My eight-and-a-half-year-old son is a voracious reader and budding writer. I am very happy that he enjoys reading and want to help him find the next good read. Unfortunately he’s extremely easily influenced by cover art. He will unwrap a gift book and immediately dismiss it and refuse to give it a go if he doesn’t like the cover. He doesn’t even read the blurb. When I was still reading to him, we had a pact that he had to listen to at least one page, and that’s how he was introduced to many of his favourite books despite initial reluctance. I completely understand the appeal of great illustration but, now that he reads chapter books, I wish he could get over the two least important pages. How can I help him not to judge a book by its cover?
Eleanor says: I totally appreciate the virtue of getting him to see beyond the cover but, on the other hand … could you just change the cover?
