Over the past year, I’ve been reading as much as I can about reading aloud, and I continue to be gobsmacked at all the good it does kids. (Adults, too, by the way.)

It’s gotten to the point where I feel it’ll basically cure everything that ails humanity.

If we give it enough time. Heh. 

Things go from bad to worse this week in our latest read-aloud story, “Scar and the Wolf.” (Illustration by Madeline Barber.)

Anyway, I’m putting together an informal paper this summer that summarizes the benefits of reading aloud to kids — and hopefully adds something new to the conversation.
 

Care to share your thoughts? 

I’m so curious to hear about your joys, frustrations, and successes.

What’s been your experience with reading aloud? Are you seeing benefits? Do your kids like it? Do they resist? Do you have advice for others? Have you noticed any positive changes? Is it hard to keep them off devices? 

Is it fun?

Please let me know! Send me an email (just hit “reply”) or an audio memo or share your thoughts on our Facebook group. Whatever’s easiest.

Happy reading.

Jeff, Bob, and Zoe …
… who believe that reading with kids can change the world for the better

PS. A few people have asked for tips on keeping groups of kids engaged during read-aloud. Thanks to Jen and Kathleen for your suggestions.

Our latest read-aloud continues …

Sniffy (above) has a small, but critical role in “Scar and the Wolf.” (Illustration by Madeline Barber.)

The past few weeks, we’ve been telling the story “Scar and the Wolf,” complete with new illustrations.

“Scar” is an early-grade chapter book. It’s basically “Red Riding Hood” as a lovable zombie girl. And, I hope, it’s more than that. Beyond having fun with the premise, I wanted to dig into the ways we transition out of childhood and begin to grow up.

This week, Scarlet basically stops being a brat and becomes someone you can root for.

Here’s an excerpt.

Chunk Jr. was wiping the last of the haggis crumbs off the counter while his father stacked empty display crates. He saw Scarlet, but said nothing.

“Chunk Jr. … I … I’m sorry,” said Scarlet. “Do you still have it? The present.”

He nodded once.

“I didn’t even try it on. Can I? It might fit.”

He pulled the package out of his pocket and handed it to her.

It was a nose. An old woman’s nose. Veined, warty, bulbous. 

She wedged it in nosehole and struck a pose. “Am I glamorous or what?”

Chunk Jr. burst out laughing. “I don’t know WHAT I was thinking,”

Scarlet laughed with him. “You were thinking of me. Thank you.” She removed the nose. “Are you doing anything later? Want to come to my party?”

Contents

• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Happy Unearthday, Scarlet
• Chapter 2: The Haggis Project
• Chapter 3: The Cloak Smelled Like Squirrel Pee
• Chapter 4: Forewarned is Forearmed
• Chapter 5: Zombies Roam the Street
• Chapter 6: A Friend Who Looks Like an Enemy
• Chapter 7: An Enemy Who Looks Like a Friend
• Chapter 8: Time to Do the Right Thing
• Chapter 9: Night Descends on Scarlet

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