February finally resembles the Februaries I remember: Snow and lots of it! Perfect reading weather!
My kids loved the snow! They would build forts and lob snow balls at each other, sled down the slope behind our house, and skate the frozen creek. After tending to their livestock they would hit the house rosy-cheeked and tired. After a cup of steaming hot-chocolate they would find a good book and read. How did I get them to do that? We had a no daytime TV rule, and the computer was for homework, and my husband and I both read for enjoyment….we still do, and so do my adult children.
I often get asked how do I get my kids to read? Well I’ll be quite blunt, kids learn from example. If you read as a family activity kids will learn to love it too: If you don’t read and their friends don’t either, chances are they never will learn to love it and only read as they must.
Out-door play even when it’s cold uses un-spent energy, can be good fun and a great stress reliever. The tranquil beauty of a new snowfall is a perfect time to try a winter walk yourself and see what I mean. It has a calming effect and rejuvenates at the same time, and once inside, down time is a perfect time to READ a book. Computer social networking sites and TV games can eat up free time if you let it. Try setting a family reading hour before or after other activities and not just at bedtime, but if reading becomes a chore or a must-do-thing….kids woun’t enjoy it and you won’t either.
For those hot NEW reads I mentioned, kids books include ”Gingersnap’ by Patricia Reiliy” (ages 8-9): For kids a bit older; ”Navigating Early” by Clare Vanderpool; “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate; and a new book on “Amelia Earhart” by Robin S. Dork.
Some of the NEW books for adults include “The Time Keeper” by Mitch Albom; “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes; the newest from David Baldacci, ”The Forgotten”; and in honor of President’s Day “Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker” by Jennifer Chiaverini
If there are books you or authors you would like to see us shelve here at RCL, please let me know as I am now adding more new books to our collection.
Come in and find something “hot” to read while waiting out this cold winter weather. See ya soon! Riley City Library