This Week's Theme: The Joy of Reading

Sophia Hsu
Apr 21
5 min read

Welcome to Week 1 of the Young Readers’ Corner!

Each week, we’ll be sharing a new theme, along with student-recommended book picks and a fun craft inspired by that theme. Our suggestions come straight from the Young Readers Society events, making them truly kid-approved. For our very first week, we thought it was only fitting to start with a theme that celebrates what we’re all about: reading and books!

This week’s picks:

A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers

This story begins with a young

girl who embarks on a journey, sailing her boat "across a sea of words" to reach a house. There, she invites a young boy to join her on an imaginative adventure. Together, they explore a magical forest filled with fairy tales and venture across mountains. Through their journey, the boy learns about the power of imagination and the endless possibilities it offers.

The book encourages a love of reading, creativity and the importance of imagination. Its engaging illustrations and detailed pages complement the tale, drawing readers into a world where stories come to life. With its engaging pages, this book is an enjoyable and inspiring read for children and adults alike.

How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander

“How to Read a Book” is a vibrant and imaginative exploration of the reading experience. This quirky picture book combines playful and poetic language with bold, mixed-media collage and watercolor illustrations by Melissa Sweet to create an immersive visual experience. Step by step, it walks readers through the act of reading; not just as a skill, but as an experience with all the senses.

From the crack of a spine to the tasting of words, the book transforms reading into something vivid and sensory. It captures the joy and occasional chaos that come with reading. With its rhythmic text and dynamic visuals, “How to Read a Book” celebrates the magic of books and invites young readers to see reading as a joyful adventure.

I Love Books by Mariajo Ilustrajo

This children’s book is an excellent choice for a read-aloud, offering plenty of moments for discussion between readers and listeners. It’s especially powerful for children who claim to "hate" reading, as the story introduces a fresh perspective that can shift their mindset.

At some YRS sessions, we meet students who are reluctant to read, and we often begin with this story to open their minds and set a positive tone. In the book, a young girl is pulled into the world of her own imagination for the very first time. As her love for reading grows, the illustrations cleverly transition from dull greys to vibrant colors, mirroring her journey of discovery. Along the way, she encounters fantasy creatures and explores new worlds.

The book is rich with literary references and visual clues, making it an engaging and layered experience for young readers. It’s a thoughtful, creative story that highlights the transformative power of books and imagination.

The Story of a Book by Joy McCullough

“The Story of a Book” offers a realistic and touching look at the life cycle of a book from the excitement of being newly published to the wear and tear that comes with being well-loved. Told from the book’s perspective, the story follows its journey through many hands, showing how it’s read, shared, forgotten, and eventually rediscovered.

In Young Readers’ Society sessions, we’ve found this book sparks meaningful conversations about how stories stay alive through their readers. Devon Holzwarth’s illustrations thoughtfully reflect the book’s physical changes over time, capturing both the joy and the vulnerability of being read. It’s a realistic and beautifully told tribute to the lasting impact of books in our lives.

Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê

This book is a humorous and relatable picture book that captures the frustration of having a story spoiled before reaching the end. The narrative follows a young boy eager to read his book in peace, only to be constantly interrupted by talkative animals who can't help but reveal plot twists. This playful story resonates with readers of all ages who understand the annoyance of spoilers.

Isabel Roxas's vibrant illustrations complement the text well, bringing the characters to life and enhancing the comedic timing. The expressive artwork adds depth to the narrative, making each interruption by the animals more amusing and visually engaging.

“Let Me Finish!” is an excellent choice for encouraging young readers to think about the etiquette of sharing stories and the joy of discovering a narrative without interference.

You Can Read by Helaine Becker

“You Can Read” is a fun, energetic book that introduces young readers to the idea that reading is not limited to one place or purpose. Through simple rhyming text and colorful illustrations, the book shows children reading in a wide variety of settings — on a train, under the sea and on the moon—reinforcing the idea that reading can happen anywhere and at any time.

Its playful tone and scenarios help reduce the pressure often associated with learning to read, making the experience feel light and enjoyable. The book also offers a subtle message about the importance of reading for all kinds of purposes, not just for school, but for fun and enjoyment. “You Can Read” is a helpful resource for encouraging positive attitudes toward reading in young children and starting conversations about the different ways reading can be part of daily life.

Make-Your-Own Animal Corner Bookmark!

Ages: 5–10 Time: 20–30 minutes

Materials:

1 square piece of colored paper (6x6 inches is a great size)
Scrap construction paper in various colors
Glue stick or school glue
Scissors
Markers or crayons
Googly eyes (optional)
Cotton balls, feathers, yarn (optional for textures)

Instructions:

Step 1: Fold the Basic Corner Bookmark

Take your square paper and fold it diagonally into a triangle.
With the flat edge at the bottom and the point at the top, fold the two bottom corners up to the top point. Crease them, then unfold.
Fold the top flap (one layer only) down to the bottom edge.
Fold the side corners back up again and tuck them inside the flap pocket. You now have a triangle pocket; this will slide over the corner of your page!

Step 2: Choose Your Animal

Let kids choose any animal they love! Here are some ideas:

Lion – Mane with orange and brown strips or yarn
Frog – Big googly eyes and a red paper tongue
Cat – Pointy ears, whiskers, and a pink nose
Owl – Round eyes, feather-like shapes
Bear – Soft round ears and a fuzzy texture with cotton
Bunny – Long ears and a little paper tooth

Step 3: Decorate Your Bookmark

Use your construction paper, markers, or extra materials to add:

Eyes (googly or drawn)
Nose, mouth, and whiskers
Ears glued to the back
Tongues, teeth, or glasses for extra personality
Optional: Tiny paper books for your animal to "read"

Let each child design their own reading buddy to match their favorite book character or animal.

Step 4: Name Your Bookmark Buddy

Have each child give their animal a name and write it on the back. Add a phrase like:

“This page belongs to [Name] and [Animal's Name]!”