Guest Post by Author Tom Watson

Lots of kids think they don’t like to read.

But I have a way to prove them wrong.

Make them laugh.

I believe that when kids laugh along with a story, they will continue to read. And as those pages keep flipping, those reluctant readers will discover that reading is a blast.

And once they make that discovery, everything gets easier.

I certainly hope there’s truth in that theory – I’ve built a career on it.

As the author of the Stick Dog and Stick Cat series, published by HarperCollins, I’ve got proof that humor can break down barriers for reluctant readers. I get lots of mail – and e-mail – from parents, teachers and reading specialists who want to thank me for setting a previously apprehensive student on a path of lifetime reading.

There’s nothing I like to hear more.

I hear from loads of kids too. They admit to me that they never liked reading before. And I get it. They have plenty of other ways to occupy their minds – and their time. But when one of my stories – or other funny books – finds their way into a reluctant reader’s hands, sparks can often fly.

There’s more to my stories than just laughs, of course. There’s advanced vocabulary, subtle messaging about friendship, loyalty, patience and modesty. I work hard to empower readers too. Through the eyes of Stick Dog and Stick Cat, the reader can see, understand and laugh at the ridiculous and implausible ideas of the other characters.

But humor is the thing that ties it all together.

To me, humor is simply an introduction to a lifetime love of reading. Other types of books will come along in time. But often, I think, the gateway is laughter.

About our guest author: Tom Watson lives in Chicago with his wife, daughter and son. He also has a dog, as you could probably guess. The dog is a Labrador-Newfoundland mix. Tom says he looks like a Labrador with a bad perm. He wanted to name the dog ‘Put Your Shirt On’ (please don’t ask why), but he was out-voted by his family. The dog’s name is Shadow.