How To Get Your Kids Reading

The Children’s Book Review | March 25, 2008

I was working at the bookstore a few days ago, when a father came in with his 8-year old daughter. The daughter had been invited to a birthday party with an interesting gift theme.  Instead of bringing gifts the children were asked to bring a book that they enjoyed reading and that could be donated to their school library. I had heard of people having book parties, but this was the first one with the donation twist. I started thinking about how this party would be helping to shape the kids involved—teaching them about sharing and being charitable … you probably already have your own thoughts about what a wonderful idea this is.

Knowing that the best way to influence reading is simply by having books around, here are some ways to get
more books in your child’s life:

-Let kids choose their own books from your local library or child-friendly bookstore (be on the lookout for story times).

-Join a book club (or start one).

-Start up a book swap with friends.

-Have a book theme for the next birthday party.

-Be sure to read a book (or chapter) with your children tonight!