When is the best time to give a child a book?

• Christmas?
• Birthday?
• Reward?
• When they are feeling down?
• When they least expect it?

Anytime is a good time to give a book. But in my opinion, the best time, at least for reluctant readers, is when they least expect it.

When I think back to my childhood, books were not at the top of my Christmas wish list. I remember feelings of frustration when I was expected to read a book. I was a reluctant reader.

What was at the top of your Christmas wish list? Did you make any requests for your birthday? Which gifts did you play with or use first? Which gifts did you set aside to enjoy later?

Some children are born bookworms and learn to devour new books at an early age. Know your child and consider where his interests lie. As a child, I would have played with the toys at the top of my wish list and lay books aside for later. Later would eventually come, but the time had to be right.

Our current Pandemic crisis has provided an excellent time for giving books to our children. Stuck at home and looking for things to do, they are more likely to welcome a new book to read. (This post is admittedly about seven months overdue.) Sickness and broken bones also slow children down to the point they will prefer books over toys as well.

It is my personal opinion that books are most appreciated when they are given at unexpected times—even more so when the books are educational as opposed to books written to entertain. It may not be the best idea to wait until Christmas or a birthday to give a child a book.

How can we make the best impact when giving a book?

“When” isn’t the only question we need to consider. “How” is another when it comes to giving books to children. Which of the following statements do you feel will best appeal to a child? Which are like “meh?” Keep in mind that every child is different.

• “I bought you a book. I hope you’ll like it.”
• “I found this book on sale so I got it for you.”
• “When I saw this book, I thought of you. The little girl in it reminds me of you because . . .”
• “I know how much you love . . ., so I knew you would like this book.”
• “I’m sorry about what happened to you the other day. Maybe this book can help make it better.”
• “I’m so proud of you for . . . I want to reward you with a really good book.”
• “I know you will love this book. Is it OK if we read it together?”

Never underestimate the value of time spent reading with your child or grandchildren. Discuss the book as you read it together. If the child is comfortable with reading, let him read it to you. If not, read it to him. Find as many ways as possible to connect with your child as you read the book together. Share experiences from your past. Ask the child to share similar things he may be going through. 

A book makes the best gift of all when it connects the giver with the receiver.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash