About Reading Inspiration
I’m Alex, a parent of a book-loving child.
I have a background working in adult education and I’ve also worked with children, delivering creative workshops. I’ve previously worked in the arts, photography and publishing. I am a fan of fantasy and science fiction. And I am a Hufflepuff through and through.
I’ve put together this blog to provide a resource for parents of sci-fi, fantasy and adventure-loving kids. You can find great books, activities & entertainment for the whole family – parents included!
Alex Stapleford – founder of ReadingInspiration.com Photograph by Fi R Backhouse – a founding member of the e9makers collective
If you are looking for fantastic ideas for family fun and inspiration you are in the right place! Reading Inspiration contains reviews and recommendations of great books, products and experiences. We’ve also got tips to help you support your children’s reading.
If you would like to get a quick overview of our site’s contents – click here. Or if you would like to find out more about this blog keep reading below…
JOIN US – subscribe for updates & receive our FREE Library Reading ActivityMore about me…
As you can see I am as tall as a Complete Wonka. We had an inspiring time at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
I love finding and exploring new books, reading with my son and borrowing his books. I enjoy a wide range of book genres. I also love sci-fi and fantasy in film and TV.
When I’m not writing or reading I can also be found growing vegetables in my small garden and promoting digital accessibility. I also enjoy playing computer games, particularly Minecraft. I once built my very own Emerald City based on the world of The Wizard of Oz!
and this website!
I have created this blog to share my enthusiasm for the books, activities and entertainment my family loves. I think my family is not unique in the way that we share a lot of interests. A love of particular films, characters and books often spans generations.
For example, I loved The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien as a child. It’s great to share the story with my son now. And it is great to share an interest in the latest hero movie together. I love reading fiction myself. It makes me so happy to hear my child talk about the latest adventures and plot twists in books he has read.
Like a lot of families, ours has had its ups and downs with reading. But we have realised that it is best to take the stress out of reading. Enjoying the fun and pleasure that books bring is key. That is a message that I think is so important to share.
My blog is a resource for families who love reading, activities and entertainment. Those who love sci-fi and fantasy fiction should find it especially useful. The website is here to help parents find books & other entertainment to suit your family’s needs no matter what your children’s interests and age ranges are. We provide suggestions of books, movies, accessories, gifts, days out & experiences. I hope you find it useful!
Books for parents too
This blog features recommendations and reviews of some of our favourite kids’ books and entertainment. I also review and recommend books that are just for us grown-ups to escape and unwind with. When our children’s reading progress causes worries it can be easy to forget about our own reading.
Children who see their parents and carers reading are more likely to want to read themselves! So taking that time for yourself to enjoy a good book is great for your kids too! It doesn’t matter what you read. Whether you love graphic novels, classic fiction or a grim dystopian read, it’s all good!
Age guidelines
I agree with many authors including Philip Pullman, who argue that the age banding of books is not helpful. However, parents and others looking for books for children often find age guidelines helpful. I may add age-appropriate guidelines to book reviews and features to help you find suitable books.
But always keep in mind that these are flexible. All children develop their reading skills and abilities at different rates. For example, a 10-year-old may well pick up and enjoy a book that falls into a 7+ category. And there is no harm there. Try not to let age guidelines restrict your children’s reading.
Review requests
I am not currently able to accept or respond to review requests. Please see my Review Policy for more information.
Any questions?
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact me by emailing readinginspirationblog@gmail.com