Beauty and the Armageddon: Read Aloud

Sunday, July 15, 2012

"Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny" By Jan Thomas

I LOVE THIS BOOK! Though I am not that great at reading aloud or doing voices for characters, this is one of those books that I must do both every time I read it. It is a favorite of mine to read to children (and adults if there are no kids around). Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny tells the story of Ed, Ned, Ted, and Bob who are being bullied by The Big Mean Dust Bunny. It involves a lot of rhyming- great for a simple lesson on the subject (for instance: Ed, Ned, and Ted sound alike, but Bob doesn’t. Kids will eat this sort of thing right up) as well as addressing how to be nice to other people. Even though I am in my twenties, I giggle like crazy right along with the kids as I read this book. Thomas’ writing is absolutely wonderful and a must-have for any house with children.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” by Mo Willems

Is it possible to not fall in love with Mo Willems' Pigeon books? It is my favorite series to read out loud to a group of children especially Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (there is nothing better than using my best Pigeon voice to beg and plead to be allowed to drive the bus only to have the kids respond with a giant ‘NOO!’).

Working in a library, I see many picture books that are a fairly simple read but none have captured my attention in quite the same way. Though I have read and re-read these books, I still find myself giggling out load as I read them. The size of the text is good for early readers and though the pictures are simple, I find them brilliant.

I love that the book starts off by immediately asking children if they can keep an eye on the bus for the bus driver. In doing so, Willems instantly pulls his audience into the story and gives young children a task to accomplish. This book is a must read for parents of small children (as well as their grandparents, aunts, uncles, baby-sitters, and anyone else who has ever read a book to a child). Even if you don’t have children to share this story with, I recommend giving it a chance, you won’t regret it!