If you’re looking for a great deal with some amazing books, look no further than the latest Customer Specials!
What is Poop? is one of our household favorites and an awesome book to read around the age of potty training. It shows how poop goes into the toilet and then down into pipes under our homes. It makes flushing the toilet that much more fun.
What are Germs? goes together nicely with What is Poop? These 2 books offered at half off is INCREDIBLE! Jump on this great deal.
The next option is The Sticker Dolly Dressing Design Studio. This was a hit with my 4 year-old niece! According to our website, it contains, “over 200 stickers, 25 sheets of patterned paper, 3 stencils, over 100 rub-down transfers, a pink pen, a fine-line black pen, and a special book to inspire you and for you to create your designs in. ” I would have LOVED this when I was younger and I know so many young girls 4 all the way up to teen that would absolutely devour this customer special.
These are just two of the customer specials offered right now. These deals will go FAST! They usually do, when the options contain so much savings.
How can you take advantage? You could either put in a $40 order. OR, host a party and offer this awesome Customer Special with your friends!
Would you rather host a Facebook Party with a summer theme or an ice cream theme? A Taco Bout Books theme? Whatever theme it is, let’s have fun getting some girls together while we chat about some adorable books!
When is the best time of year to grab books? The right answer is anytime. Do you have any summer birthdays in your family? Baby showers? Summer boredom? These books are awesome to keep learning present and foremost during this time of year!
Before you go, I’d LOVE to have you in my community! Join the readers in the Reading Scoop!
Local Storytime at Chloe’s Closet
Recently, I was connected with an awesome owner, of a sweet family-oriented resale boutique.
Just walking in, you’ll know this place is special. From the beautifully kept clothing to the homemade good by work-at-home moms, you will fall in love with this store. You’ll love the owner, Hannah, even more! She has return customers for a good reason.
In March I began hosting a storytime right in the shop, Chloe’s Closet. I read an interactive story, I say Ohh, You Say Ahhh. I’ll be doing this storytime twice a month. Each time we have a story along with a take-home craft. I also bring a select few titles to sell, including the story I read.
After I Say Ohh, You Say Ahh, the next time I read one of my all-time favorites, Dan the Taxi Man. This story combines beautiful poetry with onomatopoeia through various musical instruments.
With Usborne Books & More, there are so many interactive stories perfect for a sweet storytime for toddler or preschoolers.
One pair of books I’ve read together is Cats, Cats and Dogs, Dogs. These cute stories written by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt are a crowd favorite. If you haven’t checked these out or Michelle Nelson-Schmidt in general, please do! She’s an inspirational author and illustrator. Her story is amazing! She inspires children, moms, and consultants throughout the US.
As I read these stories, I interact with both the children and their mothers. I tell them a little about what I do and ask the children their names and ages. I absolutely love when the children interact with the books. I love the random comments and questions. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of what I do. This is one of the pieces I miss from teaching in the classroom. I could get lost in a story while teaching, and I did many times.
Reading can take you away on an adventure. If you’re ever in the Katy area, check out Chloe’s Closet and join me for Storytime.
You can find me at The Reading Scoop. If you like what you see, be sure to join my community of Readers. We’d love to see you there!
How to Run a Successful $5 Book Day
You’ve joined the greatest direct sales company! Now what? Have you heard of the $5 Book Day? This is an awesome way to work with local schools in your area.
5 Tips to Rock your $5 Book Day
Here are 5 tips I’ve used to create an awesome $5 Book Day
Use Consignment to get Great Titles
Use your consignment to get $5, $6, and $7 titles. Be sure to make use of sets to save even more money. You will reconcile your consignment when getting the schools free books.
Remember the school will receive 25% in Free Books instead of the usual 50% through a book fair. This is because of the additional savings that go directly to the students.
Choose Titles Strategically
Did you know pink sells better than not pink? If there are books in a series, get the first in the series because it’s the first and then get pink because, well, it’s pink!
Some of the Extreme Adventures sell better than others. For me, Shark Bait sells better than the rest because it looks scarier.
