Last week I wrote an article for LifeSnips which was all about how to inspire your kids to read. This is a matter near and dear to my heart. I grew up a bookworm. And I have a degree in Elementary Education. There is nothing more exciting than being there when the lightbulb goes off for a child when they begin to recognize letters as words and words open the window to learning. I wish that my well intended dreams and desires of becoming a teacher had led me to an actual job in education but the market was tight and my dreams and desires of food on the table took over and landed me in the world of finance. And to think I despised math.
So whenever I can I try to motivate children to pick up a book. I lend my sentimental childhood favorites to my neighbor's kids. I read to my friend's kids. I write articles to give parents creative tools to help spread the reading bug. I donate to our local library in cash and by volunteering to keep the place open for readers of all levels. But my favorite effort is buying books for my nieces and nephews each year for Christmas.
As much as I love browsing shelves - real or virtual - for classic favorites, creative new tales and award winners it does get expensive when I get carried away. Not to mention that books are not always as exciting as some flashy toy in eye-catching packaging. Although I know they enjoy them eventually, they sometimes get treated like a new pair of socks amongst all of the other holiday loot.
Well just imagine my glee when I came across a website for a children's book of the month club. A very enterprising lady named Karen was stumped as to how to make books more exciting for her kids. So she decided to mail a few to her own house in each of her kids' names. Bingo. That got their attention. Who doesn't enjoy receiving a package in the mail? She turned that simple idea into a business which gift giving book lovers everywhere can benefit from - the Lollipop Book Club.
You can sign up for packages ranging in duration and catering to age, boys or girls, special occassions or create your own selections. Each month the lucky kiddo receives a bright red package in the mail addressed to them. It contains a new book with a personalized message from you on a special sticker on the inside cover. And they get a super cool lollipop to boot! The site is very flexible to you as the customer and the selection is good. And for the presentation and effort involved, the pricing seems fair.
It appears I may have found a new way to spoil our nieces and nephews with books! And it lets me continue with my dream of inspiring another generation of bookworms. Maybe I should have included the Lollipop Book Club in my LifeSnips article. What do you think?
13 comments:
That is awesome! Now, if I were an entrepreneur, this should have been something I would have come up with. I am a big giver of books at Xmas, not only to kids but adults too. In fact, just started my shopping yesterday. For a second there I thought I might get this gift for my daughter, but I think she is on the outer age range. Still I love it. Great find! (I may blog about this in the near future. The word needs to be spread!)
You wrote a great article in lifesnips.com! I hope many kids would be encouraged to read more for reading is one of the best way to improve communication skills and stimulate one's curiosity.
And even though your in the business sector, you still manage to inspire learning by writing articles like that (isn't that the ultimate goal of being a teacher?).
Love this idea. I will check out the site.
As to answer your question about whether or not Bryson narrated the book on audio called A Walk in The Woods, No, he didn't. I love Bryson's book but don't like him reading his own work. The guy that was on it was really good.
This sounds like a great idea!!
I am ALWAYS reading a book. Books were always a part of my life and I think it's so, super important to inspire kids to read. Great find!
Best story.
Wow , very nice topic. I like such kind of unique topic and fun. Your performance is very good as a blogger.
Thanks for nice and rich blog job.
Have a nice time
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What an amazing idea!! I'll be recommending it to friends.
This is a wonderful idea Molly. I agree that we need to get our children hooked early on learning. I think this will make a great Christmas Gift for my six year old son that will keep giving all year long. Thanks for sharing this wonderful find!
Wishing you a picture perfect day!
I love this idea, I'm going to check it out and maybe sign my grandchildren up.
Molly, this was an excellent post. I thoroughly agree with you. Children are our future and it's so important that they all learn and love to read. It makes all the difference in their futures. Thanks for a great gift idea.
By the way, my degree is in teaching too. I taught for four plus years and then stayed home with my kids. When it was time to go back I went into the corporate world (Human Resources). I'm glad I did as it suited better. But I still love children's books and, of course, children.
I love the idea of a book of the month club for children! Kids love anticipating things and getting to pick books and then receive them in the mail later would build excitement up around reading! I like it! Anything that gets kids reading and away from the computer is a good thing! Even the little ones are on the computer all the time now or texting with their Barbie cell phones...scary!
What a great idea! They do seem to get treated like socks at Christmas or birthdays, LOL. I'm off to check out the site right now. Thanks for the heads up.
The best thing we did was reading to our kids every day when they were young. They are all great readers now.
What a brilliant idea! I love buying books for kids. Whenever my daughters get invited to a party we buy the child a book and some other little soft toy or something to go with it. You are right about the pleasure of being involved in the early years while they are learning to read and love books.
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