Hi there. I'm Samantha Heil, founder of Book Fair at Bel Air, a literacy advocate, former secondary English teacher, and lifelong reader.

Books have been one of the greatest joys of my life for as long as I can remember. As an educator for more than fifteen years, I've seen firsthand how reading can open doors, build confidence, and help children discover who they are. I've also seen the challenges families face when trying to encourage reading in a world full of screens, non-stop activities, and distractions.

That's one of the reasons I started Book Fair at Bel Air. What began as a small community book event has grown into something much bigger: a mission to make reading joyful, accessible, and exciting for readers of all ages. In fact, we're currently in the process of expanding Book Fair at Bel Air into a full literacy nonprofit. I can't wait to share more about that journey soon.

As a mom, educator, and book lover, I know one thing is true: kids are far more likely to read when reading feels fun.

Unfortunately, kids don't want to do something simply because it's good for them. (Wouldn’t it be nice if they did, though!) We know reading is important, but sometimes it can feel impossible to make it exciting. The good news? It doesn't have to be complicated.

Here are five simple ways to help your kids spark a love of reading this summer.

1. Let Them Explore Different Types of Books

One of the biggest misconceptions about reading is that it only "counts" if it's a traditional chapter book.

Graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines, nonfiction books, poetry, and picture books all support literacy development. In fact, research shows that graphic novels and audiobooks can improve comprehension, vocabulary, and engagement. It doesn’t matter if your child is spending time with a Yoto player or browsing a Highlights magazine—reading is reading in any format.

If your child is excited about what they're reading, that's a win.

2. Lean Into Creative Writing

Reading and writing are deeply connected. I often told my students that reading is breathing in and writing is breathing out.

Encourage your child to create stories, keep a journal, write comic strips, or respond to fun writing prompts. Take a nature walk and challenge them to describe what they see, hear, smell, and feel. These small activities help build literacy skills while encouraging creativity and imagination.

3. Let Your Child See You Reading

Children notice what we do.

Bring a book to the park, read on the couch, or spend a few minutes reading together before bed. When kids see the adults in their lives enjoying books, they begin to view reading as something people do for pleasure, not just something assigned at school.

4. Join the Book Fair at Bel Air Summer Reading Bingo Challenge

This summer, we're encouraging families to make reading an adventure with our free Summer Reading Bingo Card.

The card includes simple challenges like reading outside, visiting a library, listening to an audiobook, reading with a pet, and trying a new author. Complete a BINGO and bring your card to Book Fair at Bel Air on August 8 for a spin on our prize wheel. Complete a BLACKOUT and you'll be entered into our Kindle raffle.

You can download the bingo card here: https://bookfairatbelair.org/summer-reading-bingo-challenge-2026/

5. Make Reading an Event

Sometimes the best way to get excited about books is to surround yourself with other readers.

Join us at Book Fair at Bel Air on August 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College. This free family-friendly event will feature more than 100 authors and vendors, activities for kids, games, prizes, photo opportunities, and plenty of books to discover.

Whether your child already loves reading or is still searching for that perfect book, there's something magical about being surrounded by stories.

Most importantly, remember that every reader's journey looks different. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is helping children discover that reading can be fun, meaningful, and uniquely their own.

Happy reading and I hope to see you at the fair!
Samantha

- - -
Stay Connected:
Facebook
Instagram
Email