Resources for encouraging reading
There are mixed feelings about reading in the Brown household, but one thing we hold in common is the value of learning. Reading is such a good way to learn, so we work to make reading enjoyable. We think that all reading counts, including audiobooks, read-aloud videos, and content about reading. When it comes to encouraging reading, here are a few of our favorite things:
Read Aloud Videos
Storyline Online - This website has great videos of actors reading children’s books. The videos are also available here on YouTube. Still, the best part about the site, in my opinion, is that they provide activity guides for each video. The activities range from art projects to themed meals.
Story Time with Ryan and Craig - They add extra silliness and commentary, which could be a pro or con depending on how you feel about it. I really like that Ryan and Craig do great voices and model interacting with the text. My kids always read with more expression after listening to Ryan and Craig.
Story Time with Pastor Kellen - We might be biased because we know Kellen. Evan especially loves putting on his focus goggles before the story starts. I think Kellen started this series when the pandemic started and has been adding weekly videos.
Grover reads the monster at the end of the book. This channel does not have a lot of videos, but this book of Grover reading his own book is too fun to leave off the list.
Podcasts for Kids:
We are still new to the world of kid podcasts and I (Andrea) sometimes struggle with many of them because I find the noise, sound effects, and all around craziness to be just too much. I have found the time invested in finding ones I am ok listening to has been helpful. It is a great screen-free way of engaging in learning or entertainment. Even though our kids are 4 years apart, this is one way to get them both engaged in activity and give me 30-60 minutes of time to work. Sophia likes to listen while we are driving or while doing art. Evan likes to listen while playing with playdough mats, kinetic sand, or legos.
Kids Videos about Reading with Expression
Podcasts for Adults
Read Aloud Revival has a podcast and free book lists with many additional products for premium subscribers. We have only used their free content, but I hear good things about the premium options. You can find their podcasts on your favorite player. The website offers book lists and a podcast listener guide with minute markers for different topics covered in the episode.
What Should I Read Next - This podcast is great for adults looking for book recommendations. In each episode, she interviews a person who shares their most and least favorite books. She then makes recommendations for what they should read next.
Finding Books (without spending a fortune)
Libraries might seem like the obvious choice. Still, we did not use our local library much for the longest time, so I'm starting this list with library tips. There are lots of other ways to get free or inexpensive books. I'm adding a few of our favorites but would love to hear your ideas.
Library book holds - If convenience is high on your list, check if your local library has a book hold system. We have learned to love the library holds. I can get online, put the books I know we want on hold, and then browse the stacks for a few minutes if we have extra time. I used to only put a book on hold if I wanted it, but someone else had it first. Now we start with book holds, and browsing is just a bonus. (note* during the pandemic our library has been closed, but they just opened recently for hold pick-up only. One more reason to try putting books on hold)
Digital books & audiobooks from the library - Our local library uses two different systems to access digital books and audiobooks. Go to your local library website and see if this is a service your library offers. For us, all we need is our library login. On the Libby app, for example, Sophia and I can both enter our library cards in the same app, which lets us borrow up to 20 e-books/audiobooks at a time. They also have a hold system similar to physical books. The great thing is everything is returned on time, so you are borrowing books, but there are never late fees. If you live in Shasta County, CA, here is the link for our local library.
Little neighborhood libraries - Our dentist, optometrist, and school offices have mini book libraries in front. You know, the kind that looks like a big birdhouse with doors where you can take and leave books for free? Be on the lookout for local ones. They are a great way to try a book you might not have paid for, and to share books you have finished with other readers.
Thrift stores, garage sales and craigslist - these ideas might be obvious, but I add them because I always seem to forget that this is an option. Our local thrift store often has books at .50 cents. This is one of my favorite ways to take my kids book shopping. I can say yes to all the books when I am not paying $14.99 for a book. Even if the book ended up being terrible, they get the experience of finding and buying their own books, which always seems to encourage more reading.
Local used book stores - This tip is tricky because access will depend on where you live, but a quick google search will probably help you out. In Redding, we love Cal's books. Cal's books has used and antique books at great prices. One of our favorite features is that they give you credit for donated books, so you can buy a book, read it, and return it to get credit toward your next purchase. Cal's has been great for finding classics and middle-grade chapter books, but we haven't even touched the full extent of the shop.
Book deal email lists - This will not help if you want a specific title, but I have found some books I love through email alerts about current sales. Just be careful how many you sign up for if you tend to get inbox overwhelm like me. I cut my lists subscriptions down to two. My favorite is this one from Anne Bogle at The Modern Mrs. Darcy (I like that this is curated by an actual person I know). You can also find her updated lists here on amazon. The other list is from BookBub. I like that you can customize the kinds of books you to hear about, so you are more likely to find books you like. You can also follow specific authors and get notifications when their books are on sale.
UPDATE
Ask your library if they can buy it - Until recently I thought it was by magic that books are added to libraries. It never occurred to me to just ask my librarian (I also don't ask employees for things I can't find in a grocery store, so maybe this is a personal problem). I will spare you the whole story, but did you know that your library can buy a book because you want to read it!? This is changing my life.
That's it for now. Check back for updates. If you have favorites that we have missed, leave a comment or send us a message so we can add it to the list.