Read Aloud Dad

Please Peek Into Our Bookshelf 2

2012-03-10T14:36:00.000+01:00

Welcome again to my home, my friends! I've missed you!

Please enter our "library" for another peek into our bookshelves. The full book list is attached below.

Click on the picture for a larger format

For those who are interested in the books that I have in the bookshelf, here is the list. Clicking on the name of the book will take you to the very edition that is in the picture.

From left to right:

1. Greek Myths For Young Children Heather Amery (Author), Linda Edwards (Illustrator)

2. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett (A.), Inga Moore (I.)

3. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A., W. W. Denslow (I.)

4. The Marvelous Land of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

5. Ozma of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

6. Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

7. The Emerald City of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

8. The Patchwork Girl of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

9. Tik Tok of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

10. The Scarecrow of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

11. Rinkitink in Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

12. The Lost Princess of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

13. The Tin Woodman of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

14. The Magic of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

15. Glinda of Oz, L. Frank Baum (A.), John R. Neill (I.)

16. The Story of Doctor Dolittle, Hugh Lofting (A.), Michael Hague (I.)

On Top:

17. 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up, Julia Eccleshare (Author)

Extra credit question: Which of the classic Oz books is missing from my collection? Please do tell me if you think I should add that missing book to our collection... I thought maybe it is not as interesting as the others, but maybe I am wrong.

(BTW, we are currently reading Ozma of Oz).

If you missed the picture of my first shelf, you can see it by clicking here. (PS, I will update that post with a full list of the books as well)

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How-to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

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And The Winner of The "If You Had To Choose A Book" Giveaway is...

2012-02-28T16:19:00.000+01:00

Sandra McLeod Humphrey's web site "Kids Can Co It"

Sandra McLeod Humphrey, the renowned author of fabulous children's books and a retired clinical psychologist, mailed one of her autographed books to Canada on February 23.

Just a week earlier, she didn't know she was going to be mailing a book to Canada.

I asked her for a bending of the giveaway rules (only US-based winners), and she said yes in a snap!

And what was the giveaway about anyway?

It was always about Sandra's decision to mail a book out of the goodness of her heart to someone she does not know.

And that is so fitting, as her books give so much to our children. Something that cannot be found in other books.

They help empower kids in an age of uncertainty. And I love that.

So, the good news is that another deserving kid will receive a great book.

But, does it really matter?

I mean, one book more, one book less?

Yes it matters.

Books are boredom killers.

Books allow kids to dream big.

Books help children to grow into their identity.

But is reading many books really that important? Surely, having 20 books in a home library is not much worse than having 50 books.

Some evenings, I even catch myself thinking how many books does a child "need"?

Who can tell the difference between having 100 books and 200 books?

Well, the child can.

Every morning when I see my twins sitting on the sofa, poring over their books - I know that every good book they have is worth ten times its nominal value. They know them back to front and front to back.

So, it matters.

It also matters that someone cares so much to give books away. Thanks Sandra!

Sandra was kind enough to autograph and mail her book "If You Had to Choose What Would You Do?" to our new giveaway winner Vicki from Ontario.

Vicki chose which book she wanted to receive from Sandra's fabulous website www.kidscandoit.com

Congratulations Vicki and I hope that you enjoy the book together with a curious child!

And a special thank you to Sandra - for so graciously accepting to mail the book to Canada, even though the rules originally excluded non-US winners.

Oh, and if you want to know why I love Sandra's books so much, here is a great passage for parents from Sandra's web site:

~~~~~~~
"FOR PARENTS

One of the most valuable gifts we can give our children today is the ability to cope in the ever-changing world around them and to make responsible life decisions.

Strong character is more important than ever in a society where both rules and role models are ambiguous and transient. We invite you to read the stories in the What Would You Do? series with your children and then talk about the thought questions at the end of each story.

These discussions can help your children develop their own set of values which will result in more rewarding and fulfilling exepriences not only for them but also for those whose lives they may touch.

All Sandra's books are character-building in that they are written to motivate and inspire their readers to develop strong character traits such as honesty, integrity, compassion, respect for self and others, perseverance, tolerance, loyalty, empathy, personal accountability, and a strong sense of self.

All of Sandra's books are written for the same purpose: to motivate and inspire your kids to DREAM BIG and to be the best that they can be"
~~~~~~~

That is so true. That's what books are for.

It is all about dreaming big.

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How-to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

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BOOK GIVEAWAY: If You Had To Choose A Book...

