Happy World Read Aloud Day!
If you're unfamiliar with this annual event, the organization LitWorld created #WorldReadAloudDay to encourage people around the globe to read aloud together, as a form of advocacy of literacy as a human right that belongs to all people. Who can't get behind that?
The read aloud experience is such a special thing. Books come alive anytime they're read, but when someone reads aloud, it creates bonds - to the words, and to those in the room.
I read to the girls throughout the day, and quite often at meal times. In our house, we have eager readers, but reluctant eaters. A spoonful of literary theater helps the applesauce go down!
Bedtime books, however, are my husband's territory. Dan loves this time with the girls. His favorite book to read aloud? Sesame Street classic The Monster at the End of This Book. Its binding is loose and shifty, and bites have been taken out of the corners. A well-loved book is such a beautiful thing.
This World Read Aloud Day 2018 (#WRAD2018 on Twitter), I wanted to shine a spotlight on the magic that takes place when dads read aloud to their kids. So I asked seven fathers from across the country to share which books they treasure reading to those they treasure most.
A Lion in Paris by Beatrice Alemagna
Andy Alexander (Texas)
"I like this book because it’s about discovery - discovering a new place and finding confidence in yourself on an adventure. The artwork and maps are also excellent."
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
Chris Lang (Nebraska)
"The book is great for a bit older kids and adults - the magic and mystery make the reading fun and get the kids really excited about what’s next."
The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak
Steve Chung (Missouri)
"The kids make reading this book so much fun. It is all about making us adults say funny sounds and silly things, and they just love hearing us say crazy stuff."
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Jerry Nwosuocha (Illinois)
"I always appreciated the art work and even as an adult it reminds me of our wonderful human imagination."
Little Excavator by Anna Dewdney
Nick Kinney (Michigan)
“The boys love anything with big engines - especially construction related - so this book is perfect. It’s fun to read, the pictures are great and the boys can make the noises as we read along.”
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Robby Boroff (Ohio)
"This is my go-to because it's such a classic and I love how my daughter remembers the words so easily and can now read along."
Doggies by Sandra Boynton
Andrew Heck (New York)
"I love to read it loud because it usually makes them giggle."
Thank you, fine fellows, for sharing these precious moments!
This World Read Aloud Day, make time read to someone you love and share the gift of literacy. Ah, what a gift it is!