Summer reading shouldn’t be a chore. There are so many ways to make summer reading exciting and out of the ordinary. Use some of these tips to get your children revved up about reading!

1) Take it outside. There is no reason for reading to be an indoor activity. Pair up titles with locations! If you are reading Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly, by Alan Madison, why not give it a read in the park or the Botanic Garden, and go on a butterfly hunt? If you are reading From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konisburg, head on over to the Met, find a quiet spot and read!

2) How about a book club? Let your child invite one or two friends over. Have a choice of 3 or 4 books for them, and allow the children to make the selection. They can then meet over lemonade and cookies, and discuss (with or without some guiding questions) their books!

3) Summer reading at the public library. New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Borough Public Library all participate in New York State’s summer reading initiative. No matter what borough you are in, there are activities and book giveaways for you! Not in NYC for the summer? Check out your local library. Chances are they have a program.

4) A book swap! Gather the kids in your building, or friends from the neighborhood to share books over the summer. Do you have some Magic Treehouse, Warriors, or Babymouse sitting on the shelves? Chances are there are other kids close by just dying to read them!

Just remember, keep it fun! There are so many great books for children being published these days, you are sure to make a book – reader match!