Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
4 stars
30(30%)
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31(31%)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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I read a 1985 edition, and as a result, a significant number of the statistics presented were rather outdated.

I would hazard a guess that they have not witnessed any improvement, and one can only hope that they are not in a worse state. However, it appears that the concept of reading does not hold great importance for many individuals even today.

I took great pleasure in uncovering some vintage book ideas to incorporate into my reading list, and it is heartening to note that many of the classics still grace the treasury list.

I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone, and especially to parents. It is essential to encourage children to develop a love for reading from an early age, as it can have a profound impact on their cognitive development, vocabulary expansion, and overall knowledge acquisition.

By exposing them to a wide variety of books, we can help them to explore different worlds, cultures, and ideas, and foster their creativity and imagination.

Moreover, reading together as a family can also strengthen the bond between parents and children and create lasting memories.

So, let's all make reading a priority and pass on this wonderful gift to the next generation.
July 14,2025
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Ok. First, let me talk about the stuff I disagree with, and then I'll mention the stuff I appreciated.

I'm writing this review as a life-long reader. Well, I did take a break from reading for about 10 years due to grad school, working, and having babies. I married a reader who studied literature and writing. We have been reading to our kids basically from day 1. They are 5 and 3 now. How can I put this? I really liked the book, but it felt a bit one-sided. I never thought reading could be overemphasized, but this author might have managed to do that. I do think reading is important, but it's not the only thing. I doubt the author would claim it's the only thing, but he spent a lot of time discussing its benefits and often suggesting that the lack of reading is the cause of most of the nation's problems. I also got the impression that reading was mainly about improving kids' grades and increasing their chances of getting into and graduating from college. Maybe it's all a matter of opinion. But I don't think that's the most valuable aspect of reading and reading aloud. Yes, reading teaches vocabulary, syntax, and the elements of a story. But if it doesn't also broaden our horizons by teaching us about other people and places, enhance our own virtues, and improve our critical thinking, I'm not sure the other things matter as much. Of course, I want my kids to get good grades, but I'd rather the focus be on their character.

I'm afraid this type of book might put off a casual reader. But maybe I'm being too sensitive. That's a real possibility. I'll have to read other reviews to be sure.

Now, for the good stuff. There are so many beautiful stories included about the power that a good book, a great teacher, a loving parent, and so on can have in a child's life. I cried at least twice and definitely got teary-eyed several times. Books really are wonderful, and reading aloud can be a lovely bonding and growth experience for families. We have no intention of stopping reading aloud with our kids, and I'm even more excited about it than before.

There are plenty of ideas for parents to start reading aloud with their kids and tips for getting kids interested if they're not initially excited. There are also many ideas for classroom teachers that seem practical. Achievable and reasonable tips are everywhere.

I haven't even mentioned the book list yet! It's huge. I wish it was organized differently, with subcategories for ages within the current categories like picture books, short novels, poetry, etc. But I have no doubt this will be a useful list.
July 14,2025
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It may be because the author was preaching to the choir about the significance of reading aloud to children, and I was in complete agreement throughout.

By combining facts and personal anecdotes, he presents a compelling argument for this practice.

The updated edition not only addresses digital literacy but also emphasizes the crucial role of fathers in getting involved and participating in the "game" of reading to their children.

Moreover, it includes a treasury of titles that can assist adults in finding the perfect book for their kids.

This comprehensive approach makes the book not only informative but also practical and engaging.

It serves as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in promoting the love of reading in children.

Overall, it is a must-read for those who understand the importance of early literacy and the positive impact it can have on a child's development.
July 14,2025
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If you find yourself completely at a loss as to what to read to your precious child, then look no further, for this is the very book that you have been seeking!

This remarkable volume is the latest edition of a truly classic resource. In this seventh edition, Mr. Trelease has added fascinating chapters that explore crucial topics such as "Digital Learning: Good news and Bad" and "TV and Audio: Hurting or Helping Literacy"?

And, just as in previous editions, he provides an abundance of valuable suggestions for read-alouds that are perfect for your children or students. Whether you are a parent eager to bond with your child through the magic of storytime or a teacher looking to inspire a love of reading in your classroom, this book is an essential companion. It offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice that will surely enhance your reading experience and help your little ones develop a lifelong love for books.
July 14,2025
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Originally, I picked up Jim Trelease’s “The Read-Aloud Handbook” with a specific intention. I was in search of a “greatest hits” collection of books that I could reference for Dean’s at-home library. And in that regard, I truly hit a home run. The last 100 pages of this book is an extensive glossary of titles sorted by age range. This glossary is now guiding me in creating “Dean’s Library” wishlist on Amazon.


However, what really took me by surprise was the wealth of knowledge I gained from the chapters Trelease wrote before the glossary. Each chapter is filled to the brim with research and remarkable insights that firmly support the significance of reading aloud to children. It turns out that this activity is more crucial than worksheets, homework, book reports, and flash cards. In fact, high SAT scores have been associated with parents who read to their kids daily, even after they have learned to read independently.


I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is especially beneficial if you have children, are a teacher or librarian, and/or have a desire to assist kids in becoming better readers. It is a text that I will undoubtedly return to time and time again.

