I recently read Reading Magic by Mem Fox. I also reread The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. Both authors had great insights. Although, I did find I disagreed with Ms. Fox on a few points. I can validate many of their points from my experience of reading to my children. I also agree with their insights as a child who was read to. In fact, some of my best memories included listening to my Father read White Fang by Jack London, Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
Since starting this adventure with my children I have read the Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. Today we finished The Secret School by Avi. Tomorrow we start Frindle by Andrew Clements. I am not completely consistent yet but I am almost there.
So far my experience with this adventure is absolutely wonderful. It provides opportunities I never imagined. Books are probably the best mentors available not just in teaching knowledge but values and morals. Even if the book fundamentally disagrees with your families values and morals: It is those moments where my kids and me have great discussions about choices and consequences. They leave with little doubt as to what my expectations are and how I measure my expectations.
If I could give a gift to every child it would be the simple act of reading and being reading aloud. It is an amazing opportunity and a lot of fun.
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