Children do not actually have to be readers to start enjoying books. You can start a book club for non-readers as a mommy and me play group. While the children are sitting with their mothers, give them appropriate books to play with instead of other toys. Have the mothers take turns reading the books aloud to the whole group, or let each mother read to her child. The important thing about this age is to remember their short attention span; center the play around books, but do not expect them to sit very long.
Reading aloud should be the primary activity at a meeting for children who are just beginning to read. Books for this age have large print and colorful pictures, so make sure to show each page to the children. You can also let them take turns reading some of the words. After reading a book, ask the young readers what they liked about it, then let them draw a picture about it. Play music while they draw or teach them a song with the theme of the story.
Children who are able to read on their own are ready to read a book before coming to the meeting, but you will need to review the story with them. Lead a discussion by asking them what they liked about the book. They will probably want to tell about their experience reading it. Just make sure each child has a chance to talk and try to keep them talking about books, not their other interests.
This age also enjoys being read to. You can choose a longer book and read one chapter at each meeting or play a book on tape. You can also let them read to each other. Follow the reading and discussion with an activity that ties to the theme, like dancing, singing or making a craft.
Advanced readers will want to read at home and come to meetings to talk about the book. Make sure to direct the discussion by preparing a few questions about the book. They can talk about what they liked, but your questions should make them think about the book. Why did a character do what they did? Why did a bad thing happen to someone? Do you think you would do what they did? If your readers are creative, you can ask them to come to the group with a discussion question to ask the group.