• by Melynda Fuller , March 24, 2020

In response to COVID-19, Parents magazine and Penguin Random House are moving up the launch of their nationwide family reading movement: “Read Together, Be Together.” The campaign was originally planned debut this summer.

The campaign is supported by virtual story-time programming beginning this week. Programs include story times with bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators and celebrity readers, including Misty Copeland, Danica McKellar and Scott Kelly and B.J. Novak.

A dedicated website accompanies the campaign and includes reading tips for parents and caregivers developed with Parents alongside age-specific reading lists.

The full campaign will launch this summer and will include exclusive editions of classic titles from Penguin Random House and a children’s book column from Parents, which will also publish a reading-issue in August.

“Now more than ever, reading together is a comforting way to connect with our kids,” stated Julia Edelstein, EIC of Parents. “Books can transport them to different worlds, spark their curiosity, and make them laugh. Celebrating the magic of stories has always been part of our brand’s DNA, and we’re delighted to be partnering with Penguin Random House to bring even more content to families.”

Penguin Random House is also donating 750,000 books to nonprofit First Book as part of the campaign. First Book provides books and educational resources to children who lack tech access and are at risk during school and childcare facility closures, due to COVID-19.

Kyle Zimmer, president-CEO-cofounder of First Book, stated: “We know from experience that kids having books and story time at home helps create a sense of normalcy sorely needed in the midst of this crisis. First Book is working to ensure that kids in need across the country have books at home during this time while most are out of school.”