Spread Your Love of Books

 The Australian website, My Little Bookcase, is hosting The Little Book Adventure as part of the 2012 National Year of Reading.

This month's challenge is Spread Your Love of Books. It is designed as a way for readers to connect with each other through books they've read - but in a unique way. Participants are encouraged to borrow books from the library, and after reading them, write a short note to leave in the book for the next reader to find. That's it!

This is a really great way for readers to share what they love about a book. Favorite parts, favorite characters, and favorite illustrations are suggested starting points. Younger readers may need help - or they can just draw a picture to show their feelings. Older readers can write a more "formal" letter.

The opportunities for classroom use are many. Teachers can use this activity as a jumping off point for lessons on choosing books, what qualities make a good book, care for books, as well as letter writing lessons.

Homeschoolers and parents can take part in library story hours and other book-related activities at their local bookstore as a way to explore great books.

Just one caution - be sure that your library will allow notes to be left in books - some libraries remove all papers and notes when a book is returned - so check to be sure.

A variation on this is an old idea for sharing books that has been around for several years - BookCrossing. More of a movement than anything else - BookCrossing readers simply leave favorite books for others to find. Or - they can look for books left by others and read them, too. All it takes is a simple registration. Books are listed at the site and get a code number which can be tracked by readers. This would have been a great way to complete the My Little Bookcase practice challenge. Lots of fun!

Next month's challenge begins May 1.

Original copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. Permission to republish Spread Your Love of Books in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.