Book Tasting Event is a highly engaging and interactive literacy activity designed to excite students about reading and expand their exposure to a variety of genres. Styled like a themed restaurant, this event invites students to “taste” books at genre-based tables, just as they might sample dishes at a café. It’s the perfect activity to run during Book Week, the start of a reading unit, or as a standalone literacy celebration. Students build genre awareness and develop personal reading preferences, all while having fun and interacting with peers.

Each table features a different genre - such as mystery, fantasy, non-fiction, or humour - decorated and styled like a real café setting. Students rotate between these tables, browse books in each genre, and record their impressions using the included Book Tasting Menu. The event culminates in a final reflection, where students choose their favourite genre and title, drawing or writing about their “top taste.”

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and explore a range of reading genres
• ✅ Reflect on personal reading preferences and genre enjoyment
• ✅ Build descriptive language and expressive skills when discussing books
• ✅ Develop note-taking and evaluative skills through structured templates

What’s Included:

• Genre Posters and Table Number Cards
• Book Tasting Menus and Placemats
• Name Badge Templates for each student
• Reservation Sheet to assign groups or rotation orders
• Final Reflection Sheet with a jar-style drawing prompt

Materials Needed:

• A variety of books grouped by genre
• Printed activity templates and decorations
• Paper or plastic tablecloths, jars, flowers, menus and utensils for styling
• Optional: Background café music for ambience

How to Use:

• Set up genre-themed tables using the included posters and props
• Assign books to each table and prepare one Book Tasting Menu per student
• Explain how to ‘taste’ a book: scan the cover, read a few pages, and record impressions
• Rotate students through each table in timed intervals (e.g., 5–10 minutes)
• Use the Book Tasting Placemat to summarise students’ favourite genre and book

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a launch activity for a term-long reading challenge or genre study
• 💡 Encourage students to borrow one of their favourite “tasted” books for sustained reading
• 💡 Set up a class voting wall where students mark their top genre pick

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Set the mood with background music and table settings for an immersive café feel
• 💛 Use the Reservation Sheet to manage transitions smoothly across tables
• 💛 Start with a demonstration to model what it means to “taste” a book

Book Tasting Event is a fun and creative way to celebrate books and build a reading culture in your classroom. With just a bit of preparation and imagination, you can create a memorable experience that helps students connect with stories - and each other - in meaningful ways.