Most parents of young children realize that their public library typically has free summer reading activities, but you may not know that Barnes & Noble stores have a free summer reading program as well. This is a wonderful way the bookstore has chosen to help busy parents keep their kids occupied during the summer months.
If you download a summer reading log and have your child read eight books, they can choose a free book from the list of age-appropriate titles on the reading log. There is a nice mix of books for both boys and girls, including Lego Hero Factory, Fancy Nancy, American Girl, and National Geographic books.
The reading log also includes suggestions for activities your kids can do to improve their reading comprehension skills. I like that there is more of a focus on nonfiction reading this year with the program, since many kids don’t read a lot of these types of books without some parental coaxing.
Depending upon where you live, Barnes & Noble stores also have a number of storytime activities, book signings, and craft project events going on during the summer to help encourage kids to read and be creative. Some stores even have free Lego building events for your kids to enjoy.
Check out the Barnes & Noble website to learn more about what’s going on in your area.
Although my son and I haven’t done anything with the Barnes & Noble reading program this year, we did participate last year. The events were well organized and getting our free book was a hassle free process. All in all, I’d highly recommend the program.
Photo credit: Barnes & Noble
