Have you ever participated in a book club? These regular gatherings tend to follow a familiar format: choose a book that interests the whole group, then come together to discuss themes, characters, and how the story relates to our own lives. But how do you host a book club for kids ages 5 to 9? As it turns out, all you need are kids who love books, a great activity, and just the right prompt to get the conversation started.
On a recent afternoon at Cascade Park Community Library, we had the pleasure of watching exactly that unfold. Rachel, a senior library assistant at Cascade Park, stood at the door and warmly greeted each book club member as they ran, jumped, and skipped through the entrance. The first order of business was to pick up a handwritten nametag, grab some paper and pens, and find a seat. With parents settled on the sidelines, Rachel opened the session with a drawing activity, walking the group through different ways to illustrate noses, heads, eyes, and mouths in the style of the chapter book they were about to discuss. Hands busy, the conversation began.
The book was Henry, Like Always, a story about a protagonist who loves his routines and struggles when his classroom decides to shake things up by planning a parade. Rachel guided the group with care and enthusiasm, asking questions that drew the kids in rather than putting them on the spot.
“Who can tell me a little about Henry and what he likes?” she asked. Hands shot up.
From there, the discussion took on a life of its own, with kids sharing their own stories about navigating change including moving to a new apartment, starting at a new school, and finding their footing somewhere unfamiliar.
Then came the finale. In a nod to the parade at the heart of their book, Rachel led the group in a parade of their own, complete with a chant she had written just for them. It was the kind of moment that makes a library feel like magic.
Before heading home, each child tidied up and collected their copy of next month’s book to take with them which is free of charge, thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of Cascade Park Community Library.
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https://fvrlibraries.org/kidsbg
Explore the Henry Like Always Series
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