This post was written by Arthur and Henry, the kid co-authors of I Hate Reading.

Dear Parents,

Arthur and Henry, here. As the co-authors of I Hate Reading, we took over this blog for a week. Why? We wanted to talk about summer reading from a kid’s eye view.

Ever notice that the first word in “summer reading” is summer?

We did, too.

The whole point of summer is you don’t have to do schoolwork.

(Unless you have to go to summer school, which is a whole different story).

In the summertime, we have more exciting things to do than sit still for 20 minutes. If your kids are kids, they probably do, too.

Summer reading is one of those good-for-you things that parents like and kids don’t. If you’re a parent, you probably even searched the internet for tips on how to get your kids to read during summer break. Of course you did! How else are you reading this?

Here’s our take on the matter. Most summer reading tips that you find on the internet just don’t work. Those tips might sound good, but they don’t really help. But our tips will! Or at least they’re worth a try.

Prizes: Give kids what we really want

Have you tried bribing your kids to read with ice cream and stickers and such? Treats like that are fine, but the reality is, if we don’t get them, it’s not the end of the world. Treats are treats, right? They’re extra. Unnecessary.

If you want to give your kids a prize for reading, maybe you could give them what they really, actually, desperately, want. Things they don’t want to live without.

Here’s what we mean.

Step 1: Step into your kids’ own shoes

First step: take a minute to think about your kids. Really think. What do they love? What have they been bugging you about for the last six months?

Maybe they want a pet.

Or to go camping.

Maybe they love Major League Baseball. We do. We’re Padres fans!

Once you know about your kids’ interests, you’re on to step two.

Step 2: Connect reading with the things they’re really into.

If your kids want a dog or a cat and don’t already have one, suggest that they read a book about how to take care of a pet. They can use what they read to prove that they will be a good pet owner. You can all talk about all the things they learned about dogs or cats.

If your kids want to go camping, let them read a book about camping. Talk to them about camping and tents and the woods and trails and all that stuff.

No matter what your kids like and want to do more often—you can find a whole bunch of books on that subject. If your kids want to go fishing or play basketball, or go to a demolition derby, head to the library together and help them find those books.

If you’re a cool parent, you might go to the library on your own, you know, incognito. Get books about the stuff your kids like, then leave the books around the house, especially in places where your kids will see them. Like in the bathroom. (Just make sure the books don’t fall into the sink. Or the tub. Or the toilet.)

Your other family members might pick up the books and learn a little bit, too. Then you can all talk about what you kids are interested in. You can all become experts!

Step 3: Give them a reward that matters

Once your kids—and your whole family—have become experts in that topic, it’s time for the prize! By now, thanks to the power of reading, your kids know how to take care of a pet or be safe when camping or whatever their favorite topic is.

Here’s where the prize comes in… You know your kids are now experts.

For the pet lover, go to the animal shelter and get that pet!

For the camping fan, you know your kids understand all the skills needed for camping. So make a reservation and go camping! Maybe your kids can help you pick out the campsite.

Bottom line: Reward your kids with what they really want.

Your kids will think it’s the best summer reading prize ever!