Summer time is when children get to do their favourite activities – hit the pool, hang out with friends, attend summer camp… It is also a time for them to catch up on their reading.
The children’s block of the State Central Library is jam-packed with children. While some are giggling at the antics of the characters in their favourite comic books like Archies and Asterix, others are lost in the world of Alice In Wonderland, Harry Potter and Geronimo Stilton. There is something for everyone.
Says a librarian at the State Central Library: “We have a lot of parents dropping by with their kids during summer. While most take books to go, some like sitting with a book and entering the world of imagery.” But it’s not just the State Central Library that sees a surge at their doorstep. Lending libraries see a rise in footfall too. Seema Richard of Schoolkutti.com says there is always a rise in membership during the summer break in schools. K.A. Narayanan of Eloor Lending Library, however, feels there is a dip in children’s reading during summer as parents take their children on a holiday or send them to summer camp or other such activities.
Says Narayanan: “Reading should be a continuous process. Children often start losing their interest in reading during summer as they get engrossed in various activities. You should always ensure your child has the time or makes the time to read. It can be anything – comics, fiction, biographies…which most libraries stock. Summer is the perfect time to spice things up as you introduce your child to various literary genres or to a reading that is more catered to their interests.”
While the State Children’s Library and most of the lending libraries in the city have nooks where the children can curl up with their favourite book, others like LetUsRead.in, an online lending library, offers books at the readers’ doorsteps. Says Anand Nair, who runs the website: “Although we have a lending library at Vanchiyoor, most of our clients prefer us dropping off books at their homes.” The website has a programme for children where, for a fee, a certain number of books are delivered.
So, what do the children enjoy reading these days? Eleven-year-old Vishwajith G. says he has moved on from Geronimo Stilton to Roald Dahl and is into the Big Nate series. Ten-year-old Sneha George, enjoys the adventures of Thea Stilton, while 15-year-old Hrishikesh Nair is currently reading The Eleventh Commandment by Jeffery Archer, Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy and has started Jonathan Stroud’s Bartimaeus series.
The turn of the millennium has seen a rise in popularity of fantasy-based works like the Mortal Instruments, Inheritance Cycle, Twilight and Vampire Diaries series. “But that does not mean books like Asterix, Nancy Drew and Famous Five gather dust. Children do read those books too, although it’s most likely based on their parents’ suggestion,” says Narayanan who feels there has been a change in reading style among kids.
He adds that children these days, apart from fantasy-based books, prefer books that are illustrated, are based on popular children’s programmes, and come in series.
Anjali Rajan Dileep, who runs a reading club for children called Apple Story Club, says it is important for children to develop a reading habit. “After all, reading maketh a full man. When the older generation had a limited choice of literature to read, in this day and age, there are varied reads. With a rise in children’s authors writing fiction, thrillers, mysteries and more, children are spoiled for choice.” Happy reading!
Top 12 popular series for youngsters
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Goosebumps by R.L. Stine
Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce
The Old Kingdom by Garth Nix
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
A Series Of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Holes by Louis Sachar
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