July 14,2025
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This book serves as an excellent reference when one desires to know what would make a great book for reading aloud to children. The fundamental premise is that children are able to comprehend text that might be too challenging for them to read independently. When we read aloud to our children those things that excite them, they cultivate a love for books. Subsequently, since they know and love books, they will be motivated to put in the effort to learn how to read fluently.

The initial one-third of the book elaborates on the reasons why and the methods of reading aloud. The remainder of the book consists of lists of books, along with summaries. These books are categorized according to the "listening level" (not the child's reading level). I have thoroughly enjoyed using this book as a reference both at home and in the classroom. If you are reluctant to purchase the book, you can obtain a significant amount of information from this website: http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/

It is truly a valuable resource that can enhance the reading experience for both parents and educators alike.
July 14,2025
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This is an extremely encouraging and inspiring piece of reading material.

It is truly pleasant to go through a summary and an argument that is derived from all the extensive research that has been conducted.

The chapter dedicated to television was particularly beneficial and provided valuable insights.

Certainly, I read the edition that dates back to 1995. As a result, I am filled with curiosity to observe how the author's recommendations would potentially change in light of today's highly advanced technology.

Moreover, I would also be very interested to see if there are any significant differences in the way schools and research are carried out nowadays compared to that time.

It makes one wonder about the impact of technological advancements on various aspects of our lives and how it might have influenced the ideas and suggestions put forth in the book.

Overall, this reading experience has not only been informative but has also sparked my curiosity and made me eager to explore further.

July 14,2025
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I truly, truly adored the overall message regarding the significance of reading aloud to your children and crafting positive reading experiences for them. This way, they will form positive associations with reading.

Nonetheless, I have the perception that the book was extremely repetitive. I took great pleasure in the beginning of the book, but then I found it arduous to bring it to a conclusion.

The overall message, "The more you read, the better you get at it; the better you get at it, the more you like it; and the more you like it, the more you do it," is of utmost importance for cultivating readers. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of improving one's reading skills and developing a love for reading. By reading aloud to children from an early age and making it an enjoyable and positive activity, we can set them on the path to becoming lifelong readers.

However, the repetitiveness of the book may have detracted from its overall impact. It could have been more engaging and captivating if the author had presented the same message in a more diverse and creative manner. Despite this drawback, the core message remains valuable and relevant, and it serves as a reminder to all parents and caregivers of the importance of instilling a love for reading in our children.
July 14,2025
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I absolutely loved this book.

It provides extremely valuable information on how to make your child a better reader. It not only offers insights into the process but also details how to effectively utilize various tools such as close captioning on your TV, the vast resources of the internet, and books on CD.

Moreover, the entire second half of the book is dedicated to recommendations. These recommendations are neatly divided into different categories and age groups, making it incredibly convenient for parents to find exactly what suits their child's needs.

This book is truly a gem, and it's highly likely that I would love to own it myself. It seems like a comprehensive guide that could be a great asset in a child's reading journey.

I can't wait to explore more of its contents and put the useful tips and recommendations into practice.
July 14,2025
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First of all, this book is of great significance to me as a person who has been recording herself reading stories for the children in my life. It not only encourages adults to read to children but also emphasizes the importance of reading with children. Moreover, it provides opportunities for children of all ages to interact with books in various forms, such as print, ebook, and audio.


I am particularly fond of the treasury of recommended read aloud books presented in the second half of the book. These recommendations are extremely valuable as they offer a wide range of excellent books for adults to choose from when reading aloud to children. Additionally, the tips for reading aloud provided in the book are also very practical and helpful. They can assist adults in improving their reading aloud skills and making the reading experience more enjoyable and engaging for children.


Overall, this is a very resource-rich book that contains a wealth of useful information and practical tips. It is highly recommended for all parents, teachers, and caregivers who are interested in promoting reading and literacy among children.

July 14,2025
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I usually don't take the time to write reviews here. However, this particular book has had such a profound impact on my family and the other families I've shared it with that I felt compelled to share my thoughts.

For some people, as can be seen from previous reviews, this book might seem unnecessary. This could be because they were brought up in a well-educated home environment where reading and learning were highly emphasized from an early age.

For myself, the situation was quite different. Reading was not given much importance when I was a child. It was only as an adult that I developed a love for reading. I consider myself fortunate because in my experience, most people from similar backgrounds as mine tend to read merely for the sake of obtaining information.

Naturally, I want to do everything in my power to ensure that my own children have a better start. And this book has been an invaluable asset in helping us achieve that. I also shared this book with my sister. Her son was really struggling and was at the bottom of his class in reading. But within just two months, his test scores have improved significantly. In fact, he even won a reading challenge by logging over 1000 minutes of reading within the same time frame! I am truly grateful for this book and I will continue to recommend it to others without hesitation.
July 14,2025
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A must-read for every parent and teacher!

This article educated, challenged, and inspired me. It made me realize the importance of reading more to my kids and choosing better books for them. The author provided some great little tips that I was able to put into practice immediately. As a result, I have already seen my kids' love of reading grow!!

It was a super easy read. I kept it in my front seat and read it during car line every afternoon. I found myself looking forward to that time and even leaving a bit early so I could have extra time to read it. It was that engaging and enjoyable. I highly recommend this article to all parents and teachers who want to encourage a love of reading in their kids.
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