Obviously you wouldn’t be reading this column unless you understood the importance of reading aloud to children every day, the countless benefits of reading aloud and how critically important it is to foster a new generation of readers. But what about those parents who don’t understand this? How do we reach them?
My column points out some of the best children’s books available in libraries and bookstores, but I would like to do more by capturing the “missing” audience — parents who do not read to their children — and encourage them to do otherwise.
PLEASE HELP! If you have any ideas, I need to hear from you. You can e-mail your thoughts and ideas to me: kendal@sunlink.net or through the postal service: Kendal Rautzhan, 29 Market St., Lewisburg PA 17837.
Books to borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
“Library Lil” by Suzanne Williams, illustrated by Steven Kellogg, Dial Books, 32 pages.
Read aloud: age 4 and older.
Read yourself: age 7 and older.
Library Lil loved books from the day she was born. In fact, by the time she was 8, she had read every book in the children’s section of her library. It came as no surprise, then, that when Lil grew up, she became a librarian.
Lil was an expert librarian. She chose all the best and exciting books. She was also a first-rate storyteller for children. Despite all of these things, no one came to the library. It was obvious the people of Chesterville were not avid readers. Their favorite form of entertainment was television, and Lil knew she had to change their attitudes. Doing so would be a big job, but Lil wasn’t afraid of anything, and one stormy night this gutsy librarian got the chance she’d been waiting for.
Lil proves to be the coolest librarian around, getting the people of Chesterville back on the right track — nixing television in favor of good books!
Librarian’s choice
Library: Arlington Library, 135 N. Washington Ave., Arlington
Manager: Kathy Bullene
Children’s librarian: Jennifer Fenton
Choices this week: “Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing” by Judi Barrett; “Carousel Round and Round” by Kay Chorao; “Gregor the Overlander” by Suzanne Collins
Books to buy
“The Buffalo Storm” by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Jan Ormerod, 32 pages.
Read aloud: age 4 and older.
Read yourself: 7 and older.
Just like her beloved grandmother, young Hallie isn’t afraid of anything except storms. When Hallie’s papa says they are joining a wagon train and moving west to Oregon, Hallie is excited at first, but quickly realizes she will miss her grandmother terribly. Grandmother encourages Hallie, and just before the wagon departs whispers to Hallie, “I am old and this is home, but I’ll be with you just the same.”
Leaving home is difficult for Hallie, and she must summon courage to face this new feeling of emptiness while also trying to be brave amidst the many storms along the way.
Beautiful words and stirring watercolor illustrations combine to create a magnificent story of facing change, the majesty of nature and what family and home really mean.
“Love from Woolly” by Nina Michaels, illustrated by Nicola Smee, 10 pages.
Read aloud: age 2 to 3.
Read yourself: age 6 to 7.
Woolly the Sheep has knitted presents for all of her friends, and young readers are prompted to try and figure out what those gifts are. Then lift the flaps of each gift box to see Woolly’s knitted creations. From mittens to a scarf, socks and a hat, each gift boasts a bright color and children will enjoy touching the real knitting in each picture.
Simple, engaging and loads of fun, “Love from Woolly” teaches toddlers colors, shapes and a little bit about etiquette, all wrapped up in a book that demonstrates generosity.
Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
