Middle readers will also enjoy anything by Judy Blume and Lloyd Alexander. Beginning readers can start with Ruth Gannett's My Father's Dragon trilogy or David Adler's Cam Jansen series. Throw a book swap party. Invite 10 of your children's friends, and ask them to bring two paperback books to swap. Put all the books in a big laundry basket, and let each person draw two new books.
Story is a great game to inspire their imagination.
Sit in a circle. The host starts the story with an outrageous first line. Continue around the circle with each child adding a line to the story. If you write down their silly tale, your child could illustrate it and send a copy to each guest. Drape a sheet or blanket over the kitchen table and supply your kids with flashlights, new books, and the promise of a special camping treat like s'mores.