2012-02-02T18:26:00.002+01:00

Three weeks ago, I received an email from multiple award-winning kidlit author Sandra McLeod Humphrey.

Sandra is my favorite author of books that help kids to believe in themselves and to make good choices.

These are great read-alouds too, mind you! Sandra's books really come alive when you share them with your kids.

It is all about reading together.

About exploring values and moral codes - together, so that both kids and parents can learn.

But, back to Sandra's email.

Sandra thanked me for my post on four of her fabulous books (that I bought for our home library back in 2010) and she made YOU an offer that I could not refuse.

If you don't believe me, here is what Sandra said:
"Thanks for including one of my books on your list and, if you would like to have autographed copies of any of my books for a book giveaway, just let me know."

Well, after thinking it over for the best part of a tenth of a second, I said YES!
It is easy to take part in the giveaway, read on...

How To Participate?

You just need to be on my free email list by midnight (any time zone) on February 18. If you are already an email subscriber - you are automatically eligible.

I will randomly select one winner of this prize.

If you are not yet a Read Aloud Dad subscriber, it is easy-peasy to subscribe to the mailing list.

Important Note: That this giveaway is only open to those participants who have a postal address in the USA

What is the prize?

The winner of Read Aloud Dad's giveaway will get to receive an autographed book by Sandra McLeod Humphrey - of his or her own choice!

There are great books on offer from which you can choose - and from my experience - you will be lucky to have many of these books in your home library.

If you are the winner, you will be able to choose the book that you want to receive! In order to choose your desired book, just check out Sandra McLeod Humphrey's books on her great web site Kids Can Do It. Just find the book you like and tell me - if your name is selected as the winner.

I will not talk about the awards that Sandra has won, nor about her professional experience - all of that information is available on her website.

I will leave you with one of Sandra's quotes (regarding the "If You Had To Choose" Books):

"It is never too early to begin talking with our young people about personal values and helping them define their own code of moral conduct.

The twenty-five problem situations presented in each of these books have been developed to help you talk to your children about values in as enjoyable and natural a way as possible.

I hope these discussions will help them develop a sense of direction and purpose to their lives resulting in more rewarding and more fulfilling experiences not only for them but also for those whose lives may be touched by their actions and choices."

Don't forget to tweet about this giveaway, to "like" it on Facebook and to send it to your friends - every kid needs support.

Many parents may find these books just the thing they need to open a frank discussion on many difficult topics.

Together let's help kids to believe in themselves and to make good choices.

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How-to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

Subscribe for free.

2012 Newbery, Caldecott Awards for Best Children's Books Announced

2012-01-23T16:55:00.000+01:00

The top books, video and audiobooks for children and young adults for 2012 have been announced!

It is a shocker!

The best of the best! You will be excited to learn about these great new books chosen by the American Library Association (ALA) at its mid-winter meeting in Dallas today.

Some of the 2012 award winners that caught my eye are:

Most outstanding contribution to children's literature (John Newbery Medal):

Dead End in Norvelt

(author: Jack Gantos, publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux)

Two Newbery Honor Books were also named:

Inside Out and Back Again

(author: Thanhha Lai, publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Breaking Stalin’s Nose

(author and illustrator: Eugene Yelchin, publisher: Henry Holt and Company)

Most distinguished American picture book for children (Randolph Caldecott Medal):

A Ball For Daisy

(author and illustrator: Chris Raschka, publisher: Schwartz and Wade Books)

Three Caldecott Honor Books were also named:

Blackout

(author and illustrator: John Rocco, publisher: Hyperion Books)

Grandpa Green

(author and illustrator: Lane Smith, publisher: Roaring Brook Press)

Me . . . Jane

(author and illustrator: Patrick McDonnell, publisher: Little, Brown and Company)

Most distinguished informational book for children (Robert F. Sibert Medal):

Balloons over Broadway:
The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

(author and illustrator: Melissa Sweet, publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children)

Most distinguished beginning reader book (Theodor Seuss Geisel Award):

Tales for Very Picky Eaters

(author and illustrator: Josh Schneider, publisher: Clarion Books)

Three Geisel Honor Books also were named:

I Broke My Trunk!

(author and illustrator: Mo WIllems, publisher: Hyperion Books for Children)

I Broke My Trunk!

(author and illustrator: Jon Klassen, publisher: Candlewick Press)

See Me Run

(author and illustrator: Paul Meisel, publisher: Holiday House)

Outstanding children's book translated from a language other than English (Mildred L. Batchelder Award):

Soldier Bear

(author: Bibi Dumon Tak, publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)

Excellence in literature written for young adults (Michael L. Printz Award):

Where Things Come Back
(author: John Corey Whaley, publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

Four Printz Honor Books also were named:

Why We Broke Up

(author: Daniel Handler, publisher: Hachette Book Group)

The Returning

(author: Christine Hinwood, publisher: Hachette Book Group)

Jasper Jones

(author: Craig Silvey, publisher: Random House Children's Books)

The Scorpio Races

(author: Maggie Stiefvater, publisher: Scholastic)

Best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults (Odyssey Award):

Rotters

(written by Daniel Kraus and narrated by Kirby Heyborne,
produced by Listening Library)

African American author of outstanding books for children and young adults (Coretta Scott King [Author] Book Award):

goes to Kadir Nelson

author and illustrator of

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

(published by Balzer + Bray)

African American illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults (Coretta Scott King [Illustrator] Book Award):

goes to Shane W. Evans

illustrator and author of

Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom

(a Neal Porter Book, published by Roaring Brook Press)

Books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience (Schneider Family Book Award):

Children ages 0 – 8

Not Awarded

Middle School award
(two awarded books)

Close to Famous
(author: Joan Bauer, publisher: Viking)

Wonderstruck
(author: Brian Selznick, publisher: Scholastic)

Teen award
The Running Dream
(author: Wendelin Van Draanen, publisher: Alfred A. Knopf)

Best nonfiction book published for young adults (YALSA Award):

The Notorious Benedict Arnold:
A True Story of Adventure, Heroism and Treachery
(author: Steve Sheinkin, publisher: Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press)

Four Books were also finalists for the Yalsa Award:

Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom and Science
(authors: Marc Aronson,Marina Tamar Budhos, publisher: Clarion Books)

Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition
(author: Karen Blumenthal, publisher: Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press)

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way)
(author: Sue Macy, publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books)

Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein
(author: Susan Goldman Rubin, publisher: Charlesbridge)

Simply irresistible list, isn't it? But, there is more - check out all the youth media awards winners on the ALA web site.

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How-to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

Subscribe for free.

How To Raise A Lifelong Reader In Just 3 Minutes A Day

2012-01-20T01:57:00.004+01:00

Do you want to help your kid become an avid reader in just 3 minutes a day?

Think about it.

It is possible. The small "sacrifice" will be daily. But it works like a charm.

Admittedly, it could become a bit monotonous. It requires daily commitment, no exceptions.

Nevertheless, it is attainable. You just need to outstretch your arm.

Read Aloud Dad has an infallible recipe that will transform your X-Boxworm in a bookworm - in just 3 minutes a day.

Set a goal to read aloud every day, for three minutes - no exceptions.

It does not matter what you read, the important fact is that you are reading for 3 minutes.

Three minutes per day adds up to 10,950 minutes in ten years.

The latest scientific research from Finland proves that three minutes is sufficient. And the best part is the fact that it is not important what you read!

Yes, researchers from the University of Helsinki claim that reading aloud 3 minutes every day is equally effective as reading for 60 minutes or more. And it practically does not matter what you read!

If you are waiting in the car in a traffic jam, read aloud for three minutes from the billboards.

Just three minutes with the back of a cereal box can change your life, if you spend those three minutes reading to your kid.

Optimize your read aloud routine = simply read anything at hand.

Just 3 minutes per day is enough.

Oh, and you'd better stop reading here.

It took you three minutes to read up to here.

Three minutes can make a world of difference.

Reading more than three minutes, can change everything.

For example, you may find out that Finnish scientists got it wrong.

Or maybe the research does not even exist.

Who knows?

If you truly can believe that it doesn't matter how long you read to your child, you do believe in miracles.

But not in the right kind.

We all want instant solutions in life, but it rarely works out that way. Miracles do not come in three-minute packages.

There is no three-minute trick.

There is not even a 60 minutes trick.

You could spend an hour a day reading aloud, but your child could still end up hating books.

Depends on what you read and how you do it.

All you need is courage - believe in your investment.

Let them see it.

Let your kids see your belief in reading aloud.

The more you read aloud with interest, the greater the chance your child will love reading.

Yet it is not only about time invested and belief, it is also about choosing good books.

Read good books and read them with enjoyment.

And now relax.

Yeah, relax. You are supposed to have fun.

