I am reading aloud the final two chapters of The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan. Chapter twelve is 2:44 and chapter thirteen is 6:24. I know you will love the ending. Many surprises come into play. Ellie comes to rescue Teddy after the snowstorm, and finds Nickel and Flora.
And, what happened to Sylvan? He was very sick. He knew and understood far more than we realize, even Teddy.
Hang on, grab a tissue, and here we go.
Thank you to all who listened to me read this wonderful book. I hope it inspires you to read aloud. Writers, you need to do this. Reading aloud to others what you have written lights the fire that you set.
The first and only person who read aloud to me was my grandmother, Nan. She was wonderful, and will always be my hero. My next reading aloud moment was in the classroom as a teacher. I was scared. The book was Swimmy, by Leo Lionni. It changed my life. I watched the children as I read the book, and I knew the power of words and stories. Statistics have proven that children who are read aloud to do far better in school than their peers. I didn’t need statistics. I had the children, and I was there to see it happen, every time I read aloud.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Jennie, you really bring the stories to life!
Thank you, Ritu. 😍
What a great book! So well read!
Thank you, Opher!
Another delightful reading, Jennie.
Thank you, Robbie.
oh, I remember the ending, so bittersweet. I’ll always remember that you are the one who told me to read this –
❤️😍❤️
Wonderful Jennie.. I haven’t caught all of the chapters, but I just loved listening to you read.. And Its something I do often when our granddaughter sleeps over.. ❤
Much love my friend… ❤ and thank you for sharing… ❤
Thank you, Sue! I’m glad you can experience the wonders of reading aloud with your granddaughter. And I’m glad you enjoyed hearing me reading. Much love to you, too. ❤️
I have to come back and listen later (can’t make sound now) but I’m going to comment now. Last time, I css as me back but forgot to comment.
Reading aloud (bring read to) is soothing and a refreshing form of entertainment. We forget how fun it is to listen to a story bring read to us. I remember reading to our daughter, and I remember a very special day when she read to us. We were shocked! She was reading a new Dr. Seuss book. She had learned to read by reading along with us, as we read aloud to her.
We read to her every day, multiple times, and it always was a wonderful time for all of us.
You have brought back those memories in this series, Jennie. I thank you for that. You have a very nice voice and you read with a passion we can feel.
I’m so glad your memories of reading aloud to Faith came flooding back. Yes, those are precious times. And then she read aloud to you! That must have been quite a moment. Dr. Seuss was one of the best when it came to learning to read. Apparently in the late 50’s some schools used his books instead of the standard Dick and Jane books to teach reading. It was controversial. Bravo to them! I wish I had been in one of those schools and under that umbrella with all the rhyming. I know I would be a better reader.
Yes, reading aloud is soothing and refreshing. Close your eyes and listen to a good story! That’s how it should be. All those words pouring into your ears make marvelous pictures in your head. That’s what I tell the children.
Thank you so much, Dan. I’m glad you like my reading voice. And, the passion comes through with every book I read aloud. I hope you get to listen to the last chapter. It’s a wow. Sigh!
I love the way it is all connected! Yes, I am crying. Beautiful story.
Yes, it is a beautiful story. I had to practice reading those last two chapters beforehand to a small group. Good thing I had tissues handy for me and everyone else. The connections at the end are incredible. Just perfect! Thank you, Pam.
Thanks so much for taking the time and trouble to do this for us, Jennie.
I have the book on my Amazon list now, and will get it for our grandson when he is a little older, and better able to concentrate without distractions. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
That is so nice, Pete. Thank you. Reading aloud is a pleasure, and I’m glad I read this book to my bloggers. Darlene Foster asked me to, so she gets the round of applause. The book will be wonderful when your grandson is older. Pete, you can always ask me for book suggestions. Best to you.
What a wonderful and happy ending!! I will add this nook to my collection. Thank you so much for reading it out loud!
I hope you read another book out loud one day here on the blog.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Deborah. Thank you! I promised Robbie Cheadle I would read aloud How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss. 🙂
Oh, that’s a good story!
Yes, it is! 🙂
This has been a wonderful reminder of the power related to reading aloud!
Thank you, Becky! 🙂
Jennie, that is wonderful!
Thank you, Charles!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is the next installment in the excellent teacher Jennie’s series on reading aloud!
Thank you so much, Charles!
Nope, I didn’t make it to the end without a tissue 🙂
I know… 🙂
🙂
Fabulous, Jennie.
Thank you, John.
Wonderful, Jennie! Read-alouds are magical… Students love them and for the readerr, the magic is exponential! ❤
Thank you so much, Bette. Words are precious. When they’re read aloud, they become magical. ❤️
Hugs, Jennie! ❤ xx
And to you, Bette! ❤️
Thanks for the generous share, Jennie. Have you ever been torn whether or not to read a book to your students because you weren’t sure you could keep it together? I generally stayed composed, but there were a couple of books that got me every time.
I think I’m even more emotional with the children, from laughing to crying and everything in between. Thanks, Pete.
Brilliant, Jennie. I can’t believe your Nan was the only one who read to you. We all have a lot to be thankful for from your Nan.
I find it surprising, too. I guess it only takes one person to make a difference, like Nan. Thank you, Norah.
That’s very true, Jennie. One very special person, like your Nan.
Exactly! 🙂
I enjoyed listening to the read, Jennie. 🙂
I’m so glad you did, Kevin. Thank you!
I saved this for when I had time to savour it. I am recovering from a cold and feeling a bit sorry for myself. I remembered I had saved this so I watched and listened. You read the end perfectly! So special. Thanks! Now, where are those kleenexes?
Awww… thank you, Darlene. The end really was perfect. Two jewels? Wow!!
What a perfect story!!! Teddy is right back where he started. I know the kids can feel your heart when you read this aloud. I certainly can. So much love there. Thank you.
I think it is perfect, too. I just love the ending to the story. Marlene, I have not read the story aloud to children. Yet. It is not for preschoolers. I wanted to read it to my library group, but some parents thought it was “too much”. I wanted to put my foot down and say, “No, you are wrong. This is a book your child needs to hear.” Children need to hear this book or read this book.
Parents are often too protective and then wonder why their child doesn’t cope well with the rigors of life.
Exactly!!! Helicopter parents are not helping their children.
You really showed in a wonderful way how important and meaningful reading aloud is, Jennie. I have enjoyed it very much, and I hope that this can also be conveyed to us. Thank you and best wishes. Michael
That is so nice, Michael. I appreciate your kind words. Thank you!
😀
What a wonderful book!! Thank you for bringing it to life with your reading. And you’re right–writers need to read aloud. (I do every chance I get.)
I’m so glad you liked the book, Liz. It’s a powerhouse on many levels. Thank you for reading aloud every chance you get!