Let’s face it—getting your family to ditch screens and pick up a book is like convincing your dog to give up the couch. But hey, once you crack the code, it’s pure magic. The good news? You don’t need a degree in wizardry to do it. Here’s how you can sneak books into your family’s life without sounding like a school principal.

1. Monkey See, Monkey Read

Kids are copycats (adorable, sometimes annoying copycats). If they see you reading, they’ll want to do it too—because clearly, if Mom or Dad is into it, it must be cool, right? So grab a book, plop yourself on the couch, and look extra engrossed. Bonus points if you laugh out loud or gasp dramatically.

2. Build a Book Fort

Forget fancy reading nooks—just throw some pillows on the floor, add a blanket, and call it a “reading fort.” The kids will think it’s an adventure, and you’ll get at least 10 minutes of peace before they turn it into a wrestling ring.

3. Family Reading Time (a.k.a. Organized Chaos)

Announce a family reading hour and watch everyone groan—until you sweeten the deal with snacks. Whether it’s bedtime stories or everyone reading their own thing, it’s less about the books and more about the bribery… I mean, bonding.

4. Library Trips: Free Books and Air Conditioning

Libraries are magical. They’re free, they’re quiet (usually), and they’re packed with treasures. Plus, kids love choosing their own books—especially if you make it sound like a VIP mission: “Your task is to find the BEST dinosaur book in this entire building. GO!”

5. Talk About the Juicy Stuff

Books are like TV shows—you gotta dish about them. Ask your kids about their favorite parts, the weirdest characters, or how they’d rewrite the ending. Bonus: this might distract them from asking what’s for dinner (again).

6. Celebrate Like It’s a Book Party

Finished a book? That’s a BIG DEAL! Break out the ice cream, do a little dance, or give them a “Reader of the Month” award. Reading milestones deserve confetti… or at least some sprinkles.

Reading doesn’t have to be all serious and academic. Start small, keep it fun, and watch as your family slowly but surely falls in love with books (or at least tolerates them). Who knows? You might just end up with a house full of bookworms—or at the very least, fewer cries of “I’m bored!” Happy reading, folks!

Book Recommendations from Book Studio

Need help getting started? Here are some top picks from Book Studio that your family will love:

• For Toddlers: Busy Vet and Busy Diggers from Campbell’s push, pull, and slide series—perfect for little hands and curious minds.
• For Young Readers: The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson—a fun rhyming story that’s a family favorite.
• For Middle-Grade Readers: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney—guaranteed to get even reluctant readers laughing.
• For Teens and Parents: Atomic Habits by James Clear—a motivational read that’s great for setting family goals, including reading habits!

Visit www.bookstudio.lk to find these and more treasures for your reading adventures.