Summer Displays

I am always amazed at how fast books (any books) which are placed on display will get scooped up by patrons looking for their next favorite read.  I could just put an assortment of books out on easels and people would check them out.... but where's the fun in that?  

Here are a few of my latest displays, just for fun.

Dr. Seuss on the Loose!

Seuss books on display with home-made Trufulla Trees.  The only challenge with this eye catching display is keeping it stocked.  I stole the Trufulla Tree directions from this blog: 

                           

These were so much fun to make and really brighten up a book display. 

Better Together!

I find that many people request the print book along with the audio so that they can read along as they listen.  I wrapped these up into a pretty little display. It's a fantastic time saver and it looks super cute.               Give yourself the gift of reading!

 Easy-Peasy a book, an audio and some curling ribbon. 

The MVD (Most Valuable Display)

I work with the public school to get a copies of their recommended summer reading lists.  I have copies of the list available and we pull all the books (that are in) and put them on display together by school.  This saves staff time and is SO CONVENIENT for patrons who are searching for these titles. Having the lists here at the public library has been an amazing tool, many people forget them at home and are relieved to find that we have them. Totally makes us look like ROCK STARS!

 Don't Judge a Book by its Cover! 

Who hasn't heard this sage advice?  This displays doesn't allow any judging.  We covered up some of those books that have less than appealing covers.  The inside flap descriptions are copied and pasted onto the back so patrons can make their selections based on what the book is about, not by its cover.  We let them unwrap it after they read the book.  SO.MUCH.FUN!!

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday Everyone! I'm jumping on the Teach.Mentor.Texts (teachmentortexts.com) meme bandwagon. I love seeing what everyone else is reading and I have been reading some great stuff too. Here is what I've been up to:

 

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead- Quirky & Wonderful!

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susan Nielsen- One of my favorites for 2012! Click HERE to see my brief review.

Another fine addition to the "Guys Read" series. My Red Sox loving soul especially liked Dan Gutman's contribution. Thanks to Walden Pond Press for the ARC of this one.

  Wishing you all a week full of wonderful books! See you next Monday.

Helping Children Meet the Right Book

I encounter many parents who are concerned that their child is not interested in reading. Through many conversations with kids and parents I have discovered a few reasons why. Some kids prefer to experience life directly rather than through reading about someone else’s experiences. Other kids find it hard to sit still long enough to read for any length of time. And think about the competition! For many kids, books seem like inadequate entertainment when compared with video games, the Internet, television and other extra curricular activities. Sometimes well meaning adults place persistent stress on the child to read constantly which can be counterproductive. We want our kids to be better readers so we make them read. They are struggling with reading so they do not want to read. Reading becomes a battleground and is not associated with pleasure but viewed as a chore. Whatever the reason, the fact remains; some kids prefer not to read. So what can we do about it?


Give Them Freedom of Choice- Whether it is a cereal box, a comic, a magazine or a novel…it is all reading. Let them read their favorite series books too. It might not be great literature, but their predictable themes and familiar characters will instill confidence and help your child prepare for more substantial reading down the road.

Play to Their Passion- Whether its trucks, horses or Sponge Bob your child has had a fascination with something and likely there is a book about it. Find it. If they are interested in it, they will read it or at least make the connection that there is something worthwhile and interesting inside of a book.


Give Audio a Go- No, it is not cheating. Your child may not be reading the words, but an audio book is a great way to expose students to books that would otherwise be beyond their reading ability. It will also challenge their vocabulary and comprehension skills as well as model wonderful reading aloud. Try pairing a print book with an audio book so your child can follow along as they listen.


Make a Connection-I believe that kids who do not read simply have not met the right book yet. When you understand the message of the story, use imagination while reading and think critically about the content, then you have made a connection with the book. Making these connections are what makes us love them and what makes us love to read. Once you read a book and have this type of experience, you are naturally going to crave more. When you crave more, you read more, when you read more you become more skilled at the practice. Unfortunately there is no one magic book which is going to hook every kid; however, we can help our kids find the right one. Respect your child’s likes and dislikes and be supportive of their choices. As your child samples new reading material they will become more discriminating in their own reading choice and development.

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Nielsen

Henry and his father are forced to pack up and move to a new city after Henry's brother commits an unspeakable crime. Grief stricken, lonely and confused, Henry is forced into therapy and given a journal which he (reluctantly) begins to write in. Through Henry's journal the story of what happened slowly unfolds. Henry is a responsible but confused young teen with an authentic and, at times, wryly humorous voice. This book beautifully blends drama and humor in a thoughtful and achingly poignant way. The cast of quirky characters charmed me and I missed Henry as soon as I finished the book. Beautifully done! Suggested for kids ages 12 & up. Review copy provided by Netgalley; Published by Tundra Books, September 11, 2012.