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​     One would think that with the advent of public schools in 1821, illiteracy wouldn’t be an issue in this day and age, but today we are still trying to find the magic road to reading. So what is the magic? It's simple:

Read aloud to your child.

     Reading aloud is possibly the single most important activity you can undertake to help ensure a bright and promising future for your child. The road to reading should encompass reading aloud to your child every day (preferably more than once a day if possible), exposing your child to a variety of books, making your home a print rich environment that encourages curiosity and exploration and also, bringing your child to your local library and bookstores, which also might offer a story time. Sounds overwhelming?  Truly it’s not.  As the reassuring words on the cover of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy read: “Do Not Panic!” It all basically comes down to the simple act of reading aloud. We want to help parents realize that reading aloud can be a natural part of your day and that with a few small changes and additions, the road to reading will progress as a natural aspect of learning for your child and that many children will master the basic skills even before they begin school.  After children begin school and can read on their own, continue the practice of reading aloud. This will further strengthen your bond as well as introduce more complex language and vocabulary that they themselves cannot yet read or decipher independently. Children can understand more challenging books through listening than they can read on their own.
 
     So what are the basics of putting your child on the road to reading? Don’t think of it as nor make it a burden or a chore. It should be a natural part of your day and should be an enjoyable experience that encourages bonding with your little one, as well as an affection and positive associations with books. Share books you enjoyed as a child and together discover new ones, even if it isn’t something that you are interested in. Encourage your child to expand his/her horizons and to reach beyond the familiar.

​     Here are our tips for making books and reading a natural, organic part of your every day. Remember that each child is a unique individual and what works for one parent and one child, may not work for another.  Relax and enjoy!      

• “Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks.” Dr. Seuss had it right when he wrote those words. In order to raise a literate child with a deep appreciation of the written word you have to have a variety of books available for individual exploration and read alouds. Keep books visible and easily accessible throughout the home. Besides bookshelves, keep books in crates or baskets on the floor so young children are able to explore as they play or create a special reading corner for down time with cozy seating. 
  

• Let your child make their own reading choices. Have you noticed the ever growing children’s section of libraries and bookstores? The variety keeps increasing, offering a great deal to choose from, so allow your child the freedom to browse and “try out” books to find what appeals to them. Refrain from judging! Allow children to peruse picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction, comics, magazines, and even newspapers and remember that what appeals today, may not appeal next month. Let children voice their opinion about what you are reading aloud but sometimes a book that doesn’t excite at first might become a favorite or at least add something positive to their world. Give them a taste of what you liked at their age and pull out some classics. Always offer new choices. Be ready to answer any questions your child may have about what they are reading and don’t let other parents shame you for your choices or what you choose to allow your child to read. You are the one that knows your child (their maturity level, their personality) and can make the best judgment on what will be appropriate for them and what they will enjoy.

                         *Explore the our website for further recommendations and book lists. 

• Value all reading.  Some children, especially boys, prefer non- fiction so you shouldn’t discount newspapers and magazines as a choice of reading material. There are many magazines out there written specifically for children such as National Geographic Kids, National Geographic Little Kids, Time for Kids, Sports Illustrated Kids and Ranger Rick to name a few. The shorter and varied reading selections and activities offer an alternative to books but still keep children engaged and reading. Keep offering and exploring the different genres and varieties of books until your child finds something that really appeals to their interest and style of reading.
  

• There is more than one form of storytelling.  You don’t have to have a book in front of you in order to share a story. Try retelling a story that you and your child already know even if it ends up getting changed along the way. Get creative with it by telling it from a different perspective with new twists and allow your child to help decide where the story will go. The human experience is deeply rooted in the oral tradition of storytelling so tell a story from either their childhood (kids love to hear about themselves) or from your own childhood or about a grandparent or other relative, even if they are deceased. Children need to hear and appreciate their heritage. 
  

• If your child doesn’t like to read, don’t force it, change it up!  Read to your child every day and create a ritual such as reading aloud every night before bed. Include older children as well. Demonstrate the value of books to your children by getting the whole family involved in the reading experience. Turn off that television, put down that tablet and gather the family for an evening read aloud. You can choose a member to read aloud to all, pass the book around for each person to read as much or as little as they like or even assign character parts to read,  turning your standard read aloud into a reader’s theatre. Allow each member of the family to have a choice in the book even if you can’t read them all in one night. Put the names in a hat and draw them out so that there aren’t any arguments over which book is read thus ensuring everyone’s choice will get read at some point. Making it a family activity shows that reading is a priority in your lives and that you value books.
  

• Model the behavior you wish to see. The old adage “do as I say, not as I do” does not apply to reading. You yourself have to show your child that reading is important by getting away from the screens and sitting down with a good book. Our children want to be like us, they look up to the adults in their lives and will begin to appreciate books all the more if they see that you are choosing to read yourself. Also, share what you’re reading with your child (if appropriate) and read what they are reading. Young adult books offer romance, mystery, action, fantasy as well as tackling complex issues. By reading some yourself, you will open up the door to having meaningful discussions with your child.
  

• Join or form a reading centered playgroup. If you are a stay-at-home mom or dad, consider becoming part of a playgroup with a read aloud focus (if you can’t find one, start one.) Get moms, dads and kids together for “reading time.” Take turns bringing a favorite book to share with the group and then engage the children in an extended activity related to the story or simply give them time to play together afterwards. This allows children to hear new voices and interpretations, while also exposing them to stories you may never have heard of or chosen yourself. Additionally, parents get to see how other adults approach the read aloud experience. For you busy and working parents look for a group that meets in the evenings or on weekends or start your own. Libraries and bookstores also offer story time so check out what’s in your area. 
  

• Visit bookstores. There is no better rainy day activity than wandering a bookstore, expect perhaps spending time at the library, of course. Bookstore and library displays can help children locate a book they might like to try, especially when the cover of the book is displayed as opposed to just looking at the spine of a book on a shelf. You and your child might find something completely new and unexpected while wandering around. I myself discovered the genre of Steampunk through a bookstore display and immediately fell in love. Include big retail outlets as well as local and used bookstores. Used bookstores are generally quite inexpensive, which can allow a child to locate a book that other stores no longer carry, the library has already removed from its shelf or that might be out of print.  I am much more willing to try a questionable book or give a new author a try if the book is $0.50 as opposed to $8.00. Friends of the Library sales have great cheap finds and have the double bonus of supporting the library as well. 
  

• Never feel self-conscious when reading aloud! It actually creates a stronger bond with children when they see that their parents can be silly and are enjoying the story. Plus, when you read with inflection, changing your pitch and tone, use facial expressions and do voices, accents, noises and other sound effects, your child will be more fully engaged and invested in the read aloud. If you are not a strong reader, don’t apologize. You will become a stronger reader yourself as you share stories with your child and build their reading skills. Start out with shorter picture books. Read them yourself before sharing them with your child. Look up any words you are unfamiliar with or Google them to hear a pronunciation. As mentioned earlier, we as parents have to set the example. If we show our children that we value reading by making the effort to better our own reading skills they will be far more likely to follow in our footsteps.
  

     Keep in mind that the reading experience should be an enjoyable one, for if it’s not, why continue? Don’t create an atmosphere of drudgery where you continually stop during the story to ask your child questions and then negate their answers or locate a worksheet on-line that you make them complete. Let your child be your guide and allow their imagination to soar. The worst part for me reading a book in school was wondering what questions they were going to ask about the story at the end so I could never fully enjoy it. Your job at home is to build reading skills naturally through enjoyable interactions and read alouds and to introduce your child to many unique and varied worlds through the reading of a book.

Happy reading!

Kate @ BTBL

     February is almost here and that means it is time for hearts, chocolates and lots of love! We have here nine of our favorite stories all about love to share with the ones you cherish and adore the most.

Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney
     Llama Llama is busy making valentines for all of his friends and family. Short, simple rhymes and bright illustrations make this story a real delight.

Kiss, Kiss, Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
     There are lots of ways to show someone you love them, but the best way of all is a nice big SMOOOCH!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff
     Like Llama Llama, Mouse is busy making valentines for all of his friends. Each card he makes explains what he loves the most about each friend. Fans of Numeroff’s If You Give A… series will love seeing familiar characters in this story.           *Extended activity: Get out the craft supplies and make your own valentines
            to give out or send!

