ReFoReMo Day 11: Editor Shari Dash Greenspan Relies on Read-Aloud-Ability

3/11/2016

By Shari Dash Greenspan

For over 25 years, I’ve been the Story Hour lady at our local library where I read six to eight picture books to a small crowd of 4-8 year olds. The kids then vote for their favorite. Contrary to the high concept, low word-count picture books popular these days, their favorites are almost inevitably longer books with more involved story lines. Each of the five books below was voted ‘best loved’ by my little listeners, and all share what I call ‘read-aloud-ability.’ What do they have in common? An opening that instantly draws kids in, multiple characters whose dialogue can be read in varied voices, a riveting plot, excellent pacing, humor (whether laugh-out-loud or the quieter sort), strong emotional pull, and a satisfying conclusion. Fantasy creatures are always a draw (three of these include a witch, monster, or giant), but even without a magical element, intriguing plot and stellar writing can yield a winning read-aloud.

Heckedy Peg by Audrey and Don Wood. 1020 words.

This tale of a witch who turns seven children into seven types of food is my all-time favorite read-aloud. Can their clever mother break the spell? I have the kids practice speaking in the witch’s voice before I begin, so I don’t scare them silly.

Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran, illustrated by Barbara Cooney. 853 words.

This seemingly quiet book about friends who turn a rock-covered hill into an imaginary town is always completely captivating.

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll, illustrated by Howard McWilliam. 1153 words.

The perfect balance of giggles and shivers, plus five different monster voices.

Ira Sleeps Over written and illustrated by Bernard Waber. 1187 words.

Should Ira bring his teddy bear to his first sleep-over? Kids completely relate to this character and his predicament. Kid-true dialogue makes them laugh out loud.

Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger, illustrated by Michael Hays.
629 words.

Has all of the features mentioned above, and the added allure of a sing-along refrain.

Shari Dash Greenspan is the editor and art director of Flashlight Press, a small indie publisher specializing in picture books, founded in 2004, and distributed by IPG. Among their terrific titles are I Need My Monster, When a Dragon Moves In, When a Dragon Moves In Again, Maddi’s Fridge, Dragon and Captain, and Too Much Glue. www.FlashlightPress.com

232 Comments

Katelyn Aronson

3/11/2016 02:12:29 am

Preach it, Ms. Shari Dash Greenspan! Hard for 4-to-8's to be transported by high-concept, low word count stories that often strike me as commercial/gimmicky. While the market seems to be turned towards the latter at the moment, I applaud you and Flashlight Press for holding higher standards.

I Need My Monster is, indeed, the best recently-published example I can think of. I adore it! And yes, giving each monster a different voice when reading it aloud is the only way to do it justice! I work at an international boarding school where EVEN the 8-to-10 year-olds still love listening to just this type of story at night!

So a huge thank you for your valuable contribution to the industry, which gives me hope for picture books.

Shari

3/13/2016 06:12:53 am

Thank YOU for your praise of I Need My Monster. I'm so glad your students love it.

Sue Ganz-Schmitt link

3/11/2016 02:13:42 am

Thanks Shari! It is wonderful to hear that kids are interested in longer story lines and more complicated plots in these times of seemingly short attention spans.

Shari

3/13/2016 06:14:43 am

Well, I can't speak for all kids, but the ones in my storyhour certainly love the longer, meatier stories. :)

Brook Gideon link

3/11/2016 06:09:00 am

Hurrah to higher word count!! I am constantly trying to get my manuscripts down to the "acceptable" word count, and sure there is always room for editing out the unnecessary, but I do love a longer story, they have just that little extra. And I don't want it to be a chapter book either. Thanks for giving us wonderful mentor texts that prove this and great tips on what the kids find engaging! Thank you Shari!!!

Shari

3/13/2016 06:15:23 am

You're welcome!

Andrea Mack link

3/11/2016 06:29:40 am

Nice to see there is a place for longer stories, too! I will have to try writing a story with multiple characters to stretch my writing wings!

Shari

3/13/2016 06:15:51 am

Stretch those wings!

Cathy Breisacher

3/11/2016 06:43:58 am

I love that you shared your own personal experience with using these stories with children. I also love that there is variety in the publishing world and that some houses look for different types of books. It's absolutely wonderful when kids are drawn in to a longer story and they listen with rapt attention to the beautiful writing. Thanks for sharing these great examples!

Shari

3/13/2016 06:16:28 am

My pleasure!

Linda Chavez

3/11/2016 06:48:45 am

Thanks for this wonderful description of what makes a great read-aloud! Ira Sleeps Over has been a favorite of mine and my students for years. Looking forward to using your suggestions as mentors.

sharon giltrow

3/11/2016 07:04:12 am

Thanks Shari for showing us that it is the way a PB is read aloud, even one with a long word count that keeps children engrossed in a story.

Lucky Jo Boscarino

3/11/2016 07:11:41 am

At the end of Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger and Michael Hays, there's a long afterword from Pete that may speak to many of us aspiring PB writers, "I hope this...can show folks what fun it is to do something yourself--even if maybe you think you can't do it as well as somebody else can." Thanks, Shari. Keep going, everyone.

Shari

3/14/2016 10:08:46 am

Nice quote. Thanks for sharing that!

Marianne Kuzujanakis link

3/11/2016 07:44:46 am

"The kids then vote for their favorite. Contrary to the high concept, low word-count picture books popular these days, their favorites are almost inevitably longer books with more involved story lines."

Amen to this! Thanks Shari for telling us what so many kids already know.

joanne sher link

3/11/2016 07:47:06 am

Oh were these fun to read. Fabulous mentor texts. Thanks!!

Karla Valenti

3/11/2016 07:52:19 am

I too find that the longer stories are more interesting to read. It feels like we're tucking in for an adventure that will sweep us away from page to page to page. With some of the shorter texts, it's hard to capture that expansive feeling. Thanks for sharing such great mentor texts!

Linda Thomas

3/11/2016 07:53:11 am

Thank you, Shari, for your wise words! We are sharing not only the love for storytelling with kids, but also the love for language! So more words can be a better story, despite the current "spec" for low word count. I love Roxaboxen and so did the little ones I shared it with when I taught in preschool. Write on!

Robin Currie link

3/11/2016 08:04:18 am

Completely agree! As a librarian over decades I have seen the age of children in programs become younger and the books shorter. The real read aloud story will always be the ones they remember - and we enjoy reading!

Amy Murrell

3/11/2016 08:17:10 am

I loved this post and these suggested mentor texts! Roxaboxen was new to me whereas Ira Skeeps Over was a favorite from my own childhood. It was neat to see the similarities in them despite the very different storylines. Your comment about lengths of books fits with my experience reading with children too. I wish publishers could see it! Thanks, Shari. -Amy

Rebecca Colby

3/11/2016 08:22:18 am

Good storytelling is good storytelling and will engage kids whether the story is short or long. Nice to see some recommendations for books with longer word counts. Thanks, Shari!

Sherri Jones Rivers link

3/11/2016 08:26:27 am

It's good to know what kids like, and that longer works for them as well. I have read three of those and two are pending. One I would give five stars to; one three stars; and one book I gave 1 star. It just goes to show how we have such different tastes....and why some editors reject some manuscripts and others lap them up.

Shari

3/14/2016 10:31:41 am

That's true, Sherri. I'm curious which ones you'd give 5, 3 or 1 star, and why.

Chana Stiefel link

3/11/2016 08:32:53 am

Wonderful post Shari! I wonder if it's parents who have the shorter attention span, driving lower word counts. Great suggestions. Thank you!

Karen Brady link

3/11/2016 10:49:49 am

Shorter attention spans, or shorter free-time/patience spans. Probably a little of both! With the necessity of two-income households, and the number of single-parent households, it's easy to imagine parents coming home exhausted from their day at work, and wanting to read as short a book as possible. Another good question would be...are today's children really born with shorter attention spans, or is their environment creating shorter attention spans? It would be interesting to know if any studies have been done on the subject, and what the results were.

Shari

3/14/2016 10:33:33 am

I think you're right about parents being tired and therefore preferring shorter texts before bedtime. But I'd personally rather read one longer story than several short ones. I think the longer ones can help a kid relax into listening mode.

Susan Zonca

3/11/2016 08:33:56 am

I appreciate your sharing your first hand experience with our audience. So helpful.

Denise Engle

3/11/2016 08:36:02 am

Thanks, Shari! Great post and mentor text choices. Read-aloud-ability is the first thing I look for in a children's picture book. I'm amazed that children continue to enjoy longer texts, but delighted that they do so in the age of instant media!

