Yearning for Spring Blossoms and Sports?
By the editors of LJ and SLJ
From the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens to the Cheekwood Estate in Music City, botanical gardens around the country are bringing their blooms to you with interactive virtual tours, home garden inspiration, and activities for the whole family. Meanwhile, crafters looking for sewing, quilting, or woodworking ideas will find lots of creative sparks in our recent roundup of books and resources. For young sports fans missing their favorite games, we suggest books and streaming movies to fill the gap.

 

This week we also lean on the wisdom of Mister Rogers, learn how to read poetry, and appreciate the comfort that our furry friends offer during home confinement. And anyone finding themselves in the role of caregiver—either for the first time as a result of the pandemic or otherwise—will want to check out these resources, from practical guides to poignant memoirs.

8 Blooming Botanical Gardens To Explore Virtually
By Melanie Kletter
Cherry blossoms, tulips, and rare orchids are in bloom! Take a virtual stroll through nature at these eight botanical gardens—many of which offer kid-friendly activities to do from home.

25+ Books and Resources for the Modern Crafter
By Nanette Donohue
In our fast-paced, always-connected world, the act of creating is both relaxing and empowering. Many crafters view their hobby as an act of self-care or a way to be intentional about how they spend their time. Crafting can also serve as a means of escaping disposable, fast-fashion culture in favor of a more sustainable way of living.

Hot Off the Presses: Family Dramas, Henry VIII's Ill-Fated 5th Wife, & a Guide to Changing Your Life with Cheese
Several works of fiction tackling multigenerational family drama, Tudor expert Alison Weir's new novel starring Katheryn Howard, and a guide to taking your cheese boards to the next level top this week's list of new titles.

Picture Book Creator Matthew Cordell on the Radical Kindness of Fred Rogers
By Matthew Cordell
The Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator of Wolf in the Snow discusses his picture book biography Hello, Neighbor! and why Mister Rogers's brand of unconditional kindness is needed during these uncertain times.

15 Books To Teach Children About Personal Hygiene
By Heidi Grange
These titles teach young readers about developing and maintaining healthy hygiene habits as well as preventing the spread of germs.

Resources To Support Home Caregivers
By Mattie Cook
The National Institute of Health estimates that more than 43 million Americans assume the role of caregiver at any given time. In the age of COVID-19-related quarantines and closures, many people are taking on that role unexpectedly. These resources will help–and all titles are available digitally.

How Pulitzer Prize Winner Jericho Brown Wants Us To Read Poetry
By Barbara Hoffert
This year’s poetry winner talks about reading what’s on the page and a love for verse that started in the library.

Students Missing Sports? Try These Book and Streaming Suggestions for Grades Four to 12
By Kara Yorio
With no new games on the horizon for young athletes or fans in the immediate future, here's a list of books, movies, and streaming series to keep the sports-obsessed engaged.

Podcasts About Pets
By Anne Bensfield and Pamela Rogers
Pets are important companions to adults and children who are home during the pandemic. It’s a good time to tune in to pet-focused podcasts for some extra comfort and some fun, too.