What to Read When: The Books and Stories to Read with Your Child--and All the Best Times to Read Them

Have you ever wondered how best to influence your child's thoughts? Are you a good example of an avid reader? Or, have you ever said, "I want my child to be a good reader. But I don't like to read?" It all starts with your attitude about reading and how you identify yourself as a reader. No one can exist without reading something. You might like the sports page. Or, maybe you like the comics. How about the online blogs? You do read. And, it's important that you start identifying yourself as a reader, and that you share with your child what you like to read. It's also important to inspire your child to choose books that resonate with your child. Maybe you remember landmark books from childhood, like "Curious George," or "Charlotte's Web." While these are great examples of books to read aloud, and for your child to read, at the appropriate age, what about books on subjects that reflect how the world has changed? Allyn has identified, in "What to Read When," many examples of landmark books, most of which were published between 1990 and 1999, reflecting subjects that can help you to discuss with your children what they think, need, want and feel. And when you or your child has chosen a book for you to read aloud, it's important that you show a physical appreciation for the book; that you pause and talk between the pages; and that you reflect back, with your child about the book. By doing so, you inspire choices, in your child. You also encourage dialogues and a love for language. While not all books are appropriate at any age, Allyn has listed the chronological "when," and the emotional "when," to select certain books with your child. Because I don't have children, and I visit many schools, each month, in San Diego, the chronological section really impressed me. It told me what matters to children, and where their interests are, at each age. The emotional "When" section of this book identifies the must-read books to provoke, entertain, inspire and move you and your child to conversations that nourish and preserve a healthy connection between the two of you. I've never seen a non-fiction book do what this book does. It invites readers to question what's missing in the fifty themes, within the emotional "when." This is impressive because it invites you to read this book again, to search for what's missing, and to search for what you have gotten out of this book. The only thing that I saw that is missing from the themes is a list of books on "Traveling Parents" (military deployment; merchant marine travels; and corporate employee travels)." And, within the fifty essential themes, I marked many books that I personally will read, because I want to explore the topics for myself. This is a great book. I am happy to have made a recommendation to the San Diego City Library to include this book in their catalog.

If there were a way for this book's internal light to shine through the covers, it would illuminate the shelf it sits upon. It is the good, trusted and well-read friend that you can go to whenever you need a book to keep you company, to solve a problem, to challenge thinking, to give as a gift, to read to a child, or to read to the child within yourself. It is the fabulous combination of a reference book and a tender, open, generous friend.

This is an incredible treasure -- helpful and chock-full of information -- with a warm and wise narrative voice. Discover the best book to read when your child is nervous about going to the doctor or having a first sleep-over, loses a beloved first pet or gains a new sibling. Or simply, peruse the book for good bedtime reads. It's like having a personal shopper to sort though all the books on the shelves, describe them and provide specific recommendations...Sarah

This books is absolutely wonderful! I have just ordered it for all of my friends with children. Whether an aunt or uncle, grandparent, parent or friend of a child, this is the perfect book for you! The titles that Ms. Allyn recommends are fantastic and the gentle but informative way in which she teaches about the read aloud can benefit all. I am expecting my first child and cannot wait to begin the journey of reading aloud to him or her. Thank you, Ms. Allyn!

I can't wait to share this book with every parent I know, and some non-parents too... I have some catching-up to do on my own reading of children's books! How fortunate we are to have this great resource going forward.