How to Hook Your Kids on Books

I recently read How to Hook Your Kids on Books; Create a love for reading that will last a lifetime, by Karen O'Connor. It was a real quick read that basically lists ideas of how to saturate your family life with books.

Some of the ideas, like visit the library often, were no-brainers, but she also had a lot of ideas that would definitely make reading more exciting. Some of my favorites were:

Mingle books and toys. Especially with babies and toddlers, let them get their hands on the books. Add books to the toy box, or leave a basket of books on the floor where they can reach it and throw in a few toys. This way kids learn right away that books are fun.

Build a home library. I told my husband that as soon as Calvin can hold a hammer he should do this. Have your kids help you build or assemble a simple book shelf. Then paint it. This will give them an extra sense of pride over where they keep their books and it will be a fun memory to share.

Decorate with books. You can get book posters by contacting the publicity department of any major children's book publishers. Another fun suggestion was to make a mobile based on the characters in a book.

Organize reading and writing parties.

Get a pen pal or write a letter to a favorite author.

It would be cool if everyone's family was as into books as O'Connor's. Leave a comment with any other ideas to make reading more fun than it already is.