There is a kid inside you too.

Don't glance at the clock, put your watch away.

It is meant to be fun for YOU - so that the kids can catch on and have fun as well.

Expose your sons and daughters to the read-aloud virus as much as you can ... and you will not need a miracle.

We are all in luck, my friends.

Love of reading is highly contagious.

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How-to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

Subscribe for free.

And The Winner of the May B. Giveaway is...

2012-01-18T12:42:00.002+01:00

Let's not beat around a Kansas prairie bush.

Someone won an autographed copy of Caroline Starr Rose's new May B. and a May B. journal.

Everyone wants to know - who won it?

Congratulations Lynn from Denver!

Caroline Starr Rose is sending an autographed copy of her brand new novel in verse directly to you!

May B. was published just a week ago by Schwartz and Wade (Random House Children's Books).

The winner was chosen completely randomly among my email subscribers (see image below).

(Read on for a preview of a new book giveaway.)
Lynn, get ready.

This gorgeous novel in verse by Caroline Starr Rose will transport you straight from Colorado to the Kansas prairie—to the endless grassland, and to the suffocating closeness of the sod house where May is stranded.

"May is helping out on a neighbor’s homestead—just until Christmas, her pa promises. But when a terrible turn of events leaves her all alone, she must try to find food and fuel—and courage—to make it through the approaching winter...."

Lynn, I wish you a happy "trip" to Kansas and do tell us your impressions!

For all those who want to find out more about Caroline Starr Rose's impressive new historical verse novel May B., you can read more about it in the interview that she recently gave for this blog.

More good news for my email subscribers ... a new no-strings-attached book giveaway is coming from another fab children's author!

Who is it, you ask?

Well, all I can say is that one of her books is featured on the list of bestselling children's chapter, treasury and non-fiction books. Yes .. look carefully. Her first name begins with one of the letters that you can find in the word "Kansas".

Ahhh ... yes - I love puzzles! :-)

And ... I promise you will be able to choose your favorite book in the giveaway from her website if you win.

Yes, you heard me right! I'll fill you in all the details soon.

I leave you with a lovely trailer for May B. (click on the title of the book in this sentence, if you do not see the video in your email) and a downloadable May B. study guide (in PDF).

Have a great week.

Speak to you soon.

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How-to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

Subscribe for free.

Bestselling Children's Chapter, Treasury and Non-Fiction Books in Q4 2011

2012-01-15T23:26:00.000+01:00

Do you love great chapter books? Who doesn't?

And treasuries? They simply scream "value for money" in your face!

Finally - non-fiction books are such an important staple of a good education and read-aloud sessions, that you can never read too many of them.

So, I am happy to present you with the latest data on which chapter, treasury and non-fiction children's books were most popular among Read Aloud Dad readers the last quarter of 2011.

This is your list not mine.

The list was compiled based on book orders made through affiliate links on ReadAloudDad.com in the previous quarter (October, November and December 2011).

You can also check out the list of the bestselling children's (Picture and Board) books in Q4 2011

You can also find all my older bestseller lists compiled in one place.

TOP 10 CHAPTER BOOKS AND TREASURIES in Q4 2011

Ah yes! Picture books are fabulous, chapter books are even 'fabulouser'. (well, OK, both are great - I admit)

The latest Top 10 list is topped by Palmer Brown's incredible story of Anna Lavinia and her adventures. But let us go straight to the list.

1. Beyond The Pawpaw Trees

by Palmer Brown

This book was unexpectedly cool. Fantasy + adventure + thriller + rich vocabulary = cool read aloud.

Read Dad's review

2. The Adventures of Pinocchio
by Carlo Collodi, illustrated by Roberto Innocenti

Disney is great, but we always look for original unabridged books for our read- aloud sessions. My favorite illustrated edition of Carlo Collodi's Pinocchio is the one illustrated by artist Roberto Innocenti. Have a blast with this masterpiece! Simply unmissable!

Read Dad's review

3. A Treasury of Curious George

by H. A. Rey, Margaret Rey

If I haven't read this book a million times... and then more. And I still enjoy it! Note: These are not the original Rey stories, but they are illustrated completely in their style. A must for any kid.

You can find more about this book in one of Dad's reviews

4. D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

by Ingri d'Aulaire, Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

Although I have not reviewed this gem yet, we do have it at home. It is spectacular!

5. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carrol

We read it for the first time last month.
Wow, my kids were bowled over by the playfulness of L. Carrol's exuberant language!

