There are so many studies that tell us why reading aloud with kids is so important for their success in school. But even if we throw those studies out the window we are left with a fundamental understanding as parents that reading with our kids is a good thing.
1. It allows us to create a common bond with our children. We are sharing the experience of the story together. My kids and I reference stories we have read in our everyday lives and this deepens our relationship.
2. It shows our kids that reading is important without preaching it to them. Everyday I am telling my kids to do the things that are good for them. I talk a lot! But snuggling up and investing in a good narrative, is proof positive that books are important in this house - without doing anything more than experiencing a wonderful story together.
3. It exposes my kids to information they might not have picked up on their own. Whether the book itself felt intimidating, or the story itself just didn't seem like it was up their alley I choose the books I want to share with them. More often than not they get completely hooked and get exposure to a new genre or just interesting information that would have never been absorbed otherwise.
Now a quick side note. I have been know to stop a book after the first two chapters. I never stick with something that is a dud. That would just teach kids that their parents want to torture them, a lesson they get in many other ways throughout the day.
4. This one may be personal, but it allows me to spend time in the day doing something I love. I think it is rare for kids to get to see us (meaning their parents) engage in something that makes us absolutely happy. Kids like to see their parents joyful, especially if they can be part of the reason for that good experience.
This week I have some wonderful selections. A new offering from Kate DiCamillo is always something to celebrate. But how about a book from Neil Gaiman, author of the Newbery winning The Graveyard Book? His new story is certainly a departure from his award wining fare in its abosolute silliness and absurdity. Finally I have tapped into a classic author, Richard Peck. His books always evoke a more old fashioned form of storytelling, but he manages to keep the stories current so while the sensibility is more classic, the narrative is not dated.
To see all my fabulous read aloud selections, visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com
Title: Flora & Ulysses
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Target: Grades 3-6
Series: No
What this book is about:
Flora is a self avowed cynic. Her parents are recently separated, and her mother is all consumed with her romance novel writing. Flora is a fan of the comic strip The Amazing Incandesto about a powerful superhero, so despite her cynicism, she does believe that regular creatures can “conquer villains, defend the defenseless and protect the weak.” However, when an unassuming squirrel gets sucked up into a vacuum cleaner and develops superpowers of his own, it is up to Flora to make sure that he fulfills his destiny.
Why I love this book:
I will admit upfront that I am a sucker for anything written by Kate DiCamillo. This book is a little unusual in that it has small sections of comic strips used to move the story along. It was an interesting touch and they seemed to appear during the parts of the story where the most action was taking place, giving the reader a visual account of more of the physical aspects of the narrative.
This book is extremely rich in vocabulary. Kids will not be able to leave this story without being exposed to “malfeasance” “surreptitious action” and “a capacious heart” to name a few. Flora is smart, sensitive and surrounded by a host of eccentric characters that make the story both comical and heartwarming.
What I love best in the story, however, is the messages of love and forgiveness that is at the heart of the tale. The wonderfully vocabulary, characters and poetry writing squirrel are just a bonus.
Who this book is for:
This is the hardest question for me. DiCamillo is a wonderful author because she is able to create stories that expose our hearts to bigger truths than we see everyday. This book is no exception. But sometimes kids need a little help seeing something bigger than themselves, or even bigger than the basic plot in the story. That, and the vocabulary are why I think this book will make a wonderful read aloud. The ability to talk with your kids about the expressive word choices and the larger messages about humanity will really bring out the best in this story.
Final thoughts:
”Holly bagumba!” DiCamillo has created a lovely story. I always feel a little guilty comparing so I will say that while this didn’t match my favorite stories by her, I certainly had a pleasant journey through this tale.