After a $5 Book Day, keep a log of what sold and what didn’t so you can adjust for future $5 Book Days.
Advertise
Advertise through stickers, flyers, and the school’s Facebook page if they have one.
Get the $5 stickers from Order Pro for the students to wear home the day before the Book Day. Also, get the $5 Book Day Posters while you’re at it. The school can hang these up in the hall.
There are flyers for purchase in the back office to go home with the students. Personally, I create my own to ensure that the titles shown will definitely be at the Book Day. There’s a sample flyer from this year below.
Lastly, contact the librarian or person you’re working with to find out the contact for the school’s Facebook page. Create an enticing graphic to post on their page or post on your Facebook Business Page and have the school share on the school’s Facebook Page.
The school will also advertise through announcements and their newsletter to get the most Free Books possible. Don’t be afraid to ask how they usually advertise events!
Preview Day
Have a Preview Day, especially if this is the school’s first $5 Book Day. This gets the students and staff excited to get these books. You’ll definitely have a bigger success with a preview day, but if not, every year will get better in sales!
Allow Student Ordering
Unless you’re ordering thousands of dollars in consignment, a title might run out. Allow students to order a title if that title runs out. This can work one of two ways.
With a Preview Day
If students absolutely loved a particular book during the preview day, they will remember that book.
At my last $5 Book Day, a student said, “There was a pink book right there,” as she pointed to the end of the table. I knew exactly which title she wanted.
Without a Preview Day
Without a preview day, you should put a little sticky note or a bookmark on the last book to let you know it’s the last copy. Keep the last copy out for everyone to see. If they want to order it, write their name, teacher’s name and the title down. (I created a list on excel of the teachers ahead of time to save a little time.)
My last $5 Book Day I had 16 books ordered through the students. Most of these were 4th or 5th graders, which I expected. They receive their books when the school gets their Free Books.
I hope you enjoyed my tips! Stay in touch!
Perfect Books for Easter Baskets
Easter is just around the corner! Here are awesome books to fill your child’s Easter Basket according to age.
Perfect Books for Easter Baskets
Books for babies and 1-year-olds
Before I get into the books, check out this adorable Whatif Monster, perfect for an Easter Basket or Book Basket at home.
Perfect Books for Easter
Find the bunny hiding throughout the book. This bunny is a better hider than we think! Your child will love this adorable hide and seek book!
This is one of the newest “That’s Not My” Books! What an adorable touchy-feely edition for Easter!
The fold-out books are perfect for young babies spending a lot of time on their stomachs for tummy time. Start reading Nursery Rhymes young!
Books for a 2-year-old
Baby’s Very First Tractor Book
This book is the sequel to Baby’s Very First Bus Book! Toy and book in one! The wheels really move and the story is adorable, too!
One of our best sellers, All Better, is filled with animals, bandages, and injuries. Put them all together and make them all better!
Practice describing pictures early on with this beautifully illustrated book. Never run out of concepts to teach with My First 100 Words.
Books for a 3-year-old
This adorable and sturdy book is great for babies-3 year-olds. Ask lots of questions in this rhyming gem.
I love animal books! And the Big Books do NOT disappoint either. Each big book comes with 4 giant fold-out pages. Facts and beautiful pictures fill each page with lots of learning to come!
Every page is these board books has a puzzle to solve. Find what’s different or make up your own puzzle. My own son loves these books!
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Hope you enjoyed these goodies for Easter Baskets by Age! New Titles Come Out Soon! I’ll be sharing first in my community! Come join us there!
Protected: Books that Answer Your Child’s Burning Questions
6 ways to Rock your Usborne Books & More Business
Home Parties
Home Parties are cozy and fun! Girls Nights, Wine, and Books! After introductions, have each guest pick up a book to share with the whole group. This will get everyone thinking and talking about the books!
Home Parties are great for getting one-on-one time in with the guests. They’re also awesome for a night away- for both the guests, the host, and the consultant!
Enjoy your Home Parties!
*Helpful Tips: Think small when packing for a home party. Less is More. Bring a small variety of books to keep a simple fun, atmosphere without being overwhelming.
Facebook Parties
Who doesn’t love a party right from home, on your phone, and in your pjs? I love Facebook Parties. Fun, without the hassle of a home party. No getting all dolled up. Just plan out the posts and get ready to rock your party.
Want to up your Facebook game? Check out this AWESOME training! It definitely took my Facebook parties to the next level with fun themes. A few of the themes I have personally worked are Romantic Comedies (for February), Christmas, New Year/New You, and 90s. There are so many ways to go with these fun themes using the same format taught in this training.
*Helpful tips:
Plan out your games before hand and get information on the party guests from the hostess before the party. Go LIVE to spark some party engagement. Want to up your game with great hostess coaching? Check out this amazing training as well!
Vendor events
Vendor events are an awesome way to get out of your warm market and meet some new people. My favorite vendor events are in the fall, usually held at a school carnival. Vendor events are also awesome leading up to Christmas. Just before Christmas is an amazing time to sell books. People are ready to stock up for their children and grandchildren.
*Helpful tips:
Be sure to bring a good supply of inventory as well as booth slips and business cards. Also, make friends with the other vendors! You never know what connections might come from it!
Schools and Libraries
Oh my goodness! I could go on and on (but I won’t ;)… ) about all the ways to work with Schools and Libraries. To see the detailed list, check out my blog focused specifics on Schools and Libraries.
Different possibilities include:
- Author Visits
- Books Fairs
- $5 Book Days
- Reach for the Stars, a reading incentive program
- Literacy for the Lifetime, a grant program used for Free Books
As a former teacher, I love working with schools. I love seeing a child’s face light up with learning. That’s what I miss as a teacher, seeing the lightbulb moment. I love the fact that I’m still able to contribute to literacy and life-long learning while still staying home with my babies.
Storytime at a local boutique
This is one way that excited me most! Find a local retail or resale shop that regularly brings in new customers with their children. I found a local shop that even has a space devoted to childhood and play. I get to read stories to the children that come and then chat with their moms as they browse a bit of my selection.
This is a win-win for my business and the shop’s!
Fundraising
Cards for a Cause is the best fundraiser I’ve ever seen! 30 embellished greeting cards come in a beautiful box with dividers. Sell these boxes for $30 each, or $1 per card. These cards would sell for $3 or $4 in the stores!
Then, the organization makes $13 per box sold. Imagine the groups you could help through this fundraiser!
This past December I helped a Moms Groups raise over $300 to sponsor a family for Christmas. They were able to get the family of four set for the Christmas holidays!
Loved this list? Be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Want other ideas? Follow me on Instagram!
Join The Birthday Club with Usborne Books & More
I have some great news! I just started a birthday club!
Join my birthday club and get 10% off books ordered in the month of your child’s birthday! Plus, you’ll get an email a few weeks before the special day so your child’s birthday doesn’t sneak up on you as they sometimes do.
All you need to do is fill out this form and I will do the rest!
That’s the Reading Scoop!
Meet Illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg
It’s always great to meet awesome experts in your field. I work as an Educational Service Representative for Usborne Books & More. One of the best parts of being a book lady, is interacting with authors and illustrators.
Melanie Hope Greenberg
Over the past few weeks I’ve chatted with illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg. Melanie graciously offered to come into my VIP Group to have a Question and Answer Session. I was blown away from this offer from an illustrator of over 16 books!!!
Americanly
Even better, we sell one of her beautiful picture books, Americanly. Americanly, written by Lynn Parrish Sutton, is a sweet rhyming book describing many of the most beautiful landmarks of America. The whimsical illustrations match the playful text perfectly.
Question & Answer Session
Melanie definitely has a passion for what she does. In our question and answer session, my group members and I learned that Melanie is self-taught and loves drawing pretty much everything. We also learned a little about the illustrating process. I never knew publishers put authors and illustrators together. Illustrators and authors don’t contact each other for various jobs, at least in Melanie’s case.
It was amazing to be able to share Melanie with my group! Several people asked Melanie questions and found the answers fascinating. I myself am keeping this Question & Answer Session in my group for new members to discover. I can also pass on this new knowledge to aspiring illustrators I meet during my school visits.
Childhood can be so stressful these days with testing and even world problems. Sometimes we need a little more childhood and a little less stress. I like Melanie’s illustrations for this reason. They’re sweet and calming. Melanie often shares her illustrations on her Facebook page if you’re interested.
As a mom, a reader, a teacher, and a dreamer, I love any opportunity to work with or learn from an enthusiast in their field. Many other book ladies would be lucky to learn from her as well.
Book Ladies, Authors, Illustrators, and Publishers all work towards the same goal in the work of Children’s Literature. We work to inspire children and pass on literature to the next generation. I will follow Melanie’s work and look forward to future encounters as well as future books!
If you would like to learn more about Melanie Hope Greenberg, read this!
If you would like to hear storytime from me featuring new titles, join my group!
Do I Have Time for Direct Sales?
So many people feel they don’t have time for direct sales or the gym or cooking or basically anything. A lot of times I’m one of these people.
You may not have a lot of time, but direct sales may not require as much time as you think.
Work when you Can
I work mostly during nap time. I stay at home with my two boys, so my time is definitely limited. With a toddler and baby, my attention is mostly elsewhere.
Work Smarter, not Harder
Work Smarter, not harder. Stick to a reasonable and flexible schedule. Do Money Tasks First Every Single Time.
Fit in small tasks in between activities or your everyday life. Carve out time for larger tasks especially parties.
Build Relationships
So much of direct sales is misunderstood and seen as spammy! Shame on these direct sellers. We are creating a service and a business, so we shouldn’t be prying or begging!
Our number one goal should be to build relationships. Build relationships where you are. At work, in your Moms Groups, at church, and wherever else you already are!
Just like you would recommend your friend that does awesome massages, is the best tax attorney or you know the best plumber in the area, people will recommend you for your service and the product you sell.
Passion Sells
My passions lie in education, child development, and reading. When you sell books through Usborne Books & More, you can very easily and naturally talk to people through your passion.
Each time we come out with new books, I am energized again about why I do this and how easy it is to share these adorable and educational masterpieces.
There is a large market for books, as there is with many other products.
Be creative. Do storytime. Throw your own parties. Have children create reviews.
Share where you are already. Share where your friends and family are already: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest.
Work from Home for $40
New Beginnings
I love the new year. Resolutions! Promises! Fresh Starts! So many blessings to reflect on from the previous year and so many blessings to look forward to.
I’m so grateful for my family and friends, but I’m also very grateful to work with Usborne Books & More. Being with the company over two years now, I have had countless parties, held several book fairs, fundraisers, and matched children with the perfect books.
This February you can join Usborne for just $40! I joined when the deal was $55 a couple of years ago. This is the lowest I’ve seen!
Promote Literacy
This is the perfect time to join because the school and library division opened up for the first time in 2 years! That means you can work with schools to fundraise, hold book fairs, reading incentive programs, author visits, and more! (As a former teacher, I LOVE working with schools!)
Learn New Skills
When working direct sales, you learn so much about yourself, business, and life!
Not only have I learned about Usborne through the weekly trainings we have, but I’ve also learned from other direct sellers about mindset to help me in other areas of my life as both a wife and a mother.
As I just stated, take these new skills and transfer them to other areas of your life.
Consultant Kit
This consultant kit comes with:
- 7 Titles (pictured in the image above)
- 5 Spring 2018 Usborne Books & More Catalogs
- 20 Spring 2018 Mini Catalogs
- 50 Customer Order Forms
- 10 Host Guides
- 6 Month E-Business Package
- Branded Box
Start Now
Where would you start first? A party launch? Working your contacts with schools? Fundraising for a great cause with Non-Profits?
$40 is one of the best deals around to start your own business. Start Now and I’ll be there to guide you in the process I love! Spreading literacy while supporting my family!
I’ll show you the tricks of the trade and introduce you to some other awesome leaders! Join me in an awesome mission of promoting literacy!
Any questions? Contact me @ thereadingscoop@gmail.com for any further questions. I look forward to working with you!
