Dad Did The Read Alouds

"Read it again Daddy." How many nights did my father hear these four little words? It was the bedtime routine. After a bath we'd curl up on the couch. Most of the time, it was books I had heard so often I had memorized them. I was a huge fan of the repeated read. (See my previous post about why you should reread those old favs.) I'm sure my Dad was probably thinking when will she ever get tired of hearing these? Or maybe sad at the idea that one day I wouldn't want him to read to me anymore. (That day did come sadly, but not for awhile.)

This morning I came across http://yano.co.uk/ 's link for the top ten books for Dads to read aloud. http://yano.co.uk/yano-reviews/book-reviews/
Instantly I was transported back to my living room couch, in my jammies, books in hand, ready to pass them to my father to read. What a basket full of memories to last a lifetime of Dad reading to me and doing ALL the voices. I can still here them in my head.  And I know from experience it isn't about all the money we spend on things for our kids, it's the time we spend with them that truly matters. Dad read every night, no matter what. So...here is a list of the top ten books I had my Dad read to me. Maybe it'll inspire you to read to your kids more often, call your dad, head to a library or local book store or just make time for them. Cheers to books!

10. Frederick's Alligator by: Esther Allen Peterson- No one believes that Frederick has a baby alligator in a shoebox under his bed. Great imagination here. Best line from the whole book? When the alligator comes out of the egg it says, "yonk, yonk."


9. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs by: Judi and Ronald Barrett- I've heard the movie isn't anything like this book...and I'm glad! The Barretts team up to write about an amazing land-Chewandswallow. Illustrations are vivid. The whole book just appeals to the senses.

8. Helga's Dowry by: Tomi dePaola C'mon, a troll love story? What's not to love? I would crack up laughing at the antics of Boulder Helga and Tree Inga. Helga was too good for Lars!

   




 7. Arthur's Pen Pal by: Lillian Hoban Arthur's got some pretty strong opinions about what girls and boys can and can't do. (What big brother doesn't?) Paired with his little sister Violet, they have the usual sibling disputes. I won't tell you ANYthing about his pen pal!

 

6. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry: . OK- I've heard this book easily over a hundred times, and I still appreciate each character and the little rhyme that accompanies them. Good choice for the holidays along with sharing and reusing!


5. Any Berenstain Bear books by Stan and Jan Berenstain! I loved the Bear family. Coupled with some realistic themes and humor, there was always a nice lesson to learn in the end. (Messy Room really spoke to me back then)

4. Uncle Remus Tales- Who doesn't love a good trickster tale? These stories are classic! Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear, Brer Fox came alive when Dad read these. He had a special voice for each one of them.



3. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper There's a train that carries toys and candy? Where can I get a ticket?! And then it breaks down? This little book has a compelling plot for kids. Plus, you have to love that message of persistence and determination.



2. Oliver Button Is A Sissy by: Tomi dePaola- Another dePaola fav. There's something so comforting about his illustrations. Oliver ends up being a star tap dancer despite what the bullies say or do. Hooray!

 

 And #1. (Drumroll please....) The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton! Hands down, this is my favorite illustrator of all time. Gorgeous details on every page, even the endpapers.Virginia wrote lovely stories for her two boys and this Caldecott winner is a beauty. The little house is stuck in the middle of progress, but time cannot erase the love she holds.


Thank you for traveling with me down memory lane. My own boys will be hearing these books over the next few years. (We're still in the board book department.) And of course, thanks Dad for reading to me every night no matter what. xo
** Feel free to add your favorites, share stories, comment on my books, etc.