New Family FavoritesBooks for families to read and share

Picture BooksGrandpa Green by Lane Smith

A sentimental look at an aging grandparent.Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka

A wordless story of a dog playing with a favorite toy.

All the World by Liz Garton ScanlonA poetic look at the simple things that make life great.

Knuffle Bunny by Mo WillemsTrixie loses her beloved bunny and speaks her first excited words.

Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton JusterA young biracial girl delights in visiting her grandparents.

Family Read-aloudsToys Go Out by Emily Jenkins

The first book in a series chronicling the adventures of two stuffed animals and a mystery creature. (Ages 4 to 8)

Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

A toy rabbit travels across the country after he is separated from the girl who loves him. (Ages 7 to 10)

Whittington by Alan ArmstrongAn animal fantasy with a retelling of an English folktale. (Ages 9 to 12)

Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra DeedyA community of mice ally with a choose-loving cat in the famous Cheshire Cheese Inn. (Ages 8 to 12)

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne CollinsFirst in a fantasy series that begins with 11 year-old Gregor and his little sister being pulled into an underground world. (Ages 8 to 12)

Raising ReadersIdeas 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 & EducatorsA Family of Readers by Roger SuttonA guide for parents who want to raise readers with advice for sharing books and book recommendations.Beyond Bedtime Stories by V. Susan Bennett-ArmisteadVery practical guide for parents of preschoolers to encourage reading and early literacy.The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim TreleasePresents the latest research on the importance of reading aloud to children.

Mindy Rhiger, MLS – April 2012propernounblog.wordpress.com