Good food is a crowd pleasure in my family. We all enjoy gathering around the table for a nice meal, going out to eat or simply noshing on some goodies as we relax in front of the TV. I’m guessing your family is not much different. That’s why all of my suggestions today relate to food. When I was child, my mother was a master at making up clever names for foods that she served. Who wouldn’t like “magic cupcakes” or “angels on a cloud”? Everyone enjoys a twist on something ordinary. So, today, I’d like to serve up these treats with the hope that they will offer tempting ways to slip some reading into your family time.

HAVE A READING PICNIC                                                                                                        May can be a fickle month, but usually about the third week, temps climb into the 70’s and start to stay there. Spread out a blanket along with some great books and invite your family to the picnic. Don’t forget to include some favorite foods or snacks. Bask in the sun, read silently or aloud and simply enjoy a little downtime with your family and your books. Don’t be discouraged if the sun doesn’t shine, just set up the blanket somewhere inside. Few kids can resist a picnic.

HAVE A POT LUCK SUPPER                                                                                                         Invite everyone in the family to bring one or two texts to the table. Any type of text will do…book, magazine article, short story, graphic novel, etc.. The idea is to bring a unique, interesting text and introduce it to others. Set aside a specific period of time for everyone to choose one from the selection and peruse it. Much like a pot luck supper, you bite into the text and share your reactions with the others. Makes for a fun night and may just introduce kids and parents alike to a delicious new “dish”.

WHAT’S FOR DESSERT?                                                                                                            Everyone ears will perk up at the word dessert. Tell your family to bring a short text, along with a treat, as dessert for dinner. After the meal, each person will have a chance to  share their treat and read aloud their text. If you want, you could change this up by deciding on a theme. For example, jokes, poems, or articles about a particular subject. Try this for a happy ending to your family meal.

BOOK SUGGESTIONS:

Adults: What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarity – Like most of this author’s books, this text reels you in and doesn’t let go. Take it outside, sit in the sun and treat yourself to a good story.

Grade 5 & up: Freak the Mighty   Heartwarming classic that youngsters won’t forget. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a family read-aloud.

Toddlers/Pre-schoolers:  Bedtime Songs by Scarlett Wing – Sound books are very popular right now with our two little grandsons. This 11-button interactive sound book was a bit hit. Push the button and hear the song, read the text to learn the lyrics. Lovely book that would make a great gift.