Scratch-and-Sniff Books: Why Kids Love Reading With Their Noses
The first time a child scratches a page and smells cherries, their eyes go wide. It’s pure magic, and it’s one of my favorite things about the Bentley books.
Reading with more senses
Multisensory experiences help kids stay engaged and remember what they read. When a story has something to touch, see and smell, it sticks.
It turns reluctant readers into eager ones
Kids who might wiggle away from a regular book will lean in to find the next smelly surprise.
Our scratch-and-sniff surprises
Every Bentley book after the first one includes hidden scratch-and-sniff items. Bentley Makes a Dump Cake has cherry fun, and Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous has cotton candy! Our very first book, Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea, hides predators to find instead.
Tips for scratch-and-sniff reading
- Scratch gently with a fingernail, not a pencil.
- Make it a guessing game before you peek at the picture.
- Talk about other foods that smell sweet, sour or yummy.
Pair your favorite with one of our printable activity packs for a full afternoon of fun!
