I’ve been reading to children at our public library for years. Lucky me. One of my first readers is the robot in the photo below.
His two siblings (the cowgirl and the cowboy) followed suit. Here they are with me today:
We have had deep discussions, bordering on tears. We have laughed and questioned ‘why’. We have talked together like adults, and like best friends. When we read Wishtree by Kathrine Applegate, we made wishes, deep wishes.
“I wish I could talk to animals, then life would be perfect.”
“I want to understand what the wind is saying.”
“I wish everybody would like me.”
When we read Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins, the toys were real characters, and together we held our breath, bit our nails, rolled our eyes, laughed, and (almost) cried.
That’s what reading aloud does. It’s so different from reading a book; hearing the words immediately sparks conversations and questions. When I read with a voice, the subtlety of the meaning behind the words becomes clear. Children are ‘in the zone.’
One of my favorite authors is Kate DiCamillo. Most people know her book, Because of Winn-Dixie. My favorite is The Remarkable Journey of Edward Tulane. Funny thing, I get a lump in my throat just typing the title. Really.
Her next series of books were the Mercy Watson series, for younger children. Mercy Watson is a pig, and the books are very funny. The series also introduces readers to the characters in the neighborhood. Leave it to an outstanding author to weave multiple personalities of neighbors into Deckawoo Drive – Mercy Watson’s home. Of course they became popular. The next series of books, Tales From Deckawoo Drive, were about each of the neighbors.
I love these books, and so does my library reader. I read aloud three of the books, and we laughed together at the humor. That’s pretty cool when a kindergartner ‘gets it’ and we laugh out loud at the same time. We were startled at the trouble, worried about problems, and cued into finding clues. Good books do just that.
Such a nice thank you. I told my reader I was going to write to Kate DiCamillo and tell her about him. He knew I was serious. He smiled from here to kingdom come. If you have read the Mercy Watson books, I highly recommend the Tales From Deckawoo Drive books. If you just need a good book to read, or to read to older children, Kate DiCamillo is your go-to. She is mine.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I love your library reading group side gig, yet another wonderful connection to the children. I also am a huge Kate fan, an Edward is my very favorite book, brining me to tears no matter how many times, I read it, but each of her books is a treasure in its own very special way. she just understands character and story so well and how to connect to her reader at any age –
I can’t imagine not reading to children at the library. 🙂 I’m so glad to know that Edward is your favorite! I have copied this blog post and will mail it to Kate at Candlewick Press, along with a letter from me. She always replies with a handwritten post card. I’ve saved everyone. Yes, every book of hers is a treasure.
I also love Kate DiCamillo. Her latest books are delightful, especially the Puppets of Spellhorst and The Hotel Balzaar. Your library reading group is so lucky to have you.
She is one of the best! The only one I have not yet read is The Hotel Balzaar. She reaches so many children, young and old, across all walks of life, which is truly amazing. Thank you for your kind words, Darlene.
Her books are timeless too. You will love the Hotel Balzaar. Keep an eye out for the parrot. 🦜
Ooo…thank you, Darlene. Will do!
There’s something about being the reader who reads the stories aloud…often unexpected emotions rise up during the read…revealing inner secrets to ourselves/themselves at unexpected moments. The benefits in reading aloud, no matter the age or audience, are myriad! Love the robot & sibs photos!
Yes, yes, yes! Laura, you so intuitive and you see both the big big picture and all the little underlinings. I thank you and applaud you for that. The reader (me) has a whole set of emotions that may be different from the listener, yet we both connect. It’s heaven. I’m glad you love the photos!
Aw, thanks, teacher…(imagine heart emoji here)
😍
The kids are really cute, all dressed up. I don’t know any of the books or authors you’ve mentioned here but the books sound great.
Thank you, Robbie!
As always, you are inspiring young readers, and bringing joy to the process.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I think I get as much joy as the children do.
Another touching post, Jennie. You always lift me up.
Thank you, Jacqui! I’m so glad.
How lovely. I’m just about to start volunteering in schools. It’s so important for children to enjoy books. You’ve done a great job with these children, Jennie.
I’m happy to hear you are volunteering in schools. I hope you have opportunities to read aloud. Yes, children enjoying books makes all the difference in the world for them. Thank you!
