Danger” by Mark Kurlansky, illustrated by Jia Liu is a great find. This book looks at climate change, environmental issues, why the bug population has declined over the past few years, and what we can do to stop it. Another book to find is “Wildlife Adventure” by Coyote Peterson. It’s a book with facts and activities and it might make the time go a little faster.

Little biography lovers will be happy to sit home with Work It, Girl bios, like “Become a Leader Like Michelle Obama” or “Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison,” both by Caroline Moss, illustrated by Sinem Erkas. These books offer a great story, plus learning, plus an update on the lives featured. For the 9-to-13-year-old, a bio couldn’t be better.

The child who loves to people-watch will enjoy reading “Hmong in Wisconsin” by Mai Zong Vue, even when there aren’t a lot of people around. This is a story of immigration, bravery, war, and learning in two different cultures.

The young adult with a growing interest in politics will enjoy “Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice” by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Whitney Gardner. It’s a graphic-novel-style biography on Justice Ginsburg, from her earliest years to her current battles.

A lottery ticket and all that comes with sudden wealth are at the root of “Jackpot” by Nic Stone. When Rico Danger finds a winning ticket and shares with “Zan” Macklin, it seems like every problem either friend has ever had might be over — but money changes things, especially relationships. Another book to look for: the coming-of-age “If Anyone Asks, Say I Died from the Heartbreaking Blues” by Philip Cioffari. It’s the story of an 18-year-old, first love, and doing what’s right.

I will always recommend the “Harry Potter” series as they are just fantastic. Also, Amazon is offering the series on Amazon Stories (stories.audible.com) for free right now, if you would rather listen than read. The books are also a part of Kindle Unlimited if you subscribe to that.

I also will always recommend the “Hunger Games” series, because they are amazing also!

For the slightly younger set, the “Captain Underpants”, “Hello Neighbor”, “Pete the Cat”, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”, and “Dog Man” series are all amazing choices.

If you are going to be stuck at home, books are a great escape. Not only is reading beneficial to your brain, but we all need to take a break from social media and the news and just get lost in a story for a while.

As always — I’ll keep doing my best to offer up the bright side of things, if y’all keep trying to see them! Please stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home if you can! If you are out and about, don’t forget your mask!