Read This Book Out Loud

Life and learning have carried on over the past few months even without a record of either in words.

For today, a quick review of a book that we’ve all fallen head over heels for in the Anteater house. Experiencing books aloud has brought us much joy over the years, long past the time that my nine year started reading on her own.

The Indian and the Cupboard contains all of  the elements that make for a great family read-aloud. Adventure, characters that jump off the page and demand a great performance, anxious and hilarious scenes, and a story that was enjoyed from ages 5 to 32(note: probably the first chapter book that our 5 year old boy didn’t  say “next you’ll read a book for me, right mommy” when I pulled it out, this time it was his book too).

When Omri receives a cast-off plastic indian from his best friend he tries to shrug off his disappointment, only to discover that with the help of an old cupboard and a family heirloom key, it will be his most memorable present ever.  After studying Indians this year, we all appreciated that Little Bear was not just a generic Indian but an Iroquois who refuses a teepee and builds a longhouse instead.  The care to detail doesn’t necessarily carry over to Boone, the cowboy, but he’s really too loveable to let that matter long.  This story opens-wide the possibility of favorite toys being brought to life and the possible, unnexpected consequences when Omri and Patrick discover just how real their toys can become. Note: From a parent’s perspective, this made a better read aloud because there were a few words and phrases along with a playful emphasis at the end on Boone’s cowboy-ish need for a drink that I skipped over without losing any of the grand adventure.

Add it to the summer read aloud list.

Other books you might consider reading aloud if you stopped sharing stories after the Dr. Seuss years(these will appeal to various ages, you know your family the best):

• My Father’s Dragon
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret
• Peter Pan
• Anne of Green Gables
• The Narnia Series
• Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
• Mr. Poppers Penguins
• A Wrinkle in time
• The Hobbit

Speaking of books, I was out just this morning combing garage sales for our family bookstore, our idea for spurring on young readers.