A key component of reading is, well, books! And if your child doesn’t have any they want to read they won’t read. Period.
So it is vital that your child has access to books they want to read. All The. Time. Especially if they are hesitant to read in the first place.
With this in mind, I have created a list of hints and tips to help your child to pick books for themselves, along with some bonus tips on how to pick books for them yourself.
No pressure to pick
Make sure your child knows there is no pressure to pick a book at all. You are just going for a look, and if they pick it’s a bonus.
This can help to pick more enjoyable books as they are likely to buy books they actually want to read, rather than picking books for the sake of it.
Money Is No Object
At least at first, focusing on the price of the books will deter your child from picking the more expensive ones, that they may want more.
While many book shops can be expensive, we would argue that it is worth it to encourage them to pick books that will help them enjoy reading.
Once they develop an enjoyment of reading, you can get them to finance their reading habit themselves, at least partially.
Try The Library First
Connected to the above points, why not go to the library first? This halves any pressure they may be feeling, as it is free and if they don’t finish the book(s) they choose, so what? It’s not the end of the world.
This can also ‘train’ them to be able to choose more enjoyable books for themselves and prepares them for a bookshop situation.
Give Them some Space
No one likes to be watched. Try to bring your child to a quiet shop, and step away to do your own thing close by as long as they are comfortable with that.
This will give your child more freedom and comfort in their searching. I know I still prefer to have no one watching me choosing books, although that’s usually because I have way too many to be normal .
Prepare beforehand
You want to set yourself up for success. Ask your child beforehand to just have an idea of the kind of books they are looking for, and maybe one or two titles/authors to look into.
Make sure they are not too caught up on the list, however. It is just a guideline and not the any books they can look at
Are they having trouble knowing what to look for? Try Goodreads. Goodreads is a website where you can review books and they can recommend books for you to read.
Want more information about Goodreads? Read our review.
✨ Accessorize✨
Want to make book shopping more fun? Why not accessorize? (jazz hands)
If you aren't having much success in the book buying department, why not get them to look at the other products in the shop?
These can be easier to buy, and leaves both of you feeling better about the whole experience, because at least you’re walking away with something.
Consider online shopping 😉
You didn’t think that you were gonna dodge this bullet did you?
In all seriousness, however, shopping online for books is something to look into. It takes away a lot of time pressure, and it is more likely to have the book your child wants (if any).
It can also save you a bit of money, too. There are a good few online second-hand book shops with books for children, including ours.
Ok, that’s it. No more self-advertising for the rest of the article, we promise. 😁
Don't judge
Unless it’s an inappropriate book, who are you to judge what your child is reading? Always remember, the fact that they are reading is 100 times more important than the actual book they are reading.
No Time Pressure
No one likes to feel rushed, and this is especially true when picking books, as they require a good amount of consideration.
When you are going book shopping, make sure you have adequate time to spend in the shop and don’t voice or even imply any rush (even if there is one!)
BONUS TIPS
These tips are for if you are ever looking for books for your child without them.
Talk To Them
Talk to your child before you go. What do they like? What do they dislike? Pick as similar as possible to the first, and avoid the second.
You can also try Goodreads, as suggested above, if you know how they feel about specific books. It can also be a good way to find any more books by an author.
Observe Friends & Trends
What are their friends reading (if anything)? What is trending for their age group (look on Goodreads)?
Try to pick books similar to or the same as these. This can be a difficult tip to follow, as trends are quite fickle and can change on a week to week basis, but try your best.
Look For Your Own Favourites
This can be a double-edged sword. Is your child similar to the younger you? If they are, this is probably a safe bet. If not, steer clear.
And when looking for your favourites, try to go for engaging, but not too wordy.
Take recommendations
What are the bookshops recommending? What about Goodreads?
Other children’s book book blogs? (and hopefully ours in future 😁)
While these might not suit every child, they can be helpful if you are unsure what to get them.
Reading is an important, even essential, passtime. It is educational, fun and can help increase empathy.
But it can’t be any of these things if your child doesn’t have books they want to read. Then it becomes a chore. And so, learning to buy books they will enjoy is important.
Best of luck!
Saoirse xx
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