How To Build A Love Of Reading
Family Members Who Read Together Stay Together
or, it's the book that binds
The Hobbit, Black Beauty, The Secret Garden, A Wrinkle In Time... do any of these books bring back great childhood memories? They do for me. You see, I am an avid reader (okay, you really wouldn't want to know how many books I can devour in a week's time). The summer between grades 3 and 4, I read 103 children's novels. Unfortunately, the weren't read aloud with my family. You see, my parents stopped reading aloud after I started school. And so we never shared together all the lovely stories I cherish from my childhood.I vowed I would not let that happen when I had children. These stories of adventure, love, friendship, family togetherness, fantasy and more are meant to be shared with someone you love.
If you have older children, you probably already know that the last offering in the Harry Potter series came out last July. It's a fun addition to your list of books to read or talk about.
Many parents and grandparents are busy with Christmas shopping. Be sure to add great books to your list of christmas gifts this year. I still have signed copies of books given me by a favorite aunt as I grew up. They have become cherished memories of her now that she has passed away. Especially in this day of computer and video games, a beautifully bound book with a special message from you is something to be treasured.
Reading Aloud In The News
Timely articles about the importance of reading aloud to kids.
Reading aloud is certainly newsworthy. Just check out these great articles about how families and communities are supporting and making it work.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byBook Lover Shopping Websites For Families Who Read
Find Special Gifts for Readers
- Biblio Gifts
- Great collection of reading t-shirts and gift items including book lover clocks, Kiss Me I'm A Librarian t-shirts, Encourage A Healthy Addiction - Read To Your Children t-shirts and other funny book lover slogans.
- The Reader's Shop
- The Reader's Shop offers gifts and apparel that showcase books, reading, librarians, well anything to do with the world of books. Find I Love My Library t-shirts, My Mommy Reads To Me tees, Born To Read and other fun bibliophile slogans.
- Main Street Book Lover T-shirts
From I Love Mr. Darcy to A Room Without Books Is Like A Body Without A Soul, you'll find many fun reading slogans on sweatshirts, book tees, canvas library totes, reading mugs, kids reading apparel and more. Stocking stuffers include reading magnets, book lover buttons and keepsake boxes and other items.- Melanie's Library Shop
- This fun shop is organized by the Dewey Decimal system! Look under 000-099 for books, librarianship, and under 800-899 for writing, poetry, drama, novels, literary theory & criticism, and Shakespeare. Find fun t-shirts, stocking stuffers for readers and other Christmas gifts for your favorite bibliophile.
- Personalized Children's Books
This website offers wonderful personalized books for children ages 0-12, which include their name right in the story.
- Scholastic Children's Books
- Border's Books and Music
- Snoopy Store
- This shop carries all kinds of Snoopy and Peanuts Gang t-shirts, posters, mugs and gifts. I still remember reading many a Charlie Brown and Snoopy book out loud with friends in grade school.
Our Family Read-Aloud Favorites
Just had to share our favorite books.
- A Little Princess
My Father's Dragon
The Harry Potter series
The Mouse That Roared
The Wonderful Flight To The Mushroom Planet
Calling On Dragons
A Walk Into The Woods
Chin Ling The Chinese Cricket - The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Henry Reed's Journey by Keith Robertson
Henry Reed's Babysitting Service by Keith Robertson
Rascal by Sterling North
101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith
The Phantom Tollbooth
San Francisco Boy by Lois Lenski - Little Britches by Ralph Moody
Man of the Family by Ralph Moody
The Home Ranch by Ralph Moody
Mary Emma and Company by Ralph Moody
The Fields of Home by Ralph Moody - What's For Lunch, Charley?
The Narrow Escapes Of Solomon Smart
Misty of Chincoteague
The House At Pooh Corner
Tico And The Golden Wings
Frog And Toad Together - Horton Hears A Who - Dr. Seuss
C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles Of Narnia
The Happy Hollisters (large series)
Mrs. McFig And Her Very Big Wig - soon to be published!
