Debbie: When Gini and I decided to write on this topic, I might’ve misunderstood her because I’ve been writing down all of my best memories of books that my grandchildren loved, which I had read aloud. I have seven additions of, The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease - a must read if you have children in your life. I could recite so many statistics and facts about how important reading aloud is to children. But I won’t. Statistics and facts are droll and boring, but the memories and feelings of snuggling and reading together with a grandchild last forever.
I took a poll and asked my grandchildren, age range from 2 to 21, “What was your favorite book that I read aloud to you?” Answers varied, but when I took an average consensus, it had to be The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
It’s old… written in the 1940s and not even that great of a read, but they were all fascinated by the story of four children living on their own and hiding out in a boxcar. The words in the book mesmerized them. Words like “cross” for grouchy; “queer” for odd; “trousers” for pants. I could go on, but you get the idea. They asked me over and over what those archaic words meant and they couldn’t get over how they used to mean something different than they do today. Throughout the years, we’ve read books together that made us laugh, like The War With Grandpa, books that made us cry, Stone Fox and, of course, Charlotte’s Web, books that enlightened us like Thank You Jackie Robinson and books that taught us history, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit.
There is a pattern here: All of the books that I think are great read alouds for children, and the books my grandchildren loved, are books published before the turn of this century. Many great books have been written in the past 20 years, but I think that if you give these old ones a try and read them with your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews sometime this summer, a wonderful memory will be made from a great book. Any of these titles are well worth your time. Do me a favor and let me know which one(s) you read. I would love to discuss the varied reactions.
Gini: When brainstorming topics for July, Debbie and I decided that sharing our favorite children’s books presented an ideal topic. Little did I realize that this assignment required lots of “whittling down” as there are so many choices. As avid readers my four grandkids enjoy my selections, but in reality, I love them even more. After all, a good book speaks to the reader, regardless of age, background, or state of mind. A good novel addresses a subject that touches the heart; an excellent biography/autobiography ignites the imagination; a wonderful children’s book teaches lessons that help us become better people.
Favorite authors include Sy Mongomery, Kobi Yamada, and Charlie Mackesy. By comparing these three and then by rereading and writing, I recognized that all deal with animals that guide, protect, and share wisdom with the child in the story, the reader, and sometimes through the silence of the message conveyed.
Montgomery researches then writes books for adults and kids; you can trust her as everything is based on scientific study. Yamada’s books depict challenges that we all face: What to Do with a Problem, Finding Muchness, or What You Do Matters. I have recommended Mackesy’s book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse before. No matter which animal role I take, I step away with a sense of renewal.
Another author is James Norbury. His adventures with Big Panda and Tiny Dragon transport the reader with meaning and knowledge. A book of quotes between the tow characters, each page presents a unique situation. A red satin bookmark attached to the binding makes it easy to read, pause, think, and then return for additional inspiration. Some quotes: “Each decision you make on your journey takes you closer or further from where you want to go.” “Big Panda, I like the way you listen to me and talk to me and travel with me, but most of all, I like the way you make me feel.” The illustrations in all of the books cited are awesome: delicate, touching, and beautiful. Such talent; such lovely perceptions.