Many parents and homeschool families want to encourage kids to try new books. But it isn’t always easy. Some children prefer revisiting old favorites, while others feel unsure about unfamiliar stories or genres. The good news? Trying new books can be fun, low-pressure, and even exiting when the experience feels inviting rather than demanding.
These gentle, creative ideas help kids explore new stories with curiosity and confidence.
1. Create Seasonal or Themed Book Baskets
A small themed basket (winter tales, kindness stories, animal adventures) helps kids approach new books with context. Themes give children a familiar “entry point,” making new stories feel less intimidating and more intriguing.
2. Rotate 5-10 Books onto a Display Shelf
Face-out displays are irresistible. When a few books are featured with their covers showing, kids naturally gravitate toward them. This simple rotation trick encourages kids to try new books without you having to say a word.
3. Invite Kids to Predict a Story From the Cover
Before opening the book, ask:
“What do you think this story might be about?”
When kids make predictions, they become invested. And that investment, increased their desire to peek inside and see if they were right.
4. Use Picture Walks as Low-Pressure Exploration
A picture walk is a gentle pre-reading strategy where you flip through a book’s illustrations together before reading any of the text. It’s one of the easiest ways to encourage kids to try new books because it removes the pressure of “starting a whole story.”
Here’s how to do it:
- Slowly flip through the pages together.
- Look closely at the illustrations.
- Notice characters, settings, and small details.
- Wonder aloud: “Who do you think this is?” “What might be happening here?” “How do you think the story ends?”
- Invite your child to share observations or favorite pages.
A picture walk helps kids feel like they already know the book, which boosts confidence and curiosity. These are two key ingredients for choosing something new.
5. Try a "First Lines" Challenge
Read the opening sentence of several books and let your child choose the one that sparks their interest. First lines are designed to hook readers, making this a fun and easy way to explore new stories.
6. Offer Book Pairings
Pair a picture book with a chapter book that share a theme:
- a compassion picture book & a friendship chapter book
- a nature picture book & a survival adventure
- a fairy tale retelling & a fantasy novel
These pairings help kids feel grounded in a familiar format before they explore something more challenging.
7. Try a Genre Sampler Day
Gather books from several genres (mystery, poetry, fantasy, biography, realistic fiction) and let your child browse freely.
My Book Zoo kit brings this idea to life. Each genre becomes its own whimsical “habitat,” complete with animal-themed bookmarks, genre signs, and a playful display. This imaginative setup transforms book browsing into an adventure and makes unfamiliar genres feel approachable.
8. Use Interactive Book Displays
Interactive displays instantly increase engagement. Try simple ideas like:
- “mystery book of the day” envelopes
- lift-the-flap or unwrap book reveals
- a spinning choice wheel
- a scavenger hunt to discover the new book
These little touches add novelty. It can be the secret ingredient for nudging kids toward new books.
9. Let Kids "Adopt" a Book
Let your child choose one book to “adopt” for a week. They can:
- read it during cozy reading time
- draw a character
- write a tiny reflection or bookmark note
- give it a fun return ceremony
- snap pictures of themselves reading it in various locations to create a scrapbook
Ownership helps kids feel more connected to a book, even if it’s outside their comfort zone.
10. Set up a Simple, Playful Book-Browsing Invitation
Spread out a blanket, add a pillow or two, place a few books in the center and call it a Story Picnic. Or create a little nook with soft lighting and a basket of inviting titles. A cozy environment is often all a child needs to discover a new favorite.
Trying New Books Should Feel Like Exploration, Not Expectation
When book browsing is gentle, playful, and low-pressure, kids naturally feel more open to discovering new stories. Whether you use themed baskets, picture walks, or interactive displays, the goal is simply to provide invitations. Not pressure.
If you’d love an imaginative, ready-made way to explore genres and spark curiosity, The Book Zoo offers a whimsical, low-prep experience that turns book sampling into a delightful adventure. It’s perfect for homeschool co-ops, classrooms, and library corners.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like 👉 How to Start a Kids’ Book Club (Even if You’ve Never Run One). Community is also a fantastic way to encourage kids of all ages to read books they wouldn’t otherwise pick up.
See details about The Book Zoo now in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Want to bring these stories to life in your home or classroom? Join the Tinker Book Club mailing list for free guides, discussion ideas, and book club printables.
Thanks for listening, friends!
