I ‘m coming to you today with a simple tip that could make a HUGE difference in how often your kids pick up books for fun.

In fact, it may seem *too* simple at first, so you’re going to have to try it for yourself!

What is it? Put the books OUT. Face-out, I mean.

Think about when you go to the library- are your eyes drawn to the picture book spines on the shelves, or to the face-out books on display?

Do the same in your home and I bet you’ll be floored at how those covers will invite your kids to pick them up.

A good book cover is simply an irresistible invitation to a child.

In fact, my challenge to you in this podcast episode is to:

  1. go to a bookshelf in your home
  2. pull a few off the shelf
  3. display them face-out to see what happens.

Don’t say anything to your kids about it, just watch what happens. Right now! It’s so simple– it takes 60 seconds.

You can place them on a coffee table, a window sill, even along the wall. You don’t need to buy any fancy shelves or new baskets or come up with a system. Scroll down if you want ideas– I’m sharing pictures of how some of our community members do this!

Magic, I tell you. :)

When you’ve done it, snap a photo and share on Facebook or Instagram to tell us. We want to hear about whether you child was invited into reading the books and how quickly it happened. Use the #readaloudrevival hashtag so we can find you!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • the simplest way to get your kids to pick up more books on their own (and no, you don’t have to spend a cent or go back to the library again)
  • how to keep the delight going week after week
  • and how to make the most of the books you already own

Click the play button below:

Listener Guide

Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:

  • 2:28 Think like your child
  • 3:49 How to make books more accessible
  • 5:20 The beauty of baskets
  • 6:46 Rain gutters, spice racks and more
  • 7:31 Face out, right now!
  • 10:00 Let us know how it works
  • 10:37 Let the kids speak
  • Share your photos with us! Tag @readaloudrevival on Instagram and Facebook, or use the hashtag #readaloudrevival
  • Get the FREE booklist and more – go to readaloudrevial.com or text BOOKS to 345345
  • Get RAR Premium

Here are some photos our members have been sharing on the Premium Member forum:

Kristi made this impossibly simple by using the wall heater in a bedroom
Kristin uses inexpensive spice racks from IKEA to display books covers out
Kameron just pulled a few books from the shelf and put them face out Instant results
Christine found this bathroom shelf at a local discount store and its been perfect for storing books face out
And here’s an example of rain gutter shelves, if you’re up for a little DIY project. :)

That last set of rain gutter shelves comes from the Sunshine on the Inside blog. And you can find lots of rain gutter bookshelf ideas deep in the rabbit hole otherwise known as Pinterest. ;)

Quotes to remember:

Covers are meant to capture our attention. Publishers actually create covers with the intention of making them almost impossible to resist. So, if you want to capture your children’s attention toward books … my challenge to you right now is to go to a bookshelf, pull a few off the shelf, and find a place that you can display them face out. See what happens.”

“I have a hunch if you make it a habit of regularly rotating books that are displayed in a windowsill you might be surprised at how excited your kids are to see what’s on display.

“Would you rather have a tidy, perfectly tidy space, or would you rather have your kids become engaged with reading? Because as far as I’m concerned… books are just a part of the home décor.”

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