The Red Balloon - NOT IN PRINT BUT CHECK ON EBAY OR AMAZON:
Old Black Witch by Wende & Harry Devlin
Venus Boy (great story; very hard to find)
Links to Reading Aloud Resources
articles, other blogs, where to buy books and more
- RIF Makes A Case for Reading Aloud
- RIF - Reading is FUNdamental, makes it case for the importance of reading aloud.
- English Children's Laureate Adds Her Stamp of Approval
- The Children's Laureate for 2005-2007, Jacqueline Wilson, offers sounds words of advice about not missing out on the reading experience with the over 5 crowd.
- MORE Milestones Books Reading and Literacy Shirts
- To help promote literacy wherever you go, check out our reading bumper stickers and t-shirts for librarians, volunteers, reading teachers, parents and of course children of all ages who are learning to read! 100's of designs to choose from, from Jane Austen to Sherlock Holmes, I Love Books to Future Reader.
- Do's and Dont's For Reading Aloud from Jim Trelease's Read Aloud Handbook
- Jim Trelease offers great ideas for every family to make reading aloud a natural part of your family life.
- Great Reading T-shirts And Gifts For The Whole Family
- Want to promote the love of reading? Here's a great website that offers tons and tons of fun reading designs on t-shirts in sizes for the whole family. Book tote bags, reading buttons, kids reading shirts and baby book designs on onesies and bibs, plus tons more.
- Publish Your Own Children's Book!
- Children love to hear stories their parents have made up. Do you think your stories could appeal to others too? Why not take it a step further, and publish your own children's book? Here is a link to one company... if you pursue it let others know what your experience is like in our guestbook.
- A Way To Publish Books On Demand
- Or, if you are interested in publishing your special family stories one book at a time, CafePress offers black and white (no color at this time) printing and binding services. You can create your own book, and buy just one copy, or let other family members buy them! Or, if you're ambitious, you can offer them to the public right on CafePress.
- What Makes A Good Young Picture Book ?
- WHAT MAKES A GOOD YOUNG PICTURE BOOK?
Marilyn Singer asked a group of authors, editors, and other book people this question. Here are their responses, along with some of their recommended titles...
A good picture book should also be a good read aloud book in my opinion. - Landmark Editions Nat'l Children's Book Contest
- Children ages 6 to 19 who are interested in writing and illustrating their own children's book can enter the "David Melton Memorial Written and Illustrated By..." contest for kids, offered through Landmark Editions.
For more information, see their website. - Make Your Own Read Aloud Literacy T-shirts
It doesn't get any easier than this, a website that provides the tool to design your own book lover t-shirts! Add your own slogan, and/or your own photo, then click and purchase. You can see what you are making as you create it. Choose from many fonts and colors to express yourself with. Shirt styles for men, women and kids are offered, with several color choices. This is really a fun way to make unique shirts that say exactly what you want them to. Great for library staffs or reading specialists too.- What Books Do You Read Aloud?
What books do you read aloud to your kids and why?
Reading T-shirts And Gifts For Book Lovers
iREAD Books Literacy Women's Dark T-Shirt
Price: 24.99 
Funny Shakespeare Kids Light T-Shirt
Price: 19.99
Love Books Tote Bag
Price: 17.99
Bookworm Bibliophile Large Mug
Price: 15.99
Great Read Aloud Books On Amazon
buy and ship straight to your door
Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers
The beginning of the Ralph Moody series... it will whet your appetite for more. Collect them all - you'll be glad you did.
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/10/2009)
Henry Reed, Inc. (Puffin books)
If your family has never met Henry Reed, you are in for a treat. This creative young entrepeneur finds many ways of making money, from scientific research to babysitting, in the Henry Reed series of books. Laugh out loud fun in Henry Reed, Inc., Henry Reed's Babysiting Service, and Henry Reed's Journey (a personal favorite.)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
The Time Quartet Box Set (A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters)
Before Harry Potter there was Madeleine L'Engle's great science fantasy collection. Still relevant in today's world, these books are wonderful read aloud material. Ms. L'Engle has other books we have enjoyed, such as her Austin family series. Try them all!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Old Favorites Now On Amazon!
Tico and the Golden Wings (Knopf Children's Paperbacks)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
My Father's Dragon
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Old Black Witch!
Wonderful story and a great read aloud favorite! If you find a copy at a good price, grab it. It is sure to become a treasured book in any family.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
A Fish Out of Water
I have this book memorized, we read it so often to our oldest son. Imaginative and timeless.
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Books pics to whet your appetite!
Oh! Do you remember when I told y'all about my Dad building me a long bookshelf...
There is dad reading to Olivia - one of her favorite books called
Ilustraci%uFFFDn de Alan Lee para el cap%uFFFDtulo %uFFFDUna tertulia inesperada%uFFFD de %uFFFDEl H...
The Misty of Chincoteague statue at the Kentucky Horse Park.
After Piglets failure in
What books are hidden under these censored covers? Find out by lifting up the &...
Wish List Book - I hope to own a copy one day
Love Our Read Aloud Lens?
If you are a StumbleUpon user, please stumble our lens so other parents can find it too. Thanks!
Vintage Children's Books
I'm apparently not alone in my need to collect vintage children's books. Here are a few other collections for you to enjoy.
Rustic cabinet in the living room holds my Oz books and other vintage children's...
I took this of my Children's book collection that I keep in my preschool classro...
Vintage Children's books (my main passion), sewing patterns and linens in a vint...
Lloyd's of Kew window display
Shelves of antique children's adventure books.
Vintage Children's Books On eBay
Find old favorites or discover a new read-aloud favorite when you browse these book offerings on eBay.
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Children's Book Reviews On Favorite Blogs
- Joyce Anthony - Ghost For Rent by Penny Lockwood review
- Eleven-year-old Wendy feels like her world is falling apart when her parents discuss getting a divorce. She and her twelve-year-old brother pack up and move into a house that is reported to be haunted......
Read Aloud Favorites For Older Children
Pre-teen and Teenage Kids Can Love Read Aloud Family Circles
Here are a few of my personal favorites; add yours in the guestbook below!
- Victory - Susan Cooper
Harry Potter Series later books - J.K. Rowling - Shaking The Nickel Bush by Ralph Moody
The Dry Divide by Ralph Moody
Horse Of A Different Color by Ralph Moody
These are the final three books in the series that Ralph Moody wrote about his experiences growing up. The style is more grown up, with Ralph being a young adult and dealing with life on his own. Very family friendly! - Three Cups Of Tea - Young Adult Version
This book tells about the experiences of Greg Mortenson, who tried to climb K-2 in the 1990's and found out about the need for schools in poverty stricken areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. He now has an organization called Central Asia Institute that does just that! The Young Adult version just came out in Jan 2009. - Dewey - The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched The World by Vicki Myron
Our Middle School aged son was enthralled with this book and the antics of Dewey the library cat. It is a wonderful book to read aloud.
Read Aloud How-To Books
Learn about reading aloud from the experts.
The Read-Aloud Handbook: Sixth Edition
Jim Trelease Read-Aloud Handbook
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 07/10/2009)
Hey! Listen to This: Stories to Read Aloud
Stories to Read Aloud by Jim Trelease
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/10/2009)
How to Get Your Child to Love Reading: For Ravenous and Reluctant Readers Alike
Wonderful ideas for getting your child to love books and reading.
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 07/10/2009)
The Children's Literature Lover's Book of Lists
Love lists? You'll love this book of children's literature lists.
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/10/2009)
Baby Read-Aloud Basics: Fun and Interactive Ways to Help Your Little One Discover the World of Words
Interact with baby and get an early start with reading.
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/10/2009)
Share your opinion about reading aloud.
Sound off about reading aloud to kids.
Here's your chance to tell how you feel about reading aloud to kids. Does it really make a difference? Answer in the poll, and you can also leave a note in the guestbook.
Back To School With Great Books
New Read Aloud Favorites For The 2008-2009 School Year
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
The Very Busy Spider
The Giving Tree
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
The Little Red Hen
Tip - Since kids love repetition,consider purchasing some of these to continue reading aloud at home after the teacher has finished the book.
New Additions To Favorite Book Series'
Read Aloud Series Books Are Great
The Time Paradox (Artemis Fowl, Book 6)
New Book In The Artemis Fowl Adventure Series
Amazon Price: $10.47 (as of 07/10/2009)
Donate To Room To Read
Education and literacy bring hope to the world's children.
From the Room To Read website, here is their mission statement:
"We partner with local communities throughout the developing world to provide quality educational opportunities by establishing libraries, creating local language children's literature, constructing schools, providing education to girls and establishing computer labs. We seek to intervene early in the lives of children in the belief that education empowers people to improve socioeconomic conditions for their families, communities, countries and future generations. Through the opportunities that only education can provide, we strive to break the cycle of poverty, one child at a time."
Room to Read partner with local communities throughout the developing world to provide quality educational opportunities by establishing libraries, creating local language children's literature, constructing schools, providing education to girls and estab
Using Your Voice To Enhance The Story
It's a simple thing to use your voice to make the book come alive! This video is a great example of how to do that. Whether you are reading to a single child, or your whole family, you can employ some of the techniques shown in this youtube video to make your reading time memorable.
Read About John Wood - The Founder Of Room To Read
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children
Amazon Price: $13.25 (as of 07/10/2009)
Reading Aloud On Twitter
What twitter folk are saying about reading aloud.
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- TessaDare
- @Tamara_Morgan Yes, definitely! I also read the dialogue aloud in my own horrid British accent.
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- catemacdonald
- @amae this tweet made me laugh aloud when I read it.
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- OregonTrx
- Children do better in school if parents read aloud http://tinyurl.com/pr7wxl
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- kboudit
- @hearmyvoice So, I'm still catching up. WTF book did you make Donnie that caused him to read aloud like a preacher? LMFAO
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- sarinelizabeth
- Anyone want to read this book aloud to me? My eyes are blurred and achey.
Literacy Gifts And Apparel
Raise awareness about literacy.
Share Your Favorite Books Too
Family reading favorites.
Does your family have a list of favorite books? Just add them here, so others can check them out! Don't have a lens? It's easy to make one...
dustytoes wrote...
My boys tended to dislike reading and one of the ways to get my youngest son to enjoy it more was to read with him. I'd read a page and then he'd read a page. He didn't mind since I was "helping him out". I really like your lens and even if you can only find one other family member to read with- do it! I will be adding a link to it on my "Books for Boys" lens. 5 stars!
Posted April 09, 2009
Child_Health wrote...
Great lens! You've got a wonderful collection of read aloud books here. I'd love it if you'd drop by my lens and say hello when you have the chance.
Posted March 14, 2009
slotowngal wrote...
Please remember to add some Read Aloud books to your family's Christmas list. You'll love the time you spend together.
Posted December 03, 2008
RedPanda25 wrote...
Great lens! Welcome to my Childrens' Books group! I really enjoyed your lens! 5*
Posted July 28, 2008
rms wrote...
Thank you for adding this great lens to the Our Favorite Squidoo Lenses Group!
Posted July 03, 2008
Please Visit My Other Book Related Lenses
Fun reading for families and parents too.
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Little Britches - A Great Read Aloud Book By Ralph Moody
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Learn more about the Little Britches series by author Ralph Moody. Find out why they are great for read aloud families. Buy Little Britches and other Moody books.
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The Beekeeper's Apprentice
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The Beekeeper's Apprentice is the first in a wonderful series that continues the fascinating world of Sherlock Holmes into his later years. The real star however is Mary Russell, a teenager from America who is living in England after the death of her...
