Advice on doing library childrens reading event

Kidsstories

Hi,

I am looking for some information from people who have done a children's reading event in a library. I am looking to promote two of my children's books and I have discussed this with the PR manager who runs the events in Dublin libraries. They are interested but I need to have an actual plan of what I'm doing. I was thinking of reading the book first and then holding a colouring competition with little spot prizes. I'm even nervous thinking of it.

Can anyone give me some tips of what to expect and maybe advice if I'm throwing myself in at the deep end with no experience?

Thank you so much
D

Das Kitty

Why don't you attend one first?

I know in Galway there's one every friday morning in the library.

EileenG

Not sure I would do colouring competitions. That means picturues and crayons and desks and judges. Maybe a discussion. What would you do next if you were a character in the book?

echo beach

Avoid a competition at all costs. Either give a gift to everybody or to nobody. Give a cheap bookmark or the like, not sweets because some little dear will be allergic to something in them.

Kidsstories

echo beach wrote: »

Avoid a competition at all costs. Either give a gift to everybody or to nobody. Give a cheap bookmark or the like, not sweets because some little dear will be allergic to something in them.

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking just a copy of my book for first prize and then maybe little cheap trinkets or something like that for everyone else. Now I'm nervous as thought a colouring competition would be good. But yes a discussion would be nice and cheaper. . I really should go to a few first and see. I can't see any around my area though. I'm in northside dublin.

Reveuse

echo beach is completely right. If they are little children, like 4 or 5ish, then you must give the same price to everyone. They're not supposed to understand the concept of a competition yet. So there's no winner. Or everyone's a winner. The best being no competition at all.

Kidsstories

Thanks for advice . Yes I think I will avoid a competition now, I don't want to see sad little faces of the children. I should know this as having two young kids myself :-).

Reveuse

Remember: the biggest present you can give them is reading a good book in a specific way so that it will make them wish they could read, and thus make sure they become good readers. First because well, reading is great, then because it will enable them to self-educate themselves if need be.

honeybear

Avoid colouring competition. If children are young (under 7) I'd have a prop (a puppet). You could also do teacher-in-role (put on hat/wig) and become the character. Children ask you questions.

bigsmokeintern

Advice from our kidlit expert:

- have lots of interaction
- keep the reading short and try to make it as much of a performance as possible
- be aware that kids of various different ages may come (regardless of age guidelines on library material - parents often send kids who are a bit too young to events)

Good luck!

Kidsstories

Thanks, Yes that's the problem I'm having is trying to fit in as much chat/interaction as possible as I know kids can get bored very easily, especially when they are really young and they haven't a clue what you're saying , so i need to keep things flowing. I'm trying to write a script of things to say and having a hard time as theres only so much about a book and the characters etc to talk about.I want to keep the activities as minimum as possible as it'll cost too much , plus i've gone and set myself up for around 4 events. I think i'm in over my head now :-) The nearer its getting the more nervous I am and entertaining for 40 mins can seem lile a life time!!

echo beach

I'm not sure that having a script is a good idea. Maybe a few ideas on flash cards in case you 'dry up'. Let the kids do the talking.
It is great that you are getting so much interest. Have confidence. The reason you were asked is because your work speaks for itself.

Kidsstories

well when i say a script , i mean just a few things to talk about so i have it in my head in case my mind goes completely blank (which more than likely it will ) :-)

I just want to say thank you to everyone who took the time to reply to this. The advice has been very helpful. I feel a little bit better now as I have an idea of where i'm going with it.

devildriver

Firstly introduce yourself and your book. Give a quick synopsis of the plot and main characters. Tell them why you started writing and the books that you liked when you were their age.

Next, read a chapter or two of your book (depending on it's length).

Do a quick Q&A on what you've read. Characters, plot points, etc.

Finally for a bit of fun ask for volunteers to act out the scene or chapter you read earlier. You will need copies of the book for this or ideally printed handout of the dialogue for each character.

You could then award the prize to whichever of your young "actors" get's the biggest cheer from the audience.

Have an informal book signing, chat session once you have finished.

The 40 minutes will fly by!

Kidsstories

That's a great idea, thanks :-)