There is no such thing as a child who hates to read;
there are only children who have not found the right book.
- Frank Serafini
I hope you are enjoying the summer with your family, Reader. I am soaking up sun and time with my kids, welcoming neighborhood children to my home and trying my best to get in a little bit of work when I can! One of our favorite activities to do in the summer is participate in our local library’s reading program. My kids have already read their needed books to get their prizes! I’m so proud of how they are growing into readers.
I believe your child–every child–can learn to love reading. It’s all about trying a variety of books, and helping them find the right books for them. You might be surprised by what books spark their interest, but try exploring your local library or bookstore and letting them pick a book of their own choosing. When they have a say in what they read, it is empowering.
You might not love the same books as they do. In fact, I don’t really care for the Dog Man books by Dav Pilkey, but guess what? My son is so proud that he can read a book with chapters all by himself. He thinks they’re funny. He will spend a long time sitting and reading to himself (which he usually doesn’t do). So, you know what? I will let him check out as many Dog Man books as he wants from the library. His learning to love reading is more valuable to me than having every book he reads be a well-written classic. There will be time for those, once he has fallen in love with books!
Is this book too hard for my child?
As you are trying to help your child pick books, you can try using The Five Finger Test.
- Open to a random page of the book
- Have your child read it (or listen to you read it)
- While reading, the child holds up a finger for each word they don’t know
0-1 fingers: Too easy
2-3 fingers: Just right
4+ fingers: Save for later
Dig in for more: Reading Milestones by Age
Author/Illustrator Updates:
This month you can come to my free storytime event:
July 16 at 10am – Guthrie Green, Tulsa OK
I’m continuing work on my next picture book. This one features a very spunky hero who has to confront a new villain… her new baby brother! I can’t wait for you to see it all, but until then… here’s a small sample!
Book Reviews:
Looking for a hilarious picture book your kids will love? Read this review of The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex—an epic, laugh-out-loud tale perfect for read-alouds and playtime fun. (Read full review)
Looking for a heartwarming early reader? Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel is a charming collection of short stories perfect for young readers learning to read independently. Discover why this classic still captures hearts. (Read full review)
Discover the hilarious and heartwarming world of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, the magical woman who always knows how to cure children’s bad habits. A must-read early chapter book for elementary kids filled with timeless humor and charm. (Read full review)
Looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with a grumpy neighbor? A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming, unforgettable story of unexpected friendship and second chances. (Read full review)
Until next time,
Charlotte Glaze
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