R is for . . .
Reading is good for you. That’s what everyone says – parents, carers, teachers.
On the one hand, they’re right. It’s a proven fact! Reading makes you happier, it supports your learning at school, and it makes it easier to talk to people too.
However, it doesn’t feel that way when you’re ploughing through a book you’ve been ordered to read. That’s when reading can become a chore, very quickly indeed.
Do you want to find out how to wake up your reading mojo? Then read on…
Experiment to find your reading ‘yay’!
Experimenting is fun. It’s even better when there’s no risk involved.
The best way to enjoy books is to test them out. That’s where a library becomes a real place of wonder. You can scoop up a glorious bundle of books, and try out new authors, new genres, different ways of reading. If you don’t like that story about a magical watermelon, no problem – just return it! It’s completely risk-free, and the easiest way to find out what you do like.
For example, if you love gorgeous illustrations, a book like The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane might be perfect for you. If you’re looking for something funny, one of Andy Stanton’s Mr Gum books could be just the ticket. Keep visiting your library, keep grabbing those books, and find out what sort of a reader you really are.
Talk books
If you love a book, recommend it to others! Then, when they’ve read it too, have a chat about it. Perhaps you both agree it’s the best book ever. However, your friend might not like it at all. That’s okay, though. In fact, that’s good – because you have a chance to have a lively debate about it.
The same can be said for parents and carers, your teachers, and library staff. People love talking about books – especially the ones they feel strongly about; their favourites and the ones they can’t stand. Get talking, get exploring, and hoover up all those great book recommendations.
Follow the reading trail
Books are a bit like breadcrumbs. You can follow them like a trail! Let’s say you love the Harry Potter series. Did you know that there are lots of other books about magic schools? Why not follow the trail and see what other stories you can discover? For example, Ursula Le Guinn was one of the first authors to write about young wizards. Jill Murphy’s Worst Witch books are loved by children around the world, thanks to their funny tales of the hapless Mildred Hubble.
Wizards might not be your thing, and that’s okay. We’ve all got different tastes, and that’s part of the fun. Remember, you can test out all sorts of books, and soon, you’ll find one that you adore.
See how far you can follow your own ‘reading trail’. Ask your parent or carer to help you search for books online or ask a member of library staff for some tips.
Join in with our Secret Book Quest
Sometimes, it’s fun to set yourself challenges, and reading is no different! Do you think you can read 50 whole books? Go on, have a go!
The Secret Book Quest (available in your local Libraries Unlimited library) is free – you'll receive a booklet, stickers, two certificate and a fun pin badge when you complete the challenge. You’ll also feel really good about yourself, because reading 50 books is an incredible achievement.
Books make us happy
The best thing about reading is that it makes us happy. Books take us places. We meet new characters, get swept up in exciting plots, and sometimes laugh out loud.
Once reading stops being work and becomes a hobby, that’s where the magic starts. And the best place to get going on your book adventure? Your local library, of course!
Good luck on your reading journey… who knows where it might lead you?
