There
are children who simply adore reading. They take every opportunity to read one
more chapter – reading under the bedcovers with a torch comes to mind.
Then
there are the reluctant readers, children who find it difficult or boring to
read – well this book is perfect for them.
Big
print, colourful text, changing layouts, comedic statements are all part of the
distraction plan. Before you know it or more importantly before they do – they
are reading or at least pretending.
Beth
Bacon has written this book based on her two sons Arthur and Henry who are not
keen readers. Henry provides reading tips that make reading entirely possible
and mostly by accident. Henry’s best tip is to pick a book that has big
pictures, humour and small sentences.
Arthur’s reading tips include reading aloud, stare at the book long enough to make your parents/teacher think you are reading, and you never know you might actually read something?
Throughout
the book It equates reading with doing chores, which option is the better one?
There is a section which has blank pages while other features have scenes and chapters,
so the reader can pretend the book is a film.
Easy
words make it less of a struggle for reluctant readers, repetitive words and
sounds also provide assistance. Harder words also appear to challenge the
reader who might want to have a go.
This book is a 10 minute read and shhh don’t tell them but they might actually enjoy reading. Now quick while they are distracted sneak another book in beside them. If you are not sure about what books might be suitable, check with a librarian from either your local library or school library for suggestions.
Title: I Hate Reading: How To Read When You’d Rather NotPublisher: Faber Factory, $19.99
Publication Date: 2 February 2021
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781782692966
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Non Fiction
