Have you ever been asked to read a book out loud to a group of children? This can be intimidating for community leaders who don’t have the professional training and experience of a children’s librarian!

Here are some tips to help:

• Read the book first. Practice!
• Hold the book so children can see the pictures. Point out interesting things on the page.
• Add your own sound effects, silly voices, and ask questions of your audience as you feel comfortable. The best storytimes are engaging and interactive.
• Pick a book that’s not too long, is paced well, and doesn’t have too many tongue twisters.

Here are some recommended read-aloud titles from our staff:

• Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
• Freight Train by Donald Crews
• Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
• Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett
• Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox
• Let's Count Goats! by Mem Fox
• The Napping House by Audrey Wood
• Kitten's First Full Moon Kevin Henkes
• Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin

My new favorite is Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett. If you need help selecting a good book for your audience, or more tips on how to make your read-aloud the best it can be, contact your local children’s librarian!

Information provided by Emily Williams, Teen Services Manager