One of the greatest joys of writing picture books is sharing them with young readers. When I first started doing school and library readings of my books, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would the kids pay attention? What if they got restless? What if I ran out of things to say? Over time, I’ve developed a simple approach that helps me feel prepared, keeps the kids engaged, and makes each visit run smoothly.
General Tips
- When reading to large groups, I always request a projector in advance to ensure every child—whether in the front row or the far corner—can see the illustrations clearly. A few days before the visit, I send the school or library a PDF of my book. That way, it’s already uploaded and ready to go when I arrive, saving time and avoiding tech hiccups.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to set up, test equipment, and get comfortable in the space.
- Be flexible. Every group is different. Some will want more interaction, others will sit spellbound during a straight reading. Read the room and adjust accordingly.
Make the Reading Interactive
A read-aloud shouldn’t feel like a lecture. I pause throughout the story to ask simple questions that draw children into the story. This approach:
- Keeps their attention focused
- Encourages critical thinking
- Helps them connect with the characters
- Makes them active participants rather than passive listeners
Questions can be as simple as “What do you think will happen next?” or “Have you ever felt like Max does right now?”
Use Props Kids Can Touch and See
Props are especially powerful with younger audiences. For The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, I created a real kite based on one of the illustrations in the book. When I pull out the “Falcon” kite during the reading, the children’s faces light up. The story becomes tangible, from something they’re hearing about to something real that they can hold.
Tip: Choose a prop that’s central to your story and safe to handle. Make it something children can see up close or even touch during the presentation.
Prepare Backup Material
I have learned to prepare more content than I’ll need. Some groups are naturally chatty and full of questions, while others are quieter. To avoid awkward silences or ending too early, I used the back matter of my book to create visual aids, simple slides, or large printouts that all children can see.
These quick, visually engaging tidbits serve multiple purposes:
- Fill time if the Q&A session is brief
- Extend learning beyond the story
- Give educators additional teaching moments
- Keep kids engaged until the very end
Include a Hands-On Activity
If there’s time, I end with a simple craft or activity. For The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, I provide a coloring page where kids can design their own dream kite. It ties directly into the story, sparks creativity, and gives them a keepsake to take home. Teachers especially appreciate this because it blends literacy with art.
Final Thoughts
School and library readings are among my favorite experiences of being an author. Every presentation is a learning experience. Pay attention to what works, what doesn’t, and don’t be afraid to adjust your approach. With a bit of preparation—and a few engaging extras—you can turn your visit into an experience children will remember long after the last page is turned.
If you’re a new author planning your first reading, I hope these ideas give you a helpful starting point. Most importantly, remember why you wrote your book in the first place, and let your enthusiasm shine through.
Happy reading!