By Erin Wood
Prepare Little Listeners: Preschool music teacher and author/illustrator Carol Dabney says, “When reading my children’s book, Butterfly Dreams, I say ‘Little caterpillar Carlos will be going through some big changes. Listen carefully to what changes take place so you can tell me about them after we finish.’”
Let Them Choose: Crystal C. Mercer, author/illustrator of From Cotton to Silk, says, “I let my nieces choose the books, use different voices for different characters, and add plot twists and alternate endings.”
Deepen Comprehension: Tracy Peterson, veteran first grade teacher and author of Cartwheels says, “Ask questions about the author’s purpose, the problem and solution, or whether they’d have ended it differently.”
Explore Challenging Topics: Greg Adams, author of Adam Gets Back in the Game, has served grieving children for three decades at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He says, “Reading to and with children offers the opportunity to introduce and explore sensitive topics in a safe and supported space.”
Cultivate Interests: Middle school librarian Jen Agee says, “Find books that support your child’s or children’s interests.”
Read a Series: “Getting invested in the plot alongside your kids makes it more likely that you’ll read, even if you’re tired,” says Sarah-Catherine Gutierrez, author of But First Save 10.
Choose Nostalgic Books: Some of my own favorite camp memories were of counselors reading titles like Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. I can’t wait to re-read it with my daughter. (A lengthier version of this article first appeared in Scary Mommy)
A Hot Springs native, Erin Wood is a writer, editor, and publisher in Little Rock. She owns and runs Et Alia Press (www.etaliapress.com). Wood is author of Women Make Arkansas: Conversations With 50 Creatives (April, 2019) and editor of and a contributor to Scars: An Anthology (2015).
