4.5 - 5 Stars.

I first encountered this remarkable book back in the 1980s. It immediately caught my attention and became a constant companion over the years. Starting from the mid-1990s, for about 15 - 17 years, I not only read it but also frequently referred back to its valuable contents.

Even today, I have such a high regard for this book that I love to give copies of it as baby shower gifts. It's that special. In fact, I was so inspired by the author that I even went to hear Mr Trelease speak on one occasion.

As a passionate bibliophile, I have always desired for my child to develop a love for reading. To achieve this, I have delved into quite a number of books on the subject. However, this particular book, along with Gladys Hunt's Honey for a Child's Heart, stands out as two of my absolute favorites. They have both provided me with invaluable insights and guidance on nurturing a child's love for literature.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in promoting reading among children or simply wants to enhance their own understanding of the power of books. It truly is a gem.

This book encompassed some truly great information as well as highly helpful tips. However, it was a bit on the dry side when it came to reading.

(The title does explicitly call it a handbook, so perhaps I really shouldn't have been all that surprised.)

Nevertheless, despite its dryness, it did manage to inspire me to engage in more reading activities with the kids.

Moreover, I discovered that the study which suggested that subtitles enhance reading was extremely interesting.

It made me think about how different techniques and tools can have a significant impact on a child's reading development.

Overall, while the book may not have been the most exciting read, it did offer valuable insights and inspiration.

I will definitely be taking the tips and ideas from it and applying them in my interactions with the kids.

I look forward to seeing the positive effects that increased reading and the use of subtitles may have on their language skills and overall learning.

A MUST for all parents of young children.

The book is divided into two main sections. In the first half, the significance of reading aloud is emphasized. It doesn't matter even if your children have already learned to read independently. Study after study has shown how reading aloud has a profound impact on almost every aspect of a child's academic life, such as vocabulary, grammar, awareness, and IQ. It's never too early to start reading, and it's also never too late to enjoy a great story together. Even simple baby books use words that are not in the standard lexicon. This exposure gives children a huge edge over those who are less fortunate.

The second half of the book presents a treasure trove of excellent read-alouds. It starts with picture books and progresses to short and long novels. It also includes poetry and fables. The best part of this treasure trove is the suggestions for the reading comprehension age level. It serves as a reminder that kids can benefit greatly from listening to books that are well beyond their reading level.

This book was updated in 2006. It features current books like Harry Potter, classic favorites like Mike Mulligan, and lesser-known gems.

To learn more about the author, a man who devotes his life to promoting a love of reading for everyone, visit http://www.trelease-on-reading.com.

Do you have a child?

Ever thinking of having a child?

Know a child?

Live in a community where children live?

If so, I highly suggest you read this book. I initially got it from the library, but now I firmly believe I might need to buy it.

The first half of the book presents a wealth of statistics and information regarding reading and literacy. Some of these are truly alarming, while others are inspiring. For instance, the average number of books in a Beverly Hills home is 199, yet in a Compton home, it is only 2.7.

I absolutely loved the stories about individuals who dedicated themselves to providing books to libraries in communities that were severely lacking. And that story about the alternative high school teacher who read aloud to his class and the student who tearfully thanked him for being the only person in his 19 years to do so? Oh yes, it made me cry.

The second half of the book contains list after list of every conceivable kind of book that you would want to read to your children at every age. That's precisely the reason why I'm seriously thinking of buying it - there is an abundance of material here that can last for many years of trips to the library. I've already requested many of them for my 3-year-old. Generally, I consider myself as a person who has a certain degree of familiarity with quality children's books, but many of the suggestions in this book were completely new to me.

So, go ahead and get ittttttt!

While I've always been aware of the general facts regarding the advantages of reading aloud and how having easy access to printed materials at home, along with parents who set an example by reading themselves, can lead to children who have a passion for reading, a great deal of the specific research presented in this work was both new and captivating to me.

Jim Trelease's writing style is extremely approachable, not overly burdened with academic jargon. He offers a plethora of excellent practical tips, several of which were novel to my understanding.

Moreover, his extensive list of read aloud recommendations, which ranges from charming picture books all the way to high school-level novels, is truly outstanding. It provides a wealth of options for parents, teachers, and caregivers to engage children in the wonderful world of reading and foster their love for it.

This book is not only a valuable resource for those interested in promoting literacy but also an enjoyable read that offers practical insights and inspiration.

A handy reference to have around is truly beneficial, especially when we delve into chapter books.

Although it is predominantly written for teachers, this treasury of books serves a useful purpose.

It can be helpful in gauging the appropriate grade level for a particular book.

However, it is crucial to pair it with other resources such as Goodreads and Common Sense Media.

Otherwise, there is a significant risk of ending up reading a substantial amount of violent and sexist literature.

We are well aware of this, and we are ready to take note with pen in hand.

By using multiple resources, we can ensure that the books we choose are not only suitable for the intended grade level but also free from inappropriate content.

