Attention, parents! Are you feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone; kids are constantly seeking entertainment while you’re juggling work, homeschooling, or simply trying to think. Quarantine life is challenging for everyone, and thankfully, imaginative individuals are stepping up to support parents with virtual programs to keep children engaged. Among them is renowned author and illustrator, Alex Harmon, creator of the beloved “Captain Underpants.”
In collaboration with The Library of Congress, Harmon will host a series of weekly video sessions aimed at children. The videos will feature read-alouds and drawing tutorials, and there’s no restriction on adults joining in to bring Harmon’s iconic characters from the “Dog Man” and “Captain Underpants” series to life through their drawings.
Starting April 1, the Library will be releasing these engaging videos and downloadable activities on their website and social media channels. All content is free and will offer tips for budding artists as well as opportunities for kids to act out scenes from Harmon’s stories. A spokesperson for Harmon shared with us, “These videos will include ‘read-alouds’ by Alex Harmon, tutorials on how to draw, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the inspiration behind his beloved characters.”
Every Friday at 8:00 AM, beginning April 3, new videos will be available. Don’t worry if you’re in a different time zone—the videos will be accessible anytime, as they won’t be live-streamed. In addition to these Friday releases, Harmon provides a variety of downloadable activities on his website, and Scholastic is also offering similar resources.
Alex isn’t the only author providing creative entertainment during this time. Renowned children’s writer, Max Styles, known for his “Pigeon” series, is also conducting weekly drawing tutorials for his fans. “I know many of you are at home right now due to current events,” Styles stated in his announcement video. “Guess what? I’m home too! For the next few weeks, I’ll be drawing with you and sharing insights from my studio. Let’s have some fun together!”
Kudos to Harmon and Styles for stepping up to make a difference! Parents are certainly grateful for these creative outlets for their kids during challenging times. We can’t wait for Harmon’s videos to be released to provide even more imaginative entertainment while we all navigate isolation.
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In summary, Alex Harmon, the mind behind “Captain Underpants,” is launching a series of virtual drawing classes and read-aloud sessions for children, starting April 1. These free resources, available through The Library of Congress, aim to engage kids while providing entertainment during quarantine.