Read Dad's review

6. Lizard Music

by Daniel Pinkwater

One of the few NYR Children's Collection books that we do not have. But it has such glowing reviews that I simply do not know what to do. Have you read it? Please tell me!

7. Jonathan Swift's Guliver

by Jonathan Swift (Author), Martin Jenkins (Editor), Chris Riddell (Illustrator)

Simply the best illustrated version of this classic! Makes it much more attractive for kids.

Read Dad's review

8. Party Shoes

by Noel Streatfeild (Author)

Why do I have a feeling that my little girl will adore this book when she is a bit older?

Read Dad's review of the Oxford Classics Children's Collection

9. Wonderstruck

by Brian Selznick

You will be Wonderstruck! What an original book!

10. Pollyanna

by Eleanor Porter (Author)

I started reading this book for my own pleasure. It is indeed beautiful.

Read Dad's review of the Oxford Classics Children's Collection

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOP 10 NON-FICTION BOOKS in Q4 2011

Don't forget your non-fiction, if you love fiction - and vice-versa! I may be guilty of reading a lot more fiction than non-fiction, so this list always gives me great ideas to expand our reading and our home library.

1. WordPlay Cafe: Cool Codes, Priceless Punzles & Phantastic Phonetec Phun

by Michael Kline (Author, Illustrator)

Hey, what a fun looking book! Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I would never have come across it.

2. Books That Build Character: A Guide to Teaching Your Child Moral Values Through Stories

by by William Kilpatrick, Gregory Wolfe, Suzanne M. Wolfe

We have and love this book.
It contains great children's book tips and is a very interesting read for parents.

3. Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow

by Joyce Sidman (Author), Beth Krommes (Illustrator)

This one seems entrancing and hypnotic. Have you read it? Do tell me. Poetry riddles and science wisdom. (not sure if this is strictly non-fiction)

4. Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations

by Joel Henriques (Author)

This seems to be a book full of exciting hands on projects to experience with your kids!

5. Vincent van Gogh & the Colors of the Wind

by Chiara Lossani (Author), Octavia Monaco (Illustrator)

Great book about the great man himself + 14 reproductions of Vincent van Gogh's own paintings.

6. Painless Grammar

by Rebecca Elliott Ph.D. (Author)

This book looks so promising, inviting and cool. Grammar = cool? Can it be possible?

7. Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

by Joyce Sidman (Author), Beth Krommes (Illustrator)

Celebrate the natural world that surrounds us with this gorgeous book.

8. Seven Brave Women

by Betsy Hearne (Author), Bethanne Andersen (Illustrator)

A personal recollection of stories about seven generations of women from one family and the mark they left in their times and beyond.

9. If You Had to Choose, What Would You Do?

by Sandra McLeod Humphrey (Author), Brian Strassburg (Illustrator)

You are right. This is not strictly non-fiction - but then it is. It is a fabulous read-aloud and a great way to open up the channels of conversation with your kid. Unmissable.

Read Dad's review

10. Everyone Poops (My Body Science Series)

by Taro Gomi (Author), Amanda Mayer Stinchecum (Illustrator)

Taro Gomi is a giant of Kid Lit! We don't have any of his books, but this one seems to be as popular as any. I must admit that we may be more interested in his Doodles, Squiggles and Scribbles books. They seem to be excellent fun for a wide range of ages (even grown-ups like me!).

The third and last list that will follow in a week or so is the list of bestselling Children's Book Sets and 'Other Book Formats' in Q4 2011.

Until then .... happy reading!

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

Subscribe for free.

You're Invited: A Cup of Coffee With Caroline Starr Rose (+ Giveaway)

2012-01-10T15:53:00.000+01:00

One of us has published a beautiful children's book today.

It wasn't me.

Yes, one of us. A reader of this blog. Beautiful news!

Publishers Schwartz and Wade just published a children's book by one of my first email subscribers and a regular Read Aloud Dad reader.

The book is May B. by Caroline Starr Rose.

You may not know that Schwarz and Wade is a member of Random House Children’s Books’ - the world’s largest English-language children's trade book publisher!

And when was it published? On January 10, 2012, of all days! Today?

Yep! And to celebrate, I have invited the esteemed author of May B. to have a cup of coffee with us.

A Cup of Coffee with Caroline Starr Rose

First, let us meet Caroline Starr Rose.

Caroline spent her childhood in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and New Mexico, camping at the Red Sea in one and eating red chile in the other.