Love Monster by Rachel Bright
     Monster just wants someone to love him, which is difficult when you live in a land of cute, fluffy things. So he embarks on a journey to find love. He looks low, high and even middle-ish, but he soon learns that love often finds us when we aren’t really looking for it.

Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
     This delightful, little book highlights all of the little ways in which someone can light up your life and brighten your world: “You are the cherry on my cake; you make the sun shine brighter; you make my heart flutter.” Fans of The Very Hungry Caterpillar will love seeing familiar images from Carle’s works throughout this story.

Click, Clack, Moo I Love You! by Doreen Cronin
     It’s Valentine’s Day on the farm and Little Duck is sooo excited! She has put up decorations absolutely everywhere! Little Fox follows Little Duck’s decorations back to the barn where the party is in full swing, but will this new guest ruin the fun?

Valensteins by Ethan Long
     Fran K. Stein is busy making something, with pink paper, scissors and glue. Of course, the other members of the Fright Club want to know what it is. After much speculation and guessing the horrifying truth comes out: Fran K. Stein is in love and is making a valentine!

Slugs in Love by Susan Pearson
     Marylou loves everything about Herbie. Every time she sees him or thinks of him poems fill her heart. She begins leaving poems for Herbie around the farm and Herbie replies to her rhymes with words of his own, but Marylou keeps missing them. Will these two slugs ever meet?
          *Extended activity: Write your own love poems!

XO, OX: A Love Story by Adam Rex
     Clumsy Ox is hopelessly in love with graceful, glamorous Gazelle. He writes Gazelle a love letter, which sparks the beginning a rather rocky, albeit humorous and touching love affair.

Don't see your favorite Valentine's Day story here? Share it with us in the comments!

Happy reading!

-Kate from BTBL

     Winter seems to have a firm grip on the north. If you’re not one for the frigid temps, sit indoors, cozy and warm with your child and read some winter stories! Choose from one of our favorites here, or visit your local bookstore or library and do some browsing through their seasonal displays.

William’s Winter Nap by Linda Ashman
     Cozy up with this adorable rhyming story full of humor, fun sounds (tap, tap, tap) and repeated phrases that your little one will love!  William is settling down for the night, but is continually interrupted by one new guest after another at the door seeking a warm place to sleep. Being a kind soul, William welcomes each visitor, saying "I'm sure we'll fit." But then a guest arrives who is much bigger than all the others...will there be enough room?

No Two Alike by Keith Baker
     Just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two people, leaves or birds are alike. This charming story from the author of the The Pea Series delivers this simple message through rhythmic language and charming illustrations of a magical winter wonderland.

Annie and the Wild Animals, The Hat, The Mitten, The Three Snow Bears, and The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett
     Jan Brett’s books are always a joy to read and share. Much of the story is found, not in the text, but in the highly detailed, full panel illustrations that feature intricate borders that foreshadow what is to come as the story moves along. Each of the stories featured here takes place in a wintry clime. 
     *Extended activity idea: Visit Brett’s website for coloring pages and activities.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
     One wintry day a child builds a snowman, but the next day the snowman doesn't look the same. Looking at the snowman, the child begins to wonder, "What do snowmen do at night?" Rhyming text and bold, colorful illustrations offer some ideas for what snowmen get up to while we are all snug in our beds and your little bookworm will love delight in all the fun. After enjoying this title, be sure to check out Buehner’s other Snowmen stories as well and then go out and build a snowman of your own!

Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter by Eugenie Doyle
     A beautiful, lyrical story of the preparations a family goes through to get their farm ready for the winter season. Children will gain an understanding of the work involved throughout the year to prepare a farm for winter.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, illustrated by Susan Jeffers
     This illustrated edition of Frost's timeless poem is absolutely beautiful. Look closely at each page for the animals hidden among the trees and snow.

Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes
     The delights and challenges of winter are highlighted in this companion to Henkes' When Spring Comes and Middle of Fall. Winter can be a joyful time full of fun activities, such as ice skating and sledding, but it can also be rather difficult what with having to dress in those layers with all of those pesky buttons and so on. Anyone who has ever experienced winter will appreciate this story.

