How to Attract Attention at Your Next Children's Book Event

Six authors share their creative, interactive ideas!

It’s a busy street fair or a moderately busy bookstore. You’re sitting at a table by yourself. People are walking by but not stopping.

You just want a chance.

So how can you attract attention so that you get the opportunity to tell people about your AMAZING book? (That they might buy if only they knew about it?!)

I’ve asked some of my creative author friends for their best ideas.

Get ready to be inspired…

Carmela LaVigna Coyle

Carmela’s Idea: A Superhero Name Poster!

“Once they find their superhero name, I engage them in conversation, and that’s when they notice the other books on my table. But also, I think in general the sign drew them into [the bookstore’s] cubby to look around a bit.”

Carmela loves other extras, too.

She adds, “Making and giving away mini daisy crowns for kids to place on their teddy bears or other stuffies has definitely drawn people in and improved sales at events.”

Find out more about Carmela on her website.

Stan Yan

Stan’s Idea: A Retractable Pull-up Banner!

“If I see them pause to read it or look at it, it’s my opening to engage them and ask if they’re graphic novel or comics readers (or want to be if they say no).”

Stan uses buildasign.com to make his banner.

Connect with Stan on his website.

Mary Boone

Mary’s Idea: Bug Snacks & Stickers!

“My middle-grade book, BUGS FOR BREAKFAST (Chicago Review Press), is about entomophagy – the practice of eating insects. Nothing gets kids – and adults – talking like the opportunity to try crickets and/or grasshoppers for themselves. I hand out I ATE A BUG stickers to those willing to sample.”

Mary’s Idea: A Fish Game!

“My informational fiction picture book, SCHOOL OF FISH (Albert Whitman), is based on the popular Salmon in the Classroom program. I made a magnetic fishing game to support it. Kids come up and fish for a question.”

“The felt fish have paperclips in their mouths and questions on the backs of them. Correct answers earn participants a Swedish fish and/or a FRIEND OF FISH sticker.”

“I also have some fish photo props that kids (and adults) love to pose with. I mean … who doesn’t want a selfie kissing a salmon?”

Note from Melissa: I’m raising my hand to eat bugs and get a salmon selfie. How about you?

Connect with Mary Boone on her website.

Ann Suk Wang

Ann’s Idea: A Spinner with Prizes!

Ann says, “The thing that brings kids to my table is usually the spinner. It’s a bright wheel with prizes on it, and who doesn’t like freebies!?”

“On the spinner, I usually include candy, stickers, and toys that relate to my book as much as possible. While the kids are spinning the wheel, I have visuals for the parents (like the interactive poster). I also give away bookmarks to all. And if you top that with a smile and a welcoming, generous spirit, it all works together to draw people in for at least a conversation.”

Learn more about Ann on her website.

Alexandra Diaz

Alexandra’s Idea: Buy 4 Books, Get 1 Tote

Alexandra explains, “I have the totes on display and offer a deal where they get a free tote if they buy four books.”

“I’ve noticed that you have to say hello and talk to anyone who makes eye contact with you or your table.”

Find out more about Alexandra on her website.

Annette Whipple

Ann’s Idea: Lots of Physical Objects

“I’ve had soil samples. Spiders. A stuffed (giant) bee. A realistic stuffed animal owl. Shark tooth.”

“When I show Edna, Jr. (shown above) to visitors of all ages, I suggest they count her legs and let me know if they notice anything unusual. They typically note that the spider has ten legs. I then use a spread in Scurry! The Truth About Spiders (because it’s easier to see) that it’s actually eight legs and two arms called palps.”

“For younger children, I have Wilbur, my life-size stuffed owl. They love to gently pet his belly. If they’re interested, I point out his talons or discuss his size or that he’s very close to the size of a real great horned owl. This often leads into how I got to hold an owl even larger than Wilder when I was researching owls and met with my expert. (I show the author photo from Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls if they seem interested.)”

“I also like to have trivia! I place true or false statements in envelopes with the topic labeled on the envelope. It gets audiences of all ages involved. Though they are general-knowledge topics, the answers are found in my books.”

“The important thing is to engage and not treat each person as a potential sale. Engage in conversation before mentioning your book!”

Find more about Annette on her website.

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Wow. I’m inspired and found lots of new ideas here! How about you?

ACTION: Think about your book and its topics. What interactive element could you add to your book event table?

Thank you to each amazing author who shared their clever and fun ideas with us.

Which idea do you like best?

What did you brainstorm adding to your book event?

Leave a comment!