Hazel Edwards's Blog - Posts Tagged "encouraging-reading"

When I chauffeur grandkids, I leave the current book I am reading on the car seat. Good conversation starter.
But makes me aware of how vital covers are as clues to entice youthful readers.

For younger children, I leave picture books in the back pocket in front of their car seat. Sort of help- yourself -library. Often the factual books about nature are the most popular.

Having the audio and print book in the car helps reading too.

Each birthday I wrote them a story, starring something which currently interested them that year. Illustrated with photos. e.g. 'Henry, the Boy Who Wanted to be a Pirate'.
It's a thrill when a beginning reader can just about manage a book you have co-written, like 'Hijabi Girl'.

We also exchange e mails or photos of covers of recommendations.I try to read some of the high fantasy or action adventure adolescent choices. That's only fair.

Recently roles have reversed. They are now recommending books to me.

And as an author, it's useful to try out plots...'So what would you like to happen next?' Called research.Hijabi Girl