Reading to kids is SO important. I’ve met some adults who didn’t get to have that wonderful experience when they were children and it seems that there is a big empty gap in their lives, some warm and fuzzy and fulfilling nurturing that is missing in them. I still remember how my mother read to me in German even though she hadn’t learned English yet. When I went to school, I knew all the fairy tales and children’s stories, but hearing them in English and already knowing them in German was a special treat for me. The main thing is that my mother established a love of books and reading for me in a loving home environment. Later, as a teacher, I tried to do that for my students. I admire what you do for yours, Jennie. You are touching more hearts than you know.
What a wonderful story of you and your mother, and the fairy tales in German. Yes, establishing that love of books and reading early on gives children so much heart and a great start to learning. Thank you for your kind words, Anneli.
Keep up the good work, Jennie.
Thank you, Anneli. Will do!
I got all warm and fuzzy inside just reading about the experience of reading aloud!
I’m so glad! Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
Always inspiring when you talk about reading aloud with kids, Jennie. Thanks.
I’m so glad! Thank you, John.
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I second your recommendation of Kate DiCamillo! I’ve only read a couple of her books, but we listened to many of her books on audio during family road trips. My two daughters adore her books. We were lucky to see her give a lovely presentation at the National Book Festival, then wait in line to get her autograph. She was all smiles 🙂
Hooray! I was lucky to hear her speak, too. She was terrific. Also, she replies to letters with a handwritten post card. I’m sending her a copy of this blog post with a letter from me. I hope it makes her smile. Thank you, Dave.
Reading aloud to children is twice blest when it is a work by someone as talented as Kate Di Cammillo.
Amen!
Kate remains one of my favorite children’s authors. She also is a fabulous and inspirational speaker who writes for all the right reasons.
The costumes are great, Jennie. Somehow I sense that The Wild Robot is represented. One of my favorite parts of reading is joining in shared laughter with children.
Today, we had a dozen listeners at assisted living. One of my regulars, a sweet lady named Toni, always brings a few riddles along to close each session. Still having a ball after three years.
Yes, she is, and yes she does! I’m sending her a copy of this blog post with an accompanying letter. I hope it makes her smile. That shared spontaneous laughter is THE best, and one of my favorite parts of reading, too. I’m so glad you have a lively audience at assisted living. Of course you’re having a ball! What books have you read to them?
Too many to list here, but I read Because of Winn Dixie. They loved it! It immediately opened up some great conversation, memories, and laughs about their pets. Wonder by R.J. Palacio was another favorite. Yesterday, I started Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry. It’s about a third generation ranching family. When the dad (he’s in the reserves) is called to serve in Iraq, Brother (his real name is Ignatius) must take on a bigger role since his older siblings are all out of the house. It’s a touching story. You’d love it, Jennie. https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Shepherd-Rosanne-Parry/dp/0375848037
I’m smiling and nodding at these books. 🙂 Thank you for the link to Heart of a Shepherd. That will be on my summer reading list.
As you can imagine these last few weeks of school are crazy. I will slowly catch up on reading blogs.
Some of my favorite times when my own children were young was reading with them before bed. As a math teacher, that is not an opportunity I have with my students, but I know our ELA teachers enjoy their time doing this with novels and plays in their classes. It really is a great experience for kids of all ages.
Well said! Imagine how wonderful it would be if all parents and most teachers read aloud to children, right? Thanks so much, Karma.
How lucky are the patrons of your local library to have a read-aloud expert right in town, and that you are willing to share your gift with them.
I’ll have to ask my wife if she is familiar with Kate DiCamillo.
That’s so nice. Thank you, Jim. Please let me know if your wife is familiar with the author.
Yes, my wife is quite familiar with the author, and loves her books!
Thanks, Jim. I’m not surprised at all. 😀
that’s a wonderful thing to do, Jennie. I’m sure it’s a great experience for you and the children.
It really is. Thanks, Dan.
Love, love, love all of this, Jennie! 🥰
I’m so glad, Vicki. Many thanks! 😍
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❤️❤️☕️☕️🫠
I haven’t read Edward Tulane, so will definitely head to the library to get it. I have read several Kate DiCamillo books, she is one of a kind.
Yes she is! Let me know if Edward Tulane jumps to the top of your favorites list.
Kate DiCamillo sounds like a great author and this post brought a lot of smiles and I do love it when the student “gets it” 🙂
She is, and thank you. I’m so glad this brought you smiles. When a student ‘gets it’ is the best.
;0)
Thank you so much for your kind words! I completely agree—those moments when a student truly gets it are magical. I’m so glad this resonated with you. 😊
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