Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook

I borrowed a 7th Edition copy from my library and loved what I read so far and so when I went to purchase I saw there was a newer edition. I purchased the new edition not realizing it was written by someone new… I wish I could return it for the 7th edition copy. Much better.

It seemed too bias to be helpful.

One and a half years ago, my kindergartener was reading at a 3rd grade level but lacked "comprehension". While he could retell basic plot elements, he appeared to lack any ability to synthesize or think about what he had read. So I dutifully bought several comprehension workbooks and was preparing to work with him all summer. Then I stumbled across Trelease's wonderful handbook, and the light went on. What a compelling message about the importance of reading aloud to kids! What a wonderful book list! And what a beautifully simple way to transform my son into a truly comprehending reader! All I needed to do was read to my son abundantly, ENCOURAGE discussion, rejoice and respond if he spontaneously asked questions while I was reading (THAT was a paradigm shift), and surround him with great books. I could toss out the workbooks. My son's reading comprehension greatly improved, my children LOVE our read-aloud times - as do I - and they love to read themselves. What's not to like? This book is a wonderful resource that I have referred to repeatedly.

I was desperate! My husband and I are readers. Our house if full of books. I started buying & reading children's books (aloud) while pregnant. I read aloud while she slept. I tried having my husband read while we nursed - my child was annoyed by the interruption. She never seemed to respond to the books & as soon as she was able, would grab them out of our hands. All of my lovely images of us snuggled together reading into the future were fading away, I was heartbroken. As a toddler the books were used primarily to work on her throwing practice. Then I found this book. She is 17 months old & I just a few days ago I read the book & followed his advice. He helped me to pick the appropriate books for her age, interest and activity level. She now will listen to me read a (/an appropriate) book. She is interested in books & "reads" them herself. Tonight when I asked her which book she wanted to read before bed, she picked up "Brown Bear" (Eric Carle), opened it and looked at every page, made the appropriate animal sounds, then looked at it again & showed me every animals eyes (she just learned how to say "eye"). She then gave me another book for me to read to her. I am overjoyed! There is also other wonderful information about developing your personal library, using the public library system, getting schools involved, etc. I did not need to be convinced about the joys of reading aloud, I needed the how-to and this book provided it for me.

I received this book as a gift when my son, now 6, was born. It's BY FAR, the BEST GIFT I EVER RECEIVED. I have since bought the latest edition to update myself on the latest read-aloud treasury, and the updated information on how we can inspire reading in our children. I have relied on the treasury in the book to guide me through the morass of children's books available, and my children have come to love many of the books, and authors listed. (When I asked my six-year old what books he wanted to get at the library the other day, he told me "Maybe something by Shel Silverstein".)Jim Trelease's words have inspired me to share my read-aloud experiences with my friends, and I have bought many of them copies of their own. His common sense approach to how we can garner interest in reading in our schools should be required reading by educators. I agree with another reviewer who said she wishes she had money to buy every teacher in her school this book (I've started with the Principal in my son's school.)A must have for any parent. If most of these reviews read like the testimonials of people involved in a cult, it's because we really believe in Jim Trelease's ideas, because we've seen the results in our own families. If this book doesn't inspire you to remember your own favorite books, the joy you felt when your parents read to you, and to spend time reading with your children, nothing will.

I had to read this book for a children's literature course and I was floored by all of the information that Jim Trelease gave about how important reading is for young children. Not only did he support all of his ideas with fact but the book was easy to understand. I think that this book is very informative for people who do not know which books to choose to read to their children. Futhermore this book gives the do's and don't lists about reading to young children as well as older children. It also tells of how books should be read outloud to children and adolescents all though school. This includes highschool classes. This book is amazing and I was very impressed by it and I hope that Jim Trelease continues to write and publish lists of books that are good reads for children.

Reading aloud to children is one of the best gifts a parent can give a child. The benefits are immediate, and can also last a lifetime