Gamify Your Reading Program

Reading Dragons and Friends is a fun way to motivate kids to build positive reading habits. This program levels the playing field for readers of any ability by rewarding them for the time they spend reading. We especially wanted to make this program approachable for children who find reading difficult. Kids can struggle with reading because of so many factors. Skills develop at different rates for each person, and if a person has something else working against them, like dyslexia, reading can be really hard work. The goal here is to motivate children to read regularly. In doing so they will be building up their reading skills brick by brick at their own pace, and find joy in reading.

Ok, so what actually are reading dragons and how do they motivate kids to read?

They are collectible playable cards featuring mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, griffins and more. Children track the time they spend reading in 30 minute increments to earn cards. They can play games with the cards they collect and they can create their own cards. This program appeals to kids who enjoy things like Pokémon, virtual pets, trading card games, and mythical creatures. And it doesn’t have to be just for kids. Many of our collaborators run this program for patrons of all ages.

Reading Dragons and Friends is made for libraries by librarians. It is completely free to use by libraries of any kind. Over 400 libraries have access to this program in 42 states and 5 countries. The program was developed at Dover Public Library by Librarians Liz Strauss and Mallory Thompson. It has grown from the collaborative efforts of creative librarians from all over. Because of librarians like you we have added improvements like symbols to provide accessibility for color blind kids, activities, coloring pages, and so many new and amazing cards. We have over 1000 cards!

In the card catalog you can browse the latest cards, search for cards by name, seasonal theme, or creator. Each listing will showcase the cards, have a pdf download to print 9 cards to a page, and if the creator has granted permissions, a zip file of the art with a transparent background that may be used in activities, and fundraising.