book review

I have just finished reading an excellent book on reading and education. Jim Trelease has written a clear and thorough guide for parents and teachers on reading aloud and the benefits of literary excellence in our children. There are some fascinating studies and quotations included in his arguments for taking the time and energy to instill in our children a love of the written word. The first half of the book includes such chapters as "The Stages of Read-Aloud", "The Do's and Don'ts of Read-Aloud" and The Print Climate in the Home, School and Library". The second half of the book is the actual treasury of Read Alouds to include such categories of books - Wordless, Picture, Short Novels, Poetry, Anthologies and Fairy and Folk Tales. Trelease gives a short synopsis of each of the book titles he has included as well as gives an appropriate age to be reading it aloud. I enjoyed this book so much and see it as such a resource that it's the next item on my "want to buy" book list. Check it out - you won't be disappointed!