Family Book Club

One of the most important actions parents can take for their children is to read to them, even throughout their teenage years. Students who dedicate time to reading frequently tend to excel in school, and families that prioritize reading together contribute to the development of lifelong readers.

What is Family Book Club?

Family Book Club, a club held within your own home, is an opportunity to engage with your family. You can initiate it at your convenience, placing emphasis on reading a book aloud collectively and engaging in discussions as the reading progresses. This year the book we are supporting is Charlotte's Web by E.B. White. 

Reading aloud to your school-aged children helps them develop a love of reading while strengthening family relationships. 

More About Charlotte's Web

Charlotte’s Web, opens a new window is a story about a beloved pig named Wilbur, who, as the runt of the litter, was saved by a young girl, Fern. Wilbur becomes friends with Charlotte, a spider in the farmer’s barn. Charlottes uses her spiderweb to tell of her feelings for the little pig and writes words such as Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. Her words help save Wilbur once again.  A classic of children’s literature!

For a list of discussion questions about the book, see our Discussion Guide.

About the Author

E.B. White (or Elwyn Brooks White) was an American author who wrote several very popular children’s books including Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan. Charlotte’s Web won the Newbery Honor award in 1953. All three books continue to be popular today and have even been made into movies.   ​

Learn more about E.B. White on TeachingBooks.

Tips for Running Family Book Club​

  1. Keep it fun
  2. Keep conversations light
  3. Read in your home language
  4. Keep to a schedule
  5. Don’t be afraid to be silly
  6. You’re never too old for a good picture book
  7. Keep sessions short

Remember:

Many children listen better when their hands are busy! Encourage the use of quiet fidgets, Playdoh, drawing or colouring, eating a snack or building LEGO while you read to keep everyone engaged.

Events

Attend our Family Book Club Tie-in Events and join us for activities, crafts, stories and more! ​

Haven't started reading Charlotte's Web? Come anyway.

Remember:

The more we read things we love, the more we want to read! Reading anything is great! Books can seem silly or easy. Books don't have to be serious or "literary" to foster meaningful interactions and help develop reading skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

  • The best way to help your child develop strong language and reading skills is to talk and read to them in your home language. This will also help them learn English! Choose books in your home language or dual language books, which have text in both the home language and English. Then read together and talk about what you read. Use discussion questions to help start the conversation.

    Here are materials in different languages to help you read together at home. Learn about our world language collections at epl.ca/world-languages.

    Arabic

  • There are Family Book Club events being run at different branches around the city. Check out the events list to find an event close to you.

  • No. Family Book Club is designed for you and your family to attend what works for you! You can have read all, most, some, or none of the book to attend tie-in events.

  • No. Family Book Club is designed for you and your family to attend what works for you! You can attend, all, most, some, or none of the tie-in events. We hope you will though! There are a lot of fun!

  • Libby is available for your Apple or Android device. You can access the book directly from the app on your phone.

    • If using Libby, log in then click the magnifying glass icon to search for the title.
    • More support can be found here or by contacting EPL Chat
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