Books are meant to be read—that much is certain. Yet across the world, countless sit untouched, gathering dust on forgotten shelves. If they had voices, perhaps they’d whisper, “Why won’t someone open my pages and discover what I hold?” Maybe it’s because their topics seem uninviting, or their titles fail to spark curiosity. But within each cover lies a story, a lesson, a perspective—waiting patiently for someone to see its worth and to enjoy it with others.
Before sharing a book with children, I like to take a moment to prepare. The back cover often provides me with a brief summary that gives a good sense of the story—sometimes sharing that is all it takes to spark a child’s interest. Other times, a meaningful dedication or a short excerpt can be a great way to start a conversation. When reading with young audiences, I find it helpful to gather a bit of background and think about ways to connect the book to their everyday experiences. Small prompts can make a big difference, especially for children who are easily distracted or hesitant to engage. With a little encouragement, that initial spark of curiosity can grow into a genuine love for the book and opens the door to a new search for other books just like this one.
An ENGAGE CARD is designed to help adults prepare for sharing a book with children—especially when the subject matter is a little unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Since many people find maggots unpleasant or unsettling, this card provides useful background to ease the reaction. It also offers information about black soldier flies and includes follow-up activities designed to reinforce and deepen the understanding of what the children have just encountered.
Take a moment to explore the ENGAGE CARD for Who’s Marvin? Consider how you might use this book to spark curiosity and conversation with your child—or even with a group of children. Could this be a story worth sharing together?