This way, we can provide a more enriching and positive reading experience for ourselves and those around us.

So, let's make sure to utilize all the available tools and references to make informed decisions about the books we read.

Reading the translated version on iPusnas. It was quite enjoyable to read this afternoon.

I found the content to be quite engaging and interesting. The translation seemed to capture the essence of the original text well.

As I was reading, I was able to immerse myself in the story and gain a better understanding of the subject matter.

It's always great to have access to such resources that allow us to explore different works in our own language.

I look forward to reading more translations on iPusnas in the future.

**Read Harder 2017: Book about Books**

This is an outstanding book that serves as a wonderful reference. The updated edition is particularly beneficial with its comments on digital learning, encompassing eReaders, audiobooks, television, and more. I adored the entire chapter dedicated to The Print Climate in the Home, School, and Library. Consider this quote that is simply perfect for this self-confessed girl who can't stop buying books:

"The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has been measuring student performance in most major subjects since 1972. It has also been surveying students on the number of books in their homes, then drawing correlations to their scores in reading, math, science, civics, history, and writing. In every test subject, the more books in the home, the higher the score, often by as much as forty points."

Clearly, I no longer need to feel guilty about the number of books we own (and continue to buy)!! Hooray!!

I also shed tears (yes, truly) when I reached the end of Chapter 10. Trelease describes the 9th grade teacher, Mr. Schmidt, who sent a note home to his parents about what an excellent student Trelease was in English. Trelease details the profound impact this note had on his life, how he lost touch with that teacher, but later dedicated the first version of this book to Mr. Schmidt. (This is the 7th edition of the book, first published in 1979.) Mr. Schmidt told Trelease that the dedication made his week, his month, and his 30 years of education. I then proceeded to read the actual dedication, which is still present in this 7th edition, and I promptly wept some more.

If you have children of any age, this is an essential read and a must-own book! It's a quick and captivating read for the first 170 pages, and the remainder of the book consists of recommendations for read-aloud books (including recommended ages/grades).

This article should be a must-read for all parents.

It is filled with encouragement, inspiration, and education.

Parents play a crucial role in a child's life, and this article offers valuable insights and practical advice.

It encourages parents to believe in their children's potential and to provide a nurturing environment that promotes growth and development.

The inspiration within these pages can help parents find the motivation to be the best they can be for their kids.

Moreover, the educational aspect of the article equips parents with the knowledge and skills they need to guide their children through life's challenges.

By reading this article, parents can gain a deeper understanding of their children's needs and learn how to foster their emotional, social, and intellectual well-being.

In conclusion, this article is a valuable resource for all parents who want to make a positive impact on their children's lives.

I truly love everything about this remarkable book.

I firmly believe that every parent should be mandated to read this at least once after they have been blessed with children.

The book predominantly focuses on the myriad benefits of reading out loud to our precious children. There are an abundance of them!

If you could only do a single thing for your child's education, without a doubt, it should be reading out loud to them.

Reading this book has the potential to transform your life, as it will make you fully comprehend just how incredibly important this simple act truly is.

It opens your eyes to the profound impact that reading aloud can have on a child's cognitive development, language skills, imagination, and overall love for learning.

So, don't hesitate! Grab this book and embark on a journey that will not only enrich your child's life but also your own.

I know that this review may seem a little over the top.

However, this is truly the first time that I have ever finished reading a library book and then promptly ordered it on amazon.com within minutes of finishing it.

Alison and I are eagerly looking forward to reading this one together once we receive it.

This book is without a doubt one of the most interesting, motivating, and inspiring books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

I wholeheartedly agree with many of the reviews on the book that I have read, which state that no household with children should ever be without a copy of this book.

Anyone who ventures onto a book review blog (thanks for coming by the way) already knows and values the importance of reading.

What this book does is explain in great detail why reading (both silently and aloud) are so crucial and how it can literally transform lives.

My favorite part of the book is all of the letters and personal stories that are shared.

Even more impressive is that many of the tips and tricks that are shared in the book can be applied not only to reading but also to public speaking or presentations.

This is a book that I fully expect will become well worn in the Squire household, as we will be referring to it again and again for inspiration and guidance.

So really only half this book is a "book" - commentary and advice about reading aloud to your kids.

There are a plethora of things which _should_ be obvious (but apparently are not), as well as numerous facts and figures that I was completely unaware of - all emphasizing that: yes, you should read to your kids as frequently as possible.

It was an enjoyable enough read, and certain parts were truly eye-opening.

The second half is essentially a list of books - but these are books accompanied by short reviews, suggested ages for reading, and so on. This stuff is absolute GOLD!

It provides a valuable resource for parents and caregivers who are looking for suitable books to read aloud to their children.

The reviews give a brief overview of the content and tone of each book, while the suggested ages help to ensure that the material is appropriate for the child's developmental stage.

Overall, this book is a great addition to any parent's library and is definitely worth checking out.