Kathy Halsey

3/11/2016 08:40:40 am

I love to see what kids choose as favorites. Yes, readaloud-ability is so important. Your list of what makes these books work is a recipe for a writer's success. I am going to copy that list and use it TODAY.

Manju Howard

3/11/2016 08:40:44 am

Shari, Thanks for sharing. Children need both short and long texts in picture books. As a writer, the current short text trend is either frustrating or fun - depending on the story.

Shari

3/14/2016 10:34:34 am

Definitely, Manju. There's room for both short and longer texts in picture books, depending on the story.

Maria Johnson

3/11/2016 08:41:43 am

Thank you for including word count and making a point with live
audience participation and voting. Very interesting.

Sharon Putnam

3/11/2016 08:42:10 am

I totally agree that even younger kids like longer books with more involved story lines. I have had 4-5 agents that I have submitted to state that they miss the longer storybooks. Personally, I feel that a great deal of today’s picture books with low word counts lose the “magic of story.”

Lisa Connors link

3/11/2016 08:44:56 am

Oh! Some of these are new to me and look great! I can't wait to check them out. Thanks Shari!

Sara Gentry

3/11/2016 08:46:25 am

THANK YOU!!! I couldn't agree more on longer stories. In this age, where we are often commenting on declining rates of literacy, test scores, etc., it makes no sense to me that we are also limiting the number of words children read! The high concept, low word count books require a unique talent of their own, and I don't mean to bash them, but it seems the pendulum swung too far and longer books are completely ignored now. My mom teaches 4th grade, and she loves using picture books to teach elements of literature. However, she has a hard time finding newer books that are appropriate for older students and can challenge them intellectually, so she mainly sticks to her classics.

Thank you for the book suggestions. While I had heard of a few of these titles, I hadn't read any of them yet. I am looking forward to this one!

Tanya Konerman link

3/11/2016 08:52:46 am

Wow...five books I've never read and they sound great. Thanks for the recommendations!

Shari

3/14/2016 10:35:43 am

Tanya, I envy you being able to read these 5 books for the very first time. Enjoy!

Jodi McKay

3/11/2016 08:54:19 am

You do voices?? That's awesome! I would love to sit in on your story hour. Thanks for sharing examples of books with more of a story line. My son and I are big fans of I Need My Monster. It's hilariously spooky!

Shari

3/14/2016 10:37:03 am

Jodi, I'm so glad you and your son love I Need My Monster. Keep an eye out for the companion book coming in September. It's called Hey, That's MY Monster!

Mary Boehmer

3/11/2016 08:58:52 am

Thank you for sharing with us! As an elementary school librarian I totally agree that younger children can indeed be caught up in longer stories, as they move in, closer and closer to the reader, you know they are hooked! Wonderful mentor suggestions! Happy Reading :)

Terri DeGezelle link

3/11/2016 08:59:20 am

I have read all of these books and enjoyed Roxaboxen and Ira Sleeps Over the best. These stories are fun to read and easy to add voices to for kids to be draw right in. thank you for a great selection.

Sue Heavenrich

3/11/2016 09:01:46 am

When I gather books for story hour, they not only have to have great stories, but not-too-many words. These are great books, Shari, and as you note - Abiyoyo has the sing-along phrase. (for those of us who grew up on Pete Seeger, we knew it as a song/story way before the book was published). Another one we love at our library is Pete the Cat and his White Shoes (yup - there's a song) - or any of the Over in a Meadow... books.

Shari

3/14/2016 10:39:21 am

Sue, I know what you mean about choosing books with not-too-many words for story hour. Last story hour, I read books with elevators and/or buildings. I thought of Eloise because of the funny elevator sections, but that book is way too long for story hour. It's perfect for lap-reading at home, when time permits.

Donna Cangelosi link

3/11/2016 09:02:10 am

What a great reminder that it's about great stories and what kids like! Thank you for your wonderful recommendations, Shari!

Lori Dubbin

3/11/2016 09:04:59 am

I love how your little listeners vote for their favorites and that they love these "longer books with more involved story lines." You are awesome to have been the Story Hour Lady for over 25 years and counting. ROXABOXEN is a favorite of mine to read aloud and I can't wait to reread and study all of these kid recommendations.

