Avast, Me Bookaneers! Time to do some reading ye scalawags!

Here are some ideas an suggestions for this year's Scholastic Book Fair!

For around my door in the hall way I made two long ship banners that hung over the door. I fastened them at the top only an then just lifted the bottom and pushed the open doors behind them in the morning and took them back out at night. (I think Book Fair business is more inviting and sells more when doors are open and entrance exciting).

  

Next, I made a pirate map style path leading from the door to the exact location of the fair with an X marks the spot at the end. 

I made a mast from pvc pipe (See directions below) and then covered it in brown butcher paper from the school. I could have been cool and painted the poles, but ain't nobody got time for that... 

I bought red an white stripped fabric from hobby lobby for about 6$. I cut holes in the fabric along the top and then tied it to the mast poles with twine.  (I made the welcome to the cove sign the same way). 

          

Book Fair Tips!!!

1. Take all your "toys" and hot glue/tape them to a triboard. Add the prices (INCLUDING TAX). I also numbered each item so that kids could say "I want a number 1 please" instead of, "Can I have that eraser." (to which we know the answer could be one of 10 erasers in 5 colors). Next year I am ALSO going to color code them i.e. Items for under 1.00 are in the red, items for 2 are in the blue etc. I think this will help the little ones that come with their pennies to see what they can get :D
   
2. While Scholastic might totally hate me for doing this, I do it anyway. After all, we are making them big bucks...so well...my conscious is clear. I go through each cart and place the books that are the same price on the same shelf. Then I mark the shelf to show how much each shelf costs WITH THE TAX!!!! I have told scholastic a thousand times they need to do this, because elementary kids just do not get, "bring extra money for tax"  My carts then look like this...                                         
3. ALWAYS place 10 or 20 dollars worth of "change" in the ALL FOR BOOKS box at the start of your fair. (if you can afford it). This way, when your little ones come with five dollars and REALLY want that Shopkins book that costs $5.40, you can help them out.  I am a firm believer in helping a kid buy a book rather than having to get a UV pen because they don't have tax. (Also start the fair with at least 6 rolls of pennies, you are going to need them!)  Remember that getting books into your kiddos hands is the most important reason to have a book fair!
4. Have some kind of "incentive" for buying books instead of a toy. Last year I did little monster book marks, this year I bought 10 dollars worth of plastic pirate "doubloons". If a kid buys a book they get a pirate coin (you can even mark some of the coins and if they get one with a mark they can get a free book! If you have the Scholastic Dollars to cover a few free books that is.)
5. Use Music! There is nothing like watching the kids enjoy the "feel" of the Bookaneer Fair with a bit of pirate music. I purchased a couple of the songs from Pirates of the Caribbean along with some songs from Captain Bogg and Salty! (These are also free on YouTube)                      These made for some awesome background fun! 
6. Dress up and have fun! Don't be afraid to be a little silly. Children need to learn it is ok to let loose and laugh a little. (especially the upper grades when they are in "that is not cool" phase) :D

Good luck with your fair and feel free to comment with your tips and tricks. I will update with your good ideas!