Books to Read Aloud

It's a reasonably short and sweet post today as it is school holidays in the library and we have been packed all morning (as noted by some Tweeters that were using the library earlier on). I imagine this is something to do with the cold snap outside as well as holidays. Or maybe more people have discovered where the library is in Warkworth. At our recent Book Club meeting, we talked about books that were good for reading aloud to children and suggestions ranged from picture books to young adult fiction. There are enormous benefits in reading aloud to or with your children, not just from the point of view of quality family time. Children also develop their self-esteem, imagination and listening skills. The American Library Association website has a great link with other reasons and suggestions. At our meeting we all decided that one of the most important things about reading aloud to your kids, is making sure you enjoy the book as well as your enthusiasm will come through in your reading. Joy Cowley has just brought out a new volume of stories, previously published in the School Journals or as early readers. Just One More has snappy little stories with lots of humour and imagination. They are not too long and make excellent reading. Gavin Bishop has provided the illustrations. Meanwhile I have just finished the first book in the new Keepers series called Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner. How would you feel (as a child) if your parents kept you so wrapped in cotton wool and protected from bad things (like puppy dogs) that you have to be attached to them or a guardian by a silver chain whenever you go out? What would you do to get “separated” and how would you cope when you were? On one level a commentary on where the PC world may lead us and on another, a rollicking good adventure for the kids told in snappy chapters. There were heaps of other ideas so if you are looking for something like this to take home for the holidays, just ask one of the librarians at your local library for some ideas.