Blogging A to Z: Fun

What’s one of the biggest reasons kids don’t become lifelong readers? Because reading isn’t fun. It’s that simple, kids don’t find reading to be fun, so why would they choose to do it? So as a parent, teacher, family member, how do we make reading a fun activity for kids? How do we find books that kids will want to read?

Are you having fun?

The first step is to being having fun yourself. I’ve got a perfect example for you, I’ve done storytime for years. Sometimes I chose books based on a theme, other times I chose books based on how much I loved the story. The books, that I enjoyed reading myself, regardless of theme, always went over better with my storytime crowd. It was purely because I was enjoying myself and that joy was evident to the kiddos.

So, parents, have fun reading with your kids. It’s not a chore, you are lucky that you can get to spend time with your awesome kid reading together. Make a choice to push aside all the other things on your to-do list and enjoy the time together. Before you know it, that little one snuggling with you is going to grow up. It’s not easy to ignore the dirty dishes in the sink, the pile of laundry, and your phone dinging with emails. But, I promise you, it’s important.

Additional ideas

How else can you make reading fun? Try voices. This isn’t something that I can usually do. I end up forgetting which character has which voice! But, if you can do voices, it makes reading so fun! What about creating a blanket fort? Make reading aloud a special occasion with a tent and picnic! Extend your reading by planing an art project to go along with a story. Or incorporate a story into your errands. Heading to the grocery store? Read a story about vegetables and pick up a new veggie to try for dinner!

There are dozens of ways you can make reading a fun experience for your kiddos. But remember, that you need to be having fun. It’s almost as if you give your child to have fun when they see you having a good time.

Fun is something that means something different to everyone! With that in mind, I’m sharing some silly books, books that can make you feel strong and powerful, some sweet and cute books, and others! Find the type of books that make reading fun for your family!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Book List #6 – Fun

1. 1 Big Salad: A Delicious Counting Book by Juana Medina
   Try creating your own amazing vegetable and fruit animals just like the illustrator!
2. A Caravan of Camels by Christopher Robbins, illustrated by Nichola Cowdery
   An alphabet book that is full of puns is my type of humor!
3. I Love You, Baby Burrito by Angela Dominguez
   A sweet and snuggly story about the love of a new baby.
4. Let’s Have a Dog Party by Mikela Prevost
   A birthday party should have all your favorite things, not your best friend’s favorite things!
5. Megan Rapinoe (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Paulina Morgan
   Learn about World Champion soccer star, Megan Rapinoe in an easily accessible biography for little kids.
6. Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
   A kite gets stuck in a tree, followed by a shoe, and a second shoe… you get the idea!
7. Swap! by Steve Light
   With intricate pen and ink illustrations, this is one you’ll want to pay particular attention to!
8. Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind by Jessica Hische
   The typography (fonts) in this book are breathtaking and a wonderful reminder about the power of kindness.
9. Turtle Walk by Matt Phelan
   Explore the seasons with this slow and steady family of turtles.
10. Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman
    It’s vegetables. In underwear. You don’t really need to know anymore!
11. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
    Water is a valuable resource that must be protected – this gorgeous book shows how one young water protector stands up.
12. What Will Grow? by Jennifer Ward, illustrated by Susie Ghahremani
    Learn about seeds and what grows from them in this STEM-focused picture book.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles on this list, please use my affiliate link for Bookshop.org. When you purchase from this link, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

For the month of April, I’ll be sharing early literacy tips and book lists as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Learn about the importance of early literacy and ways to incorporate tips and tricks into your family’s daily routine. Developing language skills before kids head to school helps them to be ready to learn when they reach school-age. In addition to great content, you’ll also get a new book list for each letter, resulting in over 300 board book and picture book suggestions for your family to enjoy!