Joy Main

3/11/2016 09:17:12 am

Thank you Shari, for answering a question I've been mulling over for a couple of weeks: how do you read a high-concept, low word count book to a child? They are so clever and beautiful, I collect them for myself, but my 4yo son looks at them once and asks a lot of questions about the illustrations (which are fun to discuss) and then rarely wants to see them again. It's like he's 'done that one', whereas the rollicking read-alouds come out over and over. I would love to write a high concept, low-word-count PB, as a personal mark of achievement, but will also be more than happy if I get my fast-and-bonkers manuscripts published - and I do find them much easier to write!

carole calladine

3/11/2016 09:26:25 am

Thank you, Shari. Great list of mentor texts. Ira Sleeps Over and the gone fishing monster are two favorites at this house.

Mary Worley

3/11/2016 09:33:42 am

I certainly hope the word counts get a bit more varied. I know I was guilty of choosing books because of their length to read with my kids when I was tired and busy. I also remember the fun of sharing the long ones that really pulled us into another world. Thanks for your insights!

Stephanie Gray

3/11/2016 09:40:14 am

Sadly my library only owns two of these as they all sound pretty engaging - high word count and all. I did love the brother-sister exchanges in "Ira Sleeps Over." I have heard people "in the know" recently comment that they think the love affair with very low word counts might be beginning to dim. I like to think that there will always be room for well-written, engaging picture books that are longer than 500 words.

Heidi Yates

3/11/2016 09:41:00 am

I loved hearing about these longer read aloud picture books! My children vote for these kind of stories too. Thank you for sharing Shari.

Anita Jones link

3/11/2016 09:44:21 am

This made me happy to reaffirm the idea that kids DO love more involved story lines and longer books. I'm tired of reading how dummied down much of pb writing is getting. Thanks for listing the characteristics that make books popular with those age groups.

Freda Lewkowicz

3/11/2016 09:54:35 am

Thank you for the great tips.

Annelouise Mahoney link

3/11/2016 10:00:12 am

Thank you Shari for sharing these books with us. I love your description of what makes a book have great read-aloud-ability! Wonderful!

Cathy Ballou Mealey

3/11/2016 10:05:42 am

Twenty-five years is an impressive stretch! And thousands of stories shared. Well done!

Shari

3/14/2016 10:47:55 am

Cathy, I hadn't thought about it that way, but you're right. 25 years of story hour, with about 30-35 meetings each year (no story hour during the summer at our library), times 6-8 books each week = at least 4,500 stories shared. Is that even possible? Whoa!

Diane Asyre

3/11/2016 10:13:00 am

This is encouraging! Read-aloud-ability is still MY favorite quality in a picture book too.

Ashley Bankhead

3/11/2016 10:15:46 am

Thank you, Shari! This was a fantastic post with great examples of mentor texts. Now you make me want to go visit your story hour and hear your voices. I bet you do a fantastic job. Thanks again.

Shari

3/14/2016 10:48:19 am

Thanks, Ashley!

Anita Banks

3/11/2016 10:23:53 am

Thank you, I look forward to reading your suggestions.

debra daugherty

3/11/2016 10:25:29 am

The children's favorites are wonderful choices! I like what you said about practicing the witch's voice with the children before reading. Excellent suggestion.

Shari

3/14/2016 10:49:20 am

And it's so much fun for them to master the witch's voice. Hard to get them to stop once they get it. :)

maria gianferrari

3/11/2016 10:29:24 am

So true! Thanks for sharing these titles, Shari. The only one I recognized was Abiyoyo, so I'll be checking the others out soon!

Jill Jeffries

3/11/2016 10:29:28 am

Thank you for the great mentor texts, I'll be reading the ones I haven't yet read. I agree a connection to the story is what draws kids in. I too love to use creative dramatics or acting out the story to hook them. Thanks for the reminder that a great story and interesting characters are at the heart of a great PB.

Christine Rodenbour

3/11/2016 10:35:24 am

What a great list of things kids like in picture books! Very helpful as I continue to write. (Also, nice to know some of the kids' favorites are ones I loved as a kid too!)

AJ Irving link

3/11/2016 10:35:34 am

Wonderful post! I can't wait to read these. Thank you, Shari!

Marlene Rohr link

3/11/2016 10:