As a girl she danced ballet, raced through books by Laura Ingalls, and put on magic shows in a homemade cape. She graduated from the University of New Mexico and went on to teach both social studies and English in New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, and Louisiana.

In her classroom, she worked to instill in her students a passion for books, the freedom to experiment with words, and a curiosity about the past.

I asked Caroline to prepare a cup of coffee (or tea), before sitting down to respond to the questions. (I did the same, before I wrote them down)

Q: Caroline, briefly (or not), why and when and where and how did you write May B.?

I actually wrote May B. in my mini office -- a 3x4 closet! Thankfully we’re in a different house now, and I’ve graduated to an entire room.

I wrote May for a number of reasons -- my love for Laura Ingalls Wilder (and the desire to create my own strong pioneer girl), my curiosity about how learning disabled children would have fared in an era their struggles would have been misunderstood, and the challenge of writing about solitude.

Q. Has the whole excitement of publishing your first book passed? Or is it just increasing?

Increasing, most certainly!

Q. Describe May B. (the character) in three words?

Brave, determined, and unsure

Q: I love the concept of May B. - a novel that is a combination of historical fiction and verse. How did you decide to merge the two?

May didn’t start as a verse novel. My first few attempts at writing the story felt distant and lifeless.

It wasn’t until I returned to my research (and specifically a book called Read this Only to Yourself: The Private Writings of Midwestern Women, 1880-1910) that I saw the patterns these women’s writings had in common: terse language, stark circumstances, a matter-of-fact tone.

The heavens had opened for me (really!), and I was able to climb inside May’s world, using the voices of the women I’d encountered through research.

A confession: I’d read two verse novels before writing May B. (Out of the Dust and Heartbeat). This both terrified and liberated me.

I didn’t let myself anywhere near Karen Hesse’s Newbery-winning Dust while writing, for fear of crumbling into a heap of worthlessness (though I felt I understood for the first time why she told her story this way -- the immediacy verse brings speaks volumes, especially in trying times). On the other hand, I wasn’t bound by patterns or rules.

Several readers have said May B.’s pacing reads more like prose (swifter than the typical verse novel), which ultimately served the story.

Q. May B. comes out on January 10, 2012! Can you give us some of your favorite read aloud book recommendations that are either historical fiction or verse (or both!) to get us in the mood?

I think all poetry should be read aloud. Back in my teaching days, I’d tell my students poetry is meant to be seen and heard.

The poet uses spacing and rhythm and imagery and language in ways completely unique to the art form. Seeing, hearing, and speaking a poem aloud lets a person experience it most completely.

As for great read alouds, I can’t help but mention Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. My father read them to me when I was a girl (though I made him stop four books in, when I realized Laura’s dog was going to die. I finished the series later on my own).

Some people shy away from these books now, as there are some challenging terms (think farming techniques) and distasteful interactions (Ma Ingalls’ opinion of Native Americans).

I think it’s for these reasons precisely we should still be reading these books to our children: what better way to teach them about history, how life has changed, how (hopefully!) attitudes have changed, how children (Laura, in this instance) often see truths their parents are unable to grasp (she sees similarities with the Indians, where the adults can only see difference.

Pretty wise for a child, don’t you think?)

I think Scott O’Dell’s Sing Down the Moon would make a lovely read aloud, as would Avi’s Crispin: Cross of Lead, though I’ve only read these to myself.

As for verse novels, Sharon Creech’s Love That Dog would be amazing to share with a group of children. Reading it made me itch for a classroom!

Q. Can you tell us when did you get the idea to write this book, how long did the writing process take and how long did it take you to find a willing publisher? I know its a long story, but its an inspirational one.

When I sold May B., I’d been writing for twelve years. May was my fourth novel (I’d written half a dozen picture books, as well).

At that point, I’d collected hundreds and hundreds of rejections. I knew May had two things going against her: history and verse.

This type of book isn’t exactly a hot commodity in today’s market, but I strongly believed it was my best work and her story needed to be heard.

Thankfully, my agent agreed. She sold May, at auction, four months later.

Q. What is your list of Top 10 favorite read-alouds for kids that parents could easily overlook these days?

picture books:

1. Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum by Lisa Wheeler

2. Sixteen Cows by Lisa Wheeler

3. Cornfield Hide and Seek by Christine Widman

4. Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root

5. Underground Train by Mary Quattlebaum

6. Sing, Sophie! by Dayle Anne Dodds

7. Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr. Seuss

8. Any Tacky the Penguin book by Helen Lester

middle grade:

9. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (I ADORE this book and have probably read

it 30 times)

10. Holes by Louis Sachar

poetry bonus:

11. Anything by Jack Prelutsky...especially fun to listen to on road trips on CD!

Q. Do you still read aloud to your kids?

Oh, yes. My husband does, too.

