12x12 READ-ALOUD-ABILITY (2)

What makes a great read-aloud Picture Book?

(Presupposing, of course, that all the other hallmarks of any great story, regardless of genre, are in place – i.e. excellent plot, characters to cheer for, and a satisfying ending.)

RHYTHM and CADENCE

The first sound we humans hear from the womb is the beat of our mother’s heart.  So, no wonder that we are all naturally soothed  by cadence and rhythm.  That’s why we expose our little ones to lullabies, nursery rhymes, and playground chants (although, I don’t know that children use these much nowadays – all the pity) 

Even if we do not write our Picture Books in verse (and if we do write in verse, it must be pitch-perfect), we still need to pay attention to our story’s rhythm, as it helps set the “mood” we want to convey.   

So, a jolly, whimsical tale will match well with a rollicking, rousing beat, rather like a jaunty jig. Whereas, a wiser folktale type story will be more serious and sedate, flowing slowly and gently, like a summer’s breeze or a willowy waltz. 

The Name of the Tree is always a favorite read-aloud with children of all ages, and a perfect example of a wise folktale that flows slow and gentle like a summer's breeze.

And...for a more rousing, rollicking tale, what could be better than How the Manx Cat Lost Its Tail?

(excerpt from article I wrote for Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Blog)

Shoestring Children's Theater- The Giant King

Thank you to Sara Brown, artistic director of Shoestring Children's Theater Company for a wonderful production of THE GIANT KING.

In this fast-paced, high-tech world of ours, how refreshing it is to see young children actively engaged with literature.  The world of theater allows them to enter into another world, imagine long ago places, touch with another's skin, walk in another's shoes, see with another's eyes, and feel with another's heart.  What a great way to deepen empathy, foster awareness of other cultures, and experience the delight of bringing a story to life.

Kudos to Sara and all her troop of fine actors and actresses!  May you all continue to "find the King in everyone!"

READ-ALOUD-ABILITY 12x12 Featured Author

What makes a great read-aloud Picture Book?

(Presupposing, of course, that all the other hallmarks of any great story, regardless of genre, are in place – i.e. excellent plot, characters to cheer for, and a satisfying ending.)

 

RICH, LIVELY, FRESH LANGUAGE

Many adults mistakenly assume that Picture Books should only contain words that are part of the average 4 or 5 year old’s vocabulary.  But Picture Books are MEANT to be READ ALOUD by an ADULT to a child.  It shouldn’t matter a whit, if the child does not understand every single word. 

 As long as the adult knows how to read a story well with great love and vim and vigor, then the child will eventually come, quite naturally, to understand any unfamiliar words.  (There is a trend nowadays, though, that defies this notion, and I have had to struggle mightily with some editors over word choice.)

What exactly is a “rich” word?  Have a look at “Amos and Boris” by William Steig, and you will see these “rich” words studded on every page – words like: phosphorescent, frazzle, delicacy, radiance, grandeur. 

Roll them around your tongue.   

What do they feel like?  Majestic?  Full-bodied?  Plump and juicy?  Perhaps Frank McCourt described it best when he wrote about encountering the words of Shakespeare for the first time as having “jewels in my mouth.”

 (excerpt from article I wrote for Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Blog)