The latest (and first!) issue of Notes from the Horn Book has a great interview with Jon Scieszka, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and author of The Stinky Cheese Man. Scieszka offers some useful tips on getting children interested in reading:

2. What do you say to a parent who says, "My kid hates to read. What can I do?"
   • Try expanding your definition of reading to include humor, nonfiction, graphic novels, magazines, fantasy, science fiction, online content, audiobooks. Your kid may just hate to read assigned reading. Ask them what they are interested in. Empower them by letting them choose to read, and to choose what to read. Allow them to not like what might be your favorite reading.
   • Be a positive role model. Talk to your kids about how you choose your reading, what you like, and what you don't.
   • Avoid demonizing new technologies. TV, games, the Internet, and movies compete for kids' time and attention. But they are not the anti-reading devil. We need to help kids become critical consumers of all media. They can enjoy both TV and books. Each provides its own pleasures.
3. . . . or to one who says, "My kid only reads (Harry Potter, sports magazines, the Time Warp Trio). How do I expand his horizons?"

   Feed the obsession. Let your reader read everything Potter/sports/Time Warp they can. Then look for similar types of reading that they can branch off to. The Harry Potter fan can try other fantasy fiction, the Time Warp reader might head into history. Ask librarians and booksellers for recommendations. Wider reading is all about making connections.

There's lots more, so be sure to check out the rest of the newsletter!