Add an extra layer of flavor to any drink—from lemonade to the perfect dark ’n’ stormy—with this versatile yet easy ginger syrup, developed exclusively for RL at Home

1. Peel and coarsely chop the ginger and add to a blender. Blend until as smooth as possible.
2. Pour the contents into a fine mesh strainer set over a container. Use a ladle to push through all the juice. Set aside.
3. Bring water to a boil, then turn off the flame.
4. Add in the sugar immediately and stir until dissolved.
5. To finish, add the ginger juice in equal measure to the water and sugar mixture.
6. Add the syrup to ginger ale or lemonade, or as part of a Moscow mule or dark ’n’ stormy cocktail. The syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Don’t let the lack of physical proximity get in the way of staying connected to your favorite special kid. Here, a few of our favorite children’s books for your next Zoom story time

A few years back, Dr. Seuss’ last book, from 1990, had a brief moment as an oh-so-cute college-graduation-speech staple, but these days, its celebration of all the adventures to come should have extra resonance with anyone stuck at home, whether they’re 2 or 102. Same goes for its evocation of a land of limbo called “The Waiting Place.” Fortunately, Seuss writes, “Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing.” A dream we can all share!

There are countless reasons de Brunhoff’s 1931 book is a true children’s classic (No. 1 on our list: Babar’s elegant getup of derby hat, bow tie, shoes with spats, and suit in a “becoming shade of green”), but what makes it especially nice for digitally sharing are all the trés charmant names, which are extra fun to read aloud. Start with this, the first book, then go through the entire series and you’ll encounter such names as ... Babar, Celeste, Cornelius, Zephir, Dr. Capoulosse, Podular the sculptor, Ramatur the rhino, August the hippo, and the four elephant children—Pom, Flora, Alexander, and Isabelle!

With its simple and irresistible call-and-response structure, Willems’ 2004 Caldecott Honoree engineers a kind of story-time role reversal, putting the narrator—you!—into the role of pleading pigeon (“I tell you what: I’ll just steer. ... What’s the big deal!? ... It’s just a bus!!!”) while your young audience will find themselves falling into the role of authority figure who’s in charge of keeping the bus safe—and pigeon-free—when the actual driver is away.

It can be tricky to make a story come to life via a flat computer screen, but Robert Sabuda’s intricate and dazzling pop-ups—one for each book in C.S. Lewis’ timeless series—solve that by quite literally popping off the page. The copy is minimal, which gives you plenty of opportunity to extemporize and to bring Lewis’ fantastical tales to life in your own way.

The tale of a big, strong Spanish bull who’d rather sit and smell the flowers in the shade of a cork tree than fight with the matadors in Madrid is a welcome reminder that there are better ways to channel one’s pent-up energy than conflict with brothers, sisters, moms, or dads!

This 2000 classic, which tells the story of a young girl, er … pig, who’s very good at a lot of things—including wearing people out, should have extra resonance with kids at home as well as moms and dads juggling work and home-school. And Olivia’s Jackson Pollock–inspired wall painting serves as both an idea for an at-home art project and a welcome lesson: Don’t break out the paintbrushes without Mom or Dad’s supervision!