Q. What do you think, are kids reading less or more these days compared to a decade or two ago?

I’m not sure. I will say there will always be things that compete with reading, but if we’re serious about making reading a priority in our families, we’ll fight to make it happen.

What excites me is the variety of books available to children nowadays -- so many more titles and genres than when I was a girl. It’s a wonderful time to be a reader and an author.

Q. Do you and your kids use e-book readers? Why?

My boys are fascinated with my mother’s e-reader and even read a few novels with her last summer this way. I think having one might be handy down the road.

For me, I love the tactile experience of holding a book. As much as I prefer books, though, I refuse to be afraid of the ways storytelling might change in years to come.

Story is stronger than any medium and will continue to be available (and viable!) in the future.

Q: Do you know a real-life May B.?

Not exactly, though I’ll be honest in saying their are former students of mine I still grieve over, wishing I’d known how to better meet their needs.

Q. Caroline, are you already working on your next project? Any hints what can we look forward to?

From National Geographic

A picture book about the Louisiana wetlands and a verse novel about an intriguing moment in early American history (that’s as specific as I’m going to get!)

Q. When did you think of the catchy title (and character name) for the book? Did you have May B. as a name in your head even before you started writing?

I did have May B. in mind before writing, and her name informed the character. I liked the double entendre and the way “maybe” and “better” were a part of her name, Mavis Elizabeth Betterly.

Before I really “knew” her, I knew she’d need to struggle to overcome feeling inadequate in some way.

Once I knew she wanted to become a teacher, the most direct way I could challenge her was with a learning disability -- an almost impossible obstacle to overcome in her era.

Q. Do you have any May B. giveaways underway, so that Read Aloud Dad readers can take part?

I’m happy to give a copy of the book and a May B. journal to one of your readers.

[note from Read Aloud Dad: I will send Caroline the name of a randomly chosen winner from the list of my email subscribers on January 15, so if you are on the list by then - you will be eligible to win. Just click on the link to subscribe for free]

Q. You are a teacher of Social Studies and you have traveled the world. Has this been very important for you to help you develop your first novel?

You’re on to something here. Though I’m no longer teaching, I think having been in the classroom and having had the opportunity to live and travel overseas mean I’ve been privileged to meet people from all walks of life. We are more alike than different. I feel passionately that the maligned, the forgotten, and the underprivileged should have a voice and should be extended dignity. I hope my book touches on both these things.

Q. How can Read Aloud Dad readers learn more about your book? Does May B. have an online presence and where?

Yes! Caroline Starr Rose website ~ C.S.R. blog~ goodreads ~ Facebook

Q. You are a blogger too! I love your posts about running a book club (Book Clubs for Kids, What Works, When Problems Arise, Running a Book Club for Kids). It is not as complicated as it may seem and it is not as easy at it may seem. Can you tell us - from your experience - does parent involvement in children's reading make a real difference? If yes, how can we get parents more excited about sharing books with their kids?

Parent involvement is KEY. When you’re a natural reader, I think it’s easier to ooze enthusiasm for books, but even if reading hasn’t always been your thing, you can forge an interest together:

Find a book on turtles, lions, some other creature after visiting the zoo. Check out books you read as a child and read them aloud -- even if there are protests at first. Talk about characters at the dinner table. Quote lines from shared stories (I still tell my very grown up boys “You can’t have that wish, my Little Bear”). Set aside a time and place to read. Commit to a series as a family. Listen to books on CD (road trips and rainy days are great for this). Ask teachers or librarians for recommendations.

Q. Question for your publisher to answer (if possible) - why did you sign up Caroline Starr Rose and why is May B. such a special book?

I have an email I kept from my editor early on where she said she got caught up in the story and fell for May’s voice right away. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Q. Was it coffee or tea? (In my case it was a sugar-free cappuccino with extra milk.)

Decaf with toffee creamer. Thanks so much for this opportunity! You asked the sort of questions that inspire.

It was a pleasure Caroline! Read Aloud Dad wishes you enormous success with May B.!

I end this interview with my favorite quote from your blog:

"There is nothing like loving children. There is nothing like loving books.

