1. New Family Favorites
Books for families to read and share
Picture Books
Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
A sentimental look at an aging grandparent. Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka Trixie loses her beloved bunny and speaks her
A wordless story of a dog playing with a first excited words.
favorite toy. Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon A young biracial girl delights in visiting her
A poetic look at the simple things that make grandparents.
life great.
Family Read-alouds
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra Deedy
The first book in a series chronicling the A community of mice ally with a choose-loving
adventures of two stuffed animals and a cat in the famous Cheshire Cheese Inn. (Ages
mystery creature. (Ages 4 to 8) 8 to 12)
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
DiCamillo First in a fantasy series that begins with 11
A toy rabbit travels across the country after he year-old Gregor and his little sister being
is separated from the girl who loves him. pulled into an underground world. (Ages 8 to
(Ages 7 to 10) 12)
Whittington by Alan Armstrong
An animal fantasy with a retelling of an
English folktale. (Ages 9 to 12)
Raising Readers
Ideas for creating a literacy rich environment for your family
• Create a literacy legacy. What are your childhood favorites? Your child may find a window into your
perspective and values in your reading experiences.
• Read aloud often. Bedtime stories can set a soothing tone to the nighttime routine, but don't limit
reading aloud to just your down time. Books can also be energizing.
• Let your child choose their own books. This is especially important as kids get older, but even
preschoolers may have specific reading tastes if you give them room to choose.
• Make books accessible. Create a home library with age-appropriate books where kids can reach them.
• Visit your local library regularly. It isn't just about borrowing books. Storytimes and other library
programs are great ways to connect with literacy and your community.
• Choose books that connect with your child's experiences. Read about holidays, seasons, and other
events that show kids that books are relevant to their lives.
• Share your favorite books by giving them as gifts or participating in a book exchange at your child's
school or in your neighborhood.
Books about Books for Parents & Educators
A Family of Readers by Roger Sutton
A guide for parents who want to raise readers with advice for sharing books and book recommendations.
Beyond Bedtime Stories by V. Susan Bennett-Armistead
Very practical guide for parents of preschoolers to encourage reading and early literacy.
The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Presents the latest research on the importance of reading aloud to children.
Mindy Rhiger, MLS – April 2012
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