Most 7-year-olds have reading skills that are starting to take off. With pride, many 7-year-old children have chosen their favorite book series and stories. If your little reader is a faithful consumer of a certain story or author, plan his birthday party around that theme. Let him and his friends dive into the world of their favorite characters.
Choose a Theme
Talk with your child or his teacher to find out which stories she likes. You may not even need to ask. If there is a book that your child just can’t get enough of, that’s the perfect option. It may be a single story from a picture book or a series of short chapter books. Stick with a single character or set of characters and their experiences to make it easier for yourself.
Make It Happen
Read through the books to understand the characters, the setting and themes of the story. Also ask your child what he likes about that character. There may be certain elements that stand out to him that may not to you. Hire a local performer or bribe a family member or two to dress like some of the adults or animals of the story.
Invitations
Make sure your invitations explain the theme so your guests can come prepared. Copy and print pictures from book covers or have an artistic friend make a rendition of the character. Tell the guests to anticipate an afternoon of fun with that character. Invite them to dress up like coordinating characters. Let your child be the main character for the day. He shouldn’t have to share the spotlight at his own party.
Foods
Make food that would be enjoyed by the characters. For instance, if Alice in Wonderland is your theme, you can have a tea for everyone, with sandwiches, tarts and a heart-shaped cake. Get creative and feel free to rename dishes to fit the theme. It may be your recipe, but that doesn’t mean your character’s mom wouldn’t make it, too.
Gifts
If your reader is just starting to fall in love with a certain set of books, ask guests to bring more books from the series for him to soak up. Your birthday child might also enjoy the games, toys or other paraphernalia that accompanies the book. For a favor, give each child the first in the series or the picture book that the party is inspired by. Write a note of thanks in the front cover.
Photo Credit
- birthday celebration image by Liz Van Steenburgh from Fotolia.com