To experience the two together is a gift indeed."

Caroline Starr Rose

PS If you are interested in reading about the creative process behind the creation of the May B. cover page by artist Chris Silas Neal, read about the entire process of making a cover page on his blog.

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* How-to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

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Take a Secret Peek Into My Bookshelf

2012-01-10T00:52:00.001+01:00

Welcome to my home!

No more talking today, just take a peek into my Top Left bookshelf.

I will be posting more pictures over the coming weeks.

(If you are interested to know more about any book you see, just ask!)

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How-to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

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Bestselling Children's Picture and Board Books in Q4 2011

2012-01-09T12:11:00.000+01:00

Everyone loves to know what other parents are buying for their kids. We cannot resist that little curiosity bug!

So, I present you with the bestselling children's titles in the previous quarter (October, November and December of 2011) - based on book orders made through affiliate links on ReadAloudDad.com.

The information will be presented in three separate bestseller posts over the next few weeks.

In today's first (of three) post you will find information on the Top 10 Picture Books and Top 10 Board Books in Q4 2011.

Click on a cover picture if you want a preview on Amazon.

Happy reading!

TOP 10 PICTURE BOOKS in Q4 2011

1. The Gruffalo

by Julia Donaldson, Alex Scheffler

This book will stand out among hundreds of other picture books.

It is that good! A masterpiece.

Read Dad's review

2. Too Big

by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Auilaire

Some books are pure distilled innocence. This is one of those.

3. Burt Dow, Deep-Water Man

by Robert McCloskey

It has been a while since we read this masterpiece.
It's a McCloskey! It's on our pile for tomorrow.

Read Dad's review

4. D'Aulaires' Book of Animals

by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Auilaire

A non-standard book - it folds out into a large continuous page.
Charming illustrations for youngsters!

5. One Morning in Maine

by Robert McCloskey

This book has enriched our lives. It is not merely a book, it is piece of Americana!

Read Dad's review

6. Otis

by Loren Long

Long recently followed up this heartfelt story with a grand sequel! Check it out as well, my kids adore it too - it is called Otis and the Tornado

Read Dad's review

7. Something for Christmas

by Palmer Brown

A charming holiday yarn for kids! Another hit from my fave publisher New York Review Books.

8. An Annoying ABC

by Barbara Bottner

Imagine a preschool classroom with 25 cranky kids and one beleaguered teacher.

9. Corgiville Fair

by Tasha Tudor

A beautifully illustrated, old-fashioned fair - full of details for young readers!

10. The Caboose Who Got Loose

by Bill Peet

A perfect read-aloud story in verse - enchanting for the ear, spellbinding for the eye!

Read Dad's review

TOP 10 BOARD BOOKS in Q4 2011

1. Five Silly Turkeys

by Salina Yoon

A fun counting book full of crazy turkeys!

2. I Am a Bunny

by Ole Rison, illustrations by Richard Scarry

I am a bunny. My name is Nicholas. I live in a hollow tree.

3. Merry Christmas, Stinky Face

by Lisa McCourt

A Christmas-themed Stinky Face story.

4. My Granny's Purse

by P.H. Hanson

Open Granny's black purse and enter a treasure chest of mementos and magic.

5. My Little Pink Princess Purse

by P.H. Hanson

Open Granny's black purse and enter a treasure chest of mementos and magic.

6. My Mommy's Tote

by P.H. Hanson

A delicious interactive gift for mothers and kids.

7. Open the Barn Door

by Christopher Santoro

Peek inside the barn, in this chunky lift-the-flap board book.

8. Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale

by Martin Waddel

A favorite Christmas picture book in a small padded board book

9. First 100 Words

by Roger Priddy

My kids still adore Priddy's unmistakable books! Fabulous.

10. Big Box of Boynton

by Sandra Boynton

A marvelous introduction to the world of Sandra Boynton— with her crazy dancing pigs and sheep, wide-eyed dinosaurs, and the rest of the menagerie. The box includes: Barnyard Dance! Pajama Time! Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs!

Next time around we will see the Top 10 list of Chapter Books, Treasuries and Non-Fiction Books.

Happy reading!

Read Aloud Dad offers a free email newsletter with:

* Advice for improving your read-aloud sessions.
* Focused articles on the best children's books
* Reviews of great book sets, illustrated editions, chapter and picture books
* How to tips on everything from becoming a read-aloud ninja to helping your boy or girl to read

Subscribe for free by clicking here.