A Loud Winter's Nap by Katy Hudson
     Tortoise usually sleeps through the winter, but this year his friends are determined to show him what he's been missing and how fun winter can be! Just as in Too Many Carrots, Hudson gives readers amazing, highly-detailed illustrations that provide much of the humor and make this story a delight for all ages. Just look at Tortoise's face!

Got to Get to Bear's by Brian Lies
     A letter arrives for chipmunk Izzy. It's from Bear. Bear has asked Izzy to "come at once." Bear never asks for anything, so it must be important. Izzy wastes no time and sets out for Bear's, even though there is a blizzard outside! The snow slowly gets deeper and deeper, but thankfully Izzy has the assistance of several friends to along the way. This is a beautiful story that teaches the value of friendship.

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
     One morning Froggy wakes up, looks out his window and sees that it is snowing. He hops out of bed, eager to head outside to play, but soon as he gets outside his mother calls him back in. He keeps forgetting to put on some necessary articles of clothing…such as pants and underwear! Children of all ages will find Froggy’s forgetful nature hilarious and little ones will especially enjoy the sound effects as Froggy gets dressed and undressed again and again. Zoop! Zup! Zat! Zwit! Zum!

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
   Wilson Bentley devoted his life to capturing the unique beauty of snowflakes at his home in Vermont. Although his passion was often misunderstood in his time, Bentley persisted and through his efforts we now know that no two snowflakes are alike. Learn all about this man's life and passion with this picture book biography.         
    *Extended activity idea: Find a copy of Bentley’s book Snowflakes in Photographs and browse through it with your little bookworm. Then, equipped with a magnifying glass if you have one, head outside to examine some snowflakes.

Winter is for Snow by Robert Neubecker
Some love winter and others just need a bit of convincing. Find out all of the wonderful things that winter is as a brother does his best to persuade his sister to celebrate the season through rhyming text and bright, vivid illustrations.

If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws! By Kim Norman
Humorous illustrations make this winter tale so much fun! A variation on the classic song, “If You’re Happy and You Know It” this is a great story to read (and sing) over and over again with your little one. This story/song shows that no matter how crazy your day gets, it eventually winds down and comes to a dreamy end. What better way to close out the day?

Straight to the Pole by Kevin O’Malley
     A lone figure embarks on a perilous journey through the blowing snow. Will he make it to his destination? Sparse, yet highly dramatic text paired with full spread illustrations fuel this epic adventure of a tale. Brace yourself for the surprise ending. It will have you and your little ones in stitches!

Blizzard by John Rocco
     In 1978, New England was hit by a massive blizzard, being covered in roughly 40 inches of snow in just two days. At the time, author John Rocco was a ten-year-old boy living in Rhode Island. This book is the story of how he walked to the store with tennis rackets tied to his feet as makeshift snowshoes and helped all of his neighbors and family as they waited for the snowplows to come.
     *Extended activity idea: get out a tape measure or yardstick and see how much 40 inches of snow really is.

Snow by Cynthia Rylant
     Through lyrical, moving text this books takes the reader through a snowy wonderland, describing various types of snow and the different ways snow can affect our lives. The rhythm of the language is reminiscent of falling snow and will enchant any listener, young or old.

Small Walt by Elizabeth Verdick
     This is the story of Walt, a small snowplow eager to show the bigger snowplows what he’s made of. He and his driver Gus work throughout the night, clearing bridges and roads. Eventually they come to a big hill and rather than leave it for another plow to clear, they decide to tackle it. Will they be able to reach the top? Fans of Katy and the Big Snow and The Little Engine That Could will immediately fall in love with this gem. The text is full of onomatopoeia, sound effects and repeated phrases that are sure to captivate little listeners.

Winter Days in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
     Inject a bit of history into the bedtime routine and introduce your little bookworm to Wilder’s The Little House series and a different way of life. This picture book is adapted from The Little House books and offers a glimpse into family life in a log cabin in the Wisconsin woods.

Do you have a favorite winter time story not listed here? Share it with us in the comments!

Stay warm and happy reading!

-Kate @ BTBL