Free Online Resources for Teachers and Librarians

by Maddie Hughes

We know many of you are looking for resources and tools to help your students and patrons while your schools and libraries are closed. We have a number of free digital resources available on this site, and elsewhere around the internet, that you should feel free to use and share.

Meet Ellie and Friends

Ellie is an elephant and talented artist who lives at the zoo. There, along with wise gorilla Gerald and sweet giraffe Lucy, Ellie helps to make life better for all the zoo animals. In Ellie Makes a Friend, the newest picture book in the series, a panda has joined the zoo, and just like Ellie, she’s an artist! Ellie is thrilled to make a new friend, but with everyone so impressed by Ping’s distinctive painting skills, Ellie starts to question her own talent. As she learns more about her new friend from China, though, Ellie finds that a fresh perspective can lead to new inspiration–and maybe something wonderful they can create together!

We were lucky enough to have the author and illustrator Mike Wu (and his daughter) read from Ellie Makes a Friend.

And now that you’ve read (heard? seen?) the book, use it to support Social and Emotional Learning. We have everything you need in our online educator’s guide.

And see this article for a great Q&A with Mike Wu about his inspiration and creative process.

Author Videos

Our super creative authors are making great online content perfect for keeping kids engaged at home. Want to get kids writing or doodling? Want to see a day in the life of an illustrator? Look no further.

Volcanic Writing with Carlos Hernandez

Get those creative juices flowing with this hilarious, insightful writing lesson targeted to kids in grades 4-7 from Carlos Hernandez, author of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe.

Studio Time with Ryan T. Higgins

Get a glimpse into the daily life and creative process of Mother Bruce author/illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.

LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems

Every weekday at 1:00 p.m. ET, join Mo Willems in his studio for a LUNCH DOODLE. Mo will be demonstrating how to draw favorite characters like The Pigeon and Elephant and Piggie, and offering inspiration for viewers to doodle on their own.

More From Mo: 

If you are sharing Mo’s books virtually with your classroom or library, support the learning with activity sheets that can be downloaded and shared. Here are a few that can be found on our website:

For temporary digital book sharing permissions/guidelines: https://twitter.com/The_Pigeon/status/1239237352935116801?s=20

If you are looking for support teaching Elephant & Piggie or Elephant & Piggie Like Reading titles, these online teacher’s guides offer plenty of ideas for activities kids can do at home:

Elephant & Piggie

Elephant & Piggie Like Reading

And for even more Mo, check out the website Pigeon Presents for videos, downloadable activities, and games.

Additional Resources: 

Online Teacher’s Guides – resources tied to Common Core and SEL standards that can be used to teach students ranging in age from 3-12, depending on the title

Disney Publishing Worldwide Learning Magazine Microsite – teacher’s guides and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) activities available for download

DisneyBooks YouTube Channel – author interviews, book trailers, and fun videos

Activity Sheets – downloadable reproducible activity sheets

You can also check out these sites for more from some of our authors:

Rick Riordan/Rick Riordan Presents:

Ryan T. Higgins

We will continue to update this site as more resources become available. If you have any questions, please reach out to childrens.marketing@disney.com. We are happy to help in any way we can!