As parents, we all have those moments when we just need a minute—to make dinner, answer emails, or simply take a breath. And sometimes, the way we get that moment is through screen time. There’s no shame in that! What matters is being intentional about what we press play on.

The good news? There are plenty of free options that not only keep kids engaged but also add value to their day. The Libby app and Kanopy app give you access to tons of books, read-alouds, and thoughful films—at no extra cost or guilt.

Films

Shooom’s Odyssey

2019 | 24min

Shooom, an owl hatchling, falls from her nest after a storm turns her bayou home upside down. Carrying her unhatched sibling along, she sets off to find a mother.

Reef School

2022 | 1hr 52min

Welcome to Reef School, where every day is an underwater adventure. Join Mr. Flip as he introduces young learners to the extraordinary wonders of a coral reef!

Edmond and Lucy

2022 | 2hr 13min

Edmond the squirrel and Lucy the bear cub share one of the best playmates: nature! As brother and sister, their daily adventures unfold in the forest near the majestic chestnut tree they call home.

Finding Free Fun

2022 | 07min

Free fun is a magical thing—something you have to find on your own. Follow Zayn as he discovers the joy of slowing down and finding fun in life’s everyday moments.

The Mountain

2024 | 1hr 29min

A fearless young girl, Sam, raised outside of her Māori culture, is determined to connect with her ancestral mountain in hopes of healing from cancer. Along the way, she finds new friendships and the true spirit of adventure.

Books

Early Readers

Worms Are Our Friends by Toni D’Alia, Mimi Purnell

This sweet read introduces nature-lovers to the role one tiny worm plays in keeping our ecosystems thriving. A gentle, educational story for curious little minds.

The Big Cheese by Jory John, Pete Oswald
🎧 Audiobook

Big Cheese is used to being the best at everything—until a quiet new kid takes the win in the annual Cheese-cathlon. Tag along as Big Cheese learns a funny, humbling lesson about what really matters.

See the Cat by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
🎧 Audiobook

Max is not a cat—he’s a dog! But the book insists otherwise. In this trio of clever tales, Max hilariously argues with the narrator and proves he’s anything but ordinary.

School Agers

Laughter is the Best Ending by Maryam Master

Zee is a documentary-loving 13-year-old who’s totally okay with being different. When her parents send her to a holiday camp to make friends, she finds herself wrapped up in a nail-biting mystery she never saw coming.

Aggie Flea Steals the Show by Tania Ingram, A. Yi

Aggie’s wild imagination often gets her into even wilder trouble. With the school play approaching, she’s determined to land a big role—if only she can survive without a disaster.

Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger by Jackie French

Twelve-year-old Tigg is on the run, disguised as a survivor of an attack on his community. But new dangers emerge as he learns there’s a hefty reward out for his capture.

*Title availability may vary.

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