Popcorn Astronauts and Other Biteable Rhymes by Deborah Ruddell illustrated by Joan Rankin

Happy World Read Aloud Day!  That's right today is the day we celebrate the joy and importance of reading aloud to children.  I love the idea of this day because I truly believe that reading aloud to children will help them become readers when they grow up.  To all those who love to read to children I salute you......

In honor of the day I was going to recommend some great read aloud picture books....but then I thought that is usually what I do anyway.  My blog is filled with books that I know would make a great read aloud. I decided to do something a bit different---at least to me.  I am not recommending a picture book per-se but a poetry book.  This was one of the Cybils finalists in poetry that I was privileged to judge.  While it didn't ultimately win it still has great merit and distinction.

  

Popcorn Astronauts and other Biteable Rhymes by Deborah Ruddell and illustrated by Joan Rankin is one of the most fun books I have recently read.  This is such a quirky and lively book that it begs to be read aloud.  This would be a fun story time book with a group of children because there are so many possibilities.  If I was still running a story time I would bring in all kinds of foods---as mentioned in the book and do all sorts of projects.  The popcorn itself is either a great snack or project source.  I also think children need to hear poetry as it helps the creative mind.  

This is a must have poetry book......

World Read Aloud Day!

Today is World Read Aloud Day.....According to SLJ" Librarians, authors, adults, teens, and children from all over the globe will celebrate the power of words and stories during the annual World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday, March 9."


Since I love a good read aloud ---and most of the books I recommend fall into this category---I thought I would list some of my all time favorites.   They are mostly classic so if you want more than please click on "Read Aloud" on the side of this blog.   Here is a nice list in no particular order:











Chicken Soup With Rice by Maurice Sendak--I love the alliteration in this story. 



















Giant John by Arnold Lobel ----my niece and nephews new this one by heart.

















Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss----my favorite but any Dr Seuss is great to read aloud.

















The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Don & Audrey Wood---a fun book to read aloud, I just love to see the children's reactions to this great book.  

















The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle---as with the Dr Suess books any Eric Carle book makes a great read aloud....but this is my favorite....















The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash and Lynn Munsinger ----lovely rhyme that begs to be read aloud.   










These are just a few of my favorites....but most any book will do, even a novel or chapter book.   What is most important is the closeness that comes from reading a book or story aloud to a child...that is priceless.   Have a fun Read Aloud kind of day!