October is National Book Month, the perfect time to share your passion for reading with others. Whether your young one is an avid reader or just starting their bookish journey, this month offers a wonderful opportunity to help them fall in love with books even more. But how do you make the most of it? Here are seven unique and fun ways to celebrate National Book Month!
1. Host a Family Read-Aloud Night
Gather the family, turn off the screens, and pick a book everyone can enjoy together. Whether it's a classic fairy tale, a spooky ghost story, or a funny chapter book, reading aloud as a family creates memories and sparks great discussions. Make it extra fun with cozy blankets, snacks, and a themed activity afterward!
2. Organize a Book Swap Party
Invite friends, neighbors, or family members to bring books they’ve finished and are ready to pass along. Each person can share why they loved the book they’re offering, and then everyone swaps for a new read! You can even wrap the books for a fun "mystery" pick and host the party in person or virtually.
3. Create Your Own Reading Marathon
Challenge yourself by inviting yourself, a friend, or a family member to join in a reading marathon! Set a goal for the number of books or chapters you plan to read in a day, weekend, or even for the whole month. Keep track of your progress with a chart and reward yourself with small treats or prizes when you reach milestones.
4. Start a Book Journal
If you love reflecting on what you’ve read, start a book journal. Write down thoughts about your favorite characters, memorable quotes, or plot twists you didn’t see coming. This can be a great way to remember the stories you’ve loved and track how your reading habits evolve over time.
5. Plan a Literary-Themed Craft Day
Combine reading with hands-on creativity by making crafts inspired by your favorite books. For instance, if you're reading a nature story, create a leaf animal collage (like in this month's REACH guide featuring Autumn in the Forest by Christine Copeland), or if it's a fantasy novel, make your own magical wands or bookmarks! Crafts bring stories to life and give kids a fun, creative outlet after reading.
6. FaceTime a Reading Buddy
One of the best ways to share the love of reading is by connecting with someone else. Find a reading buddy—whether it's a grandparent, a friend, or even a distant relative—and read a book together over FaceTime. You can discuss the book afterward and strengthen bonds through shared stories, no matter how far apart you are. You can check out all of the previous REACH guides for ideas!
7. Rescue a Stuffed Animal and Read to It!
A fun way to encourage younger readers to pick up a book is by adopting a stuffed animal that "needs" to be read to! The Rescue Readers Project is perfect for this—kids can adopt a cuddly companion and commit to reading for 20 minutes a day to their new friend. It’s an adorable way to make reading fun and build a routine.
I don't quite have a store online for it yet, but if you'd like to rescue a reader, reach out to me by email and we can figure something out.
National Book Month is all about celebrating the love of reading and fostering connections through stories. Whether you’re reading with family, swapping books with friends, or opening the first chapter of a new literary adventure on your own, these activities will help you get the most out of this special month.
How are you planning to celebrate National Book Month? Share your ideas or tag me in your reading posts—I’d love to hear from you!
Happy Reading!
Donna B.
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