Great Books to Read Aloud to Kids

Now that summer is in full swing, I find I have more time in the evenings to read with my kids. No homework or sports practices to bog us down in an evening frenzy. Just some relaxed evenings where bedtime can stretch out if we want it to ... and generally my kids want it to!

Thought I would share some books that we have read aloud recently. I read Fantastic Mr. Fox as a child and still have my original copy. My children enjoyed it just as much as I did.

Nanny Piggins is destined to be a new classic, if my kids have anything to say about it, and Betsy and Tacy was a lovely mother/daughter read-aloud, that while dated, gave us the chance to talk about what life used to be like. ...Although, I had to keep reminding my daughter that my childhood was not quite similar to the late 19th century, and that I did, in fact, have a car and not a buggy!

To see my full selection of read aloud books, visit my blog at www.onegreatbook.com

Title:          The Adventures of Nanny Piggins

Author:       R. A. Spratt

Target:        Grades 3-5

Series:         Yes.  There are several books published in Australia but only two of the books are currently available in the U.S.

What this book is about:

Nanny Piggins, a former circus performing bovine, has been hired by Mr. Green to be a nanny to his three children. While the choice of a pig may seem unusual, at the cost of 10 cents an hour, she is too good a deal for Mr. Green to pass up!  Her ways are unconventional: chocolate as a main course, fun and amusement above all else, and a Russian bear as a sidekick.  However, her devotion to her charges is as unwavering as her love of chocolate cake.

Why I love this book:

This is the story of Mary Poppins—if she gave into her sassy side. Nanny Piggins is everything children wish they had but know they really can’t!  That is what makes her soooo much fun. Nanny Piggins is not bogged down by rules, or conventions and kids will love her harebrained schemes planned to get the family out of trouble.

Each chapter is its own separate story, which makes it a great read aloud. But the stories do build on each other as the characters develop and Nanny Piggin’s becomes a special and intricate part of the family, giving the children the love they so desperately deserve. 

Who this book is for:

This book was written for children. Nanny Piggins is not burdened by a strong sense of morality, which may bother some parents, but she is full of fun, and redeemed by her strong love and devotion to the children.  

Final thoughts:

”The most exciting saga about a flying pig nanny ever told. There is a laugh on every page and lesson in there somewhere. I recommend it highly.” - Madeleine Albright.  A recommendation from the former U.S. Secretary of State! Now, how many children’s books have that?

Plus, I must give a shout-out to the wonderful illustrator Dan Santat, who does of fabulous job of capturing the fun and lightheartedness of these characters.

To see my full selection of read alouds, visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com