Summer Reading Fun

Summer Reading Events

NJ Libraries - check your local library for upcoming events & activities
Pottery Barn Kids Story Times - every Tuesday from 11 to 11:30 am (confirm with your local store) kids of all ages can participate; first-timers get an official Book Club Passport and those who attend five story times get a special prize
Barnes and Noble Story Times - use their events listings to find a story time near you

Summer Book Clubs, Reading Programs & Promos

Scholastic - special sections for kids and parents; log minutes reading for prizes
NJ Libraries - check your local library for their book clubs for kids, teens and adults
Journey Forth Summer Reading - for kids 4 to 17 (broken into 3 age groups); prize drawings - grand prize is a Kindle - for readers until August 31, 2012
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading- Children in grades 1-6 can earn a free book just by reading eight books and turning in a completed reading journal sheet about the books they read; continues through September 4, 2012
Chuck E Cheese - complete a reading rewards calendar and receive 10 free tokens
Pottery Barn Kids Reading Challenge - kids complete one of their reading lists for a free book (not all stores may participate); once your child has completed the challenge you can also enter for a chance to win a backpack of books; runs through Aug 22
PBS Reading Challenge - A daily email with fun activities to build reading skills; a chance to win prizes daily, book suggestions for all ages & more
TD Bank's Summer Reading Club - get $10 added to your child's new or existing Young Saver Account after he or she reads 10 books

Book Reviews & Book Lists

ParenthoodNJ - our favorite books by age and category
Seasonal & Holiday books - books for all seasons, including summer books
NJ Favorites - parents and kids make suggestions
KidsReads - book reviews, book lists, book club info
The Horn Book - book reviews and recommended books by category

Online Reading Fun

Nick Jr 's Storytime - listen to short stories on video (clips from the channel's Storytime feature), printable books and storytime activities
Storyline - features books read by actors via an online streaming video; there also are accompanying activity guides to do with your child
Barnes & Noble Online Storytime - stories read by authors & celebrities with accompanying artwork from the books

Tips to Make Reading Fun

Giant books are always fun!

Activities to promote Reading - lots of ideas from a "Book Character Dinner" to special reading times
10 Ways to Make Reading Fun - great ideas from Dawn M. Holland
Raise a Bookworm (October 2010 Baby Talk article)
Read Kiddo Read - created by best-selling author, James Patterson; suggested books for kids infant to 8 years, 6 & older, 8 & older and 10 & up

Nick Jr helps give books to kids in need through First Book - just click here (it's free) to donate a book

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