Barnes and Noble has always run various campaigns to bring families to the bookstore. Their summer reading program has been running for 22 years and until September 3rd they are encouraging kids across the country in grades 1-6 to celebrate the joy of reading and even get a free book by reading eight books and turning in a completed reading journal listing the books they’ve read. The journal is available for free online and in all of the bookstores. Free books this year include perennial favorites such as Pete the Cat, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Artemis Fowl.
Barnes and Noble has also just launched a new program and it is called the “Kids’ Book Hangout,” a nationwide program for young readers ages 6-12 to discover and talk about books while playing fun games and activities. The first Kids’ Book Hangout will be held in all Barnes & Noble stores on Saturday, July 28, at 2 PM. Kids do not need to have read the featured books, but should come ready to find out about new characters, stories and genres. For its inaugural Kids’ Book Hangout, Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Penguin Young Readers to highlight four unique books for young readers across genres and reading stages:
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
This touching and powerful poetry collection shares a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. - More Scrawny Than Brawny (Caveboy Dave Series #1) by Aaron Reynolds
His grandpa invented fire. His dad invented the wheel. How will Caveboy Dave leave his mark? - The Basque Dragon (Unicorn Rescue Society Series #2) by Adam Gidwitz
A secret group of adventurers aims to protect and defend the world’s mythical creatures. - She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah) by Ann Hood
A funny, heartfelt story of a girl growing up in the heart of Beatlemania.
During the Hangout on Saturday, July 28, Barnes & Noble booksellers will host activities related to the books, as well as give participants book-related giveaways to take home. In addition, the four selected books will be 20% off all day, and Barnes & Noble Cafés will be offering $1 off Frappuccinos and smoothies for all event participants.
For more information, customers can visit www.bn.com/bnhangout, as well as join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat (bnsnaps) and Facebook, using hashtag #BNHangout.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
