Books To Read » Read Alouds to share

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:32:03 +0000

I read this to my son (11 years). It is the kind of book to be read aloud because there is so much to discuss and the subject matter is difficult: The story is set at the time of the holocaust but when you begin the book you don’t know this. My son asked questions about what was going on so we discussed the history. The content could be very upsetting. I think this book will become a classic. My 14 year daughter appreciated the book too. It is a part of history we must pass on.

[As an aside , you as the parent might like to read Night by Elie Wiesel, Marion Wiesel ( this is not suitable for children). It is considered a classic in holocaust literature. You might also consider that hyperinflation so destroyed Germany that a person like Hitler was able to rise to power. For those interested in this aspect, you might like to read this book, available online for free at Mises.org]
You can borrow The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas from the Auckland Libraries

The book has been made into a movie which is also available from Auckland Libraries.

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Here is the trailer to the movie

You can listen to the author talk about the book ( what is left unsaid) ( sorry the picture is poor)

Caps for Sale By Esphyr Slobodkina

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 08:20:00 +0000

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

” Caps for sale, 50c a cap!”

As you can guess this is an old book, you certainly can’t buy a cap for 50c and I have not seen a peddler! It was published in 1938. But it is certainly worth including in your children’s library.

“This easy-to-read story about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity.” Our children enjoy reading about the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys who steal his caps while he sleeps. It has clever use of repetition and action in the story so appeals to both toddlers and those learning to read.

A board book is also available from Fishpond: This books will appeal to a wide variety of ages : the very young 2 years and up, will enjoy the moneys. Mum or Dad can provide actions to this lovely story!

A board book edition means little hands can enjoy the book again and again
Copies in Auckland Libraries

The Door In the Wall

tarnya — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:16:33 +0000

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli is a delightful historical fiction book. We purchased it on audio cassette some years ago, the tapes used so often they has to be thrown out. It was my older children’s favourite book to listen to when they were ill in bed.

Robin, the son of a knight, falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Robin is cared for by a kindly monk Brother Luke. Brother Luke teaches him many things including how to be a humbler person. Some children would find the book boring because it is not filled with action. Most of the book is taken up with the slow recovery of Robin and him learning patience. I guess that is why it was such a favourite when my children were ill. Not only because they related to the character in the book dealing with the frustration of illness, fatigue and the slowness of life but because when ill they had more time to dwell over the story. In the end Robin learns character and has an opportunity to prove his maturity. You also get a feel for what life was like in Medieval England.

The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois

tarnya — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:54:26 +0000

The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois was published in 1947. This book has stood the test of time. A retired school teacher sets off on a balloon adventure and ends up of an island secretly populated with families of immense wealth- the island has a diamonds. The author explores what different people would do if money was no barrier, different families on the island pursue different things. Many of the ideas would have large appeal to children eg beds that makes themselves. An interesting read especially for boys.

My Father’s Dragon: Three Tales by Ruth Stiles Gannett

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:27:28 +0000

My Father’s Dragon: Three Tales: 50th Anniversary Ed

My 10 year loves these books. I read the first one aloud to him when he was about 8. They were one of the first real chapter books that he read to himself. They have lovely illustrations. The type is large for easier reading, the vocabulary is simple and the chapters are short. But the plot is clever and Elmer is a delightful resourceful character who has high appeal for young boys.

This is a 50th anniversary addition: they have stood the test of time. In this addition there are 3 books, My Father’s Dragon, Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland.

Here is a link for the books at the Auckland Libraries (just select your region along the top to request the books). Unfortunately they do not stock any copies at Manukau. I borrowed them from the National Library. But I have put in a request for Manukau Libraries to buy this new hard back edition.

Update: They purchased a copy, here is the link . It is always worth making suggestions for purchase to your local library

A wonderful edition to any home library.

Beatrix Potter – the Complete Tales By Beatrix Potter

admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:43:20 +0000

“Peter gave himself up for lost, and shed big tears; but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows, who flew to him in great excitement, and implored him to exert himself.”

When I read Beatrix Potter I am surprised by the rich vocabulary. My children love them and the young ones do not find the “difficult” words off putting. We have fun sometimes trying to incorporate them into our speech: “Please exert yourself when you tidy your room!”

The version linked on the left is the complete and unabridged collection, hardback which contains all 23 of Beatrix Potter’s Tales in one volume with all their original illustrations. It should last many years.

You can read many of the stories online here. The text would also make lovely copybook.

Many of her books are in the Auckland Library including audio versions.

Available from Fishpond

The Story of Dr. Dolittle by Hugh Lofting

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:54:29 +0000

Dr. John Dolittle featured first in the illustrated letters from a father enduring the horrific trenches of WW1 to his children. I have enjoyed reading aloud many of the books, there are little jokes throughout that often only the parent will get. I am just finishing reading Gub-Gub’s Book, An Encyclopaedia of Food (1932), an old copy from my local library, no doubt it will soon be withdrawn: the original books are now out of print. There are newer version of some of the books with all the un-PC content removed, I hope they republish them all because they are lovely books. What child does not dream of being able to talk, really talk to their favourite pet?

The Story of Dr. Dolittle is available online for free including the audio book.

The National Library has a great number of the books:-) as to has Auckland Library .

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 01:54:38 +0000

This lovely book to share, invites us to cuddled up together, before bedtime, to help settled down all those wiggles.

I think the reason this book has grown in popularity over the years is it invites a parent and child to find things in the child’s room to which they can say goodnight. A lovely way for a child who is beginning to learn to speak to interact with a book. When they get a little older and becomes goodnight ceiling, goodnight floor you know they are trying to stretch out that bedtime

Interesting Vocabulary
mush – porridge made with cornmeal
Here is the link for the book at the NZ National Library

Here is the link for the book at the Auckland Libraries

Click on the image to buy it, it is also available as a board book.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar By Eric Carle

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:34:40 +0000

A lovely way to learn the days of the week. It has cut out holes showing how the caterpillar eats through all the food. A classic which all our children have enjoyed.

Here is the link for the book at the NZ National Library

Here is the link for the books at the Auckland Libraries

Click on the image to buy it from the Book Depository

Happy Birthday to The Very Hungry Caterpillar – 40 years old.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:29:28 +0000

I read this so many times to one of my children we had it memorised. The story is so delightful that I have not minded a bit reading it again and again to a younger sibling.
An opportunity to have a chat about table manners in a informal way, what would mother say if you ate all the cake and left none for anyone else!
We love that the tiger drank all the water in the taps and Sophie could avoid a bath. Daddy comes to the rescue and they go to a cafe for tea. It is lovely to read a book with the Dad as the hero.

Here is the link for the book at the NZ National Library

Here is the link for the books at the Auckland Libraries

Click on the image to buy it from Fishpond, it is also available as a board book