Contest: Win a Summer Reading Book Bundle!

Lobster Press and City Parent are giving away “Summer Reading Book Bundles” of Lobster's most popular kids' books.

Enter to win the “Summer Reading Book Bundles” for ages 3 – 7, for ages 8 – 12, and for ages 13 – 17, by Sunday, July 20th.

Feature: Mitigating the Reading Crisis One Book at a Time

Mitigating the Reading Crisis One Book at a Time
By Mahak Jain
Marketing Assistant

Much anxiety and biting of nails accompanied the news of a “reading crisis,” an industry illness as chronic as the cold. But librarians were not surprised by the the "Reading at Risk" report, which is available on the National Endowment for Arts's (NEA) web-site: "'It's something that librarians have known for decades,' said Ginger Bush, the director of patron services at the Minneapolis Public Library."

The report noted that a sharper rate of decline in reading occurred among individuals between the ages of 18-24 - young adults and future parents whose example may discourage their children from reading. Scholastic's 2008 Kids and Family Reading Report has reconfirmed this worrisome conclusion. The Scholastic study notes that "pleasure reading in children begins to decline at age eight and continues to do so into the teen years."

Why don't children read more? Do they hate reading? Do they find it boring?

Surprisingly, one of the top reasons children didn't read was that they found it difficult to find books they enjoyed. Other reasons include "too much homework" and "I would rather do other things." The first two reasons indicate that reading itself is not the problem - but it's not surprising that kids would rather do other things if we don't encourage them to read books they enjoy. Most importantly, our media-saturated society has not discouraged kids to read as much as we thought, so we need to turn our attention to discover what they do like to read.

Karen Louise Boothe, a spokesperson for the Minneapolis Public Library, noted in the SLJ article that "the public needs to understand that the definition of literature has broadened beyond the standard classics to include other genres—even Japanese manga." Similarly, Claire Fripp, elementary and middle school English teacher and mother of three, recognizes that it is crucial that parents let their children choose the books they want to read:

Forget your own ideas about what constitutes a “classic” and let them choose their own books from the list, if one has been provided by a teacher. All the books on the list have some merit or they would not have made the list in the first place. If your child hasn't been given a summer reading list, create one by browsing online. Make sure your child has a say in a list you create together - the plain truth is that if your child doesn’t like the book they won’t read it—would you?

But parents need to be involved in the process even after a visit to the library or a bookstore:

Once the books are at home and you see that they are collecting dust, your best bet to a hassle free reading summer is to share the reading. Depending on age and ability parents can read the book to the child, alternate reading one page with each other, or listen to your child read aloud a few pages and you finish up the chapter. All ages love to have a story read to them—some just show their joy more readily than others.

Seem like a lot of work for you this summer? Studies show that children with parents who are actively involved in their schooling process do better at school. By showing your interest and taking the time to read with your child you are demonstrating that reading has value; that reading can be fun; that reading is something you also do—not just something you say your child has to do.

Claire's article offers more tips that parents (and teachers and librarians) can use, but most importantly, her suggestions indicate that we must not let reports of a "reading crisis" paralyze us, but teach us. Kids want to read. Kids like to read.

Claire concludes with an important reminder: "Above all show that you are enjoying the reading. You never know, you may discover some new authors that will give your “classics” a run for their money." Here at Lobster Press, we have always known that the first step to building a love for reading is a great book - so take a look at our suggestions for books that your kids and you are sure to enjoy.

ARTICLE: Kids Read Too - How To Get the Pages Turning? by Claire Fripp

Get the Pages Turning
by Claire Fripp

Rights & International Sales Manager

Summer Reading List!

You can hear the groans from students and parents alike as every June the teachers merrily wave the students on their way to summer vacation with cries of, “Have fun! Play outside! Don’t forget your sunscreen! Read! Read! Read! You have books to read by September. ”

Why do schools do this? Research shows that children who read during the summer holidays do better in school. It’s that simple. These students not only do better in reading, but also in writing and spelling. By reading during those long, idle summer months students are doing themselves a favour. But try telling that to someone who just wants to sleep, swim, play and hang out!

What can parents do to encourage summer reading?

To get the reading off to a great start, let your reader pick the books. Forget your own ideas about what constitutes a “classic” and let them choose their own books from the list, if one has been provided by a teacher. All the books on the list have some merit or they would not have made the list in the first place. If your child hasn't been given a summer reading list, create one by browsing online. Make sure your child has a say in a list you create together - the plain truth is that if your child doesn’t like the book they won’t read it—would you?

Next, head to the store, or library, with two or three choices. Explain that while the title may sound catchy, it helps to read the back cover to see if the story sounds interesting. Ideally the first page should be read too. Then, and this is the hard part; stand back. Browse. Have a coffee. Stay close in case there are questions or the choice is overwhelming, but choosing one’s own book gives the reader ownership. That alone may go a long way to getting the book read without a fight.

How to get the pages turning ...

Once the books are at home and you see that they are collecting dust, your best bet to a hassle free reading summer is to share the reading. Depending on age and ability parents can read the book to the child, alternate reading one page with each other, or listen to your child read aloud a few pages and you finish up the chapter. All ages love to have a story read to them—some just show their joy more readily than others.

Seem like a lot of work for you this summer? Studies show that children with parents who are actively involved in their schooling process do better at school. By showing your interest and taking the time to read with your child you are demonstrating that reading has value; that reading can be fun; that reading is something you also do—not just something you say your child has to do.

Listen up!

Still not working? Buy the CD and “read” along. If it is a longer book, listen to the story together one chapter at a time and then talk about it so you are sure they were listening and comprehending the story line. But don’t ask direct questions! Instead, ask your reader for clarification. Just say you didn’t get the point about the missing shoe and can they help. Their answer, as they roll their eyes, will let you know if they are ‘getting it”.

Another way to get students to read is to have them tape themselves. It is a long process and one you are best not to get too involved in as students like to read the story, listen to themselves, laugh hilariously and then re-read the story again but this time “with feeling”. Once done your reader can play the tape back to you as they show you the pictures and enjoy your reaction. If it is a chapter book, this process will be laborious, so surprise them by reading a chapter first and then have them tape one. Neither of you may have the energy to keep recording it, but by this time you are already into chapter three and, with luck, the reader will be hooked.

Above all show that you are enjoying the reading. You never know, you may discover some new authors that will give your “classics” a run for their money.

Claire Fripp is an elementary and middle school English teacher who has been reading to her students and her three children for 22 years. She is also the Rights Manager for Lobster Press, a Canadian publisher of quality children's books.

Great Summer Reading

Despite the intermittent rain, summer is on its way. Sink or Swim is an excellent picture book for kids looking to beat the heat: Ralph decides swimming is the best way to cool down - but everyone tells him that cows can't swim! Read the book to see how the spunky cow learns to swim and to surf. Cheryl Rainfield describes Sink or Swim perfectly in her review: "an enjoyable, funny, uplifting book, sure to appeal to any reader who's been told they can't do something--or just wants to try something new."

Looking for more summer reads? Lobster Press offers great picks for all ages:

Not Just Proms & Parties series: each of the five books in these series is a fun beach read for teens - or anyone getting ready for a long ride in the car.
YUM: Your Ultimate Manual to Good Nutrition: with this tasty guide, you can kickstart a healthy summer!
Let's Party: Find great ideas for theme parties including Hawaiian Luau and Life's a Beach.
Come On, Mom! and Come On, Dad: these companion books suggest tons of activities, rain or shine.
The Baseball Card: a great book to have when you are in the mood to play some ball!
Ridley Bluefox and the Flying Fish of Fortune Falls: think "Indiana Jones, Jr."
Our Song: The story of "O Canada": a vibrant read about Canada's national anthem - what better way to celebrate Canada's birthday?
Going on a Journey to the Sea: kids can enjoy a vacation - without leaving the house!
I Don't Want to Go: a perfect story for kids getting ready to visit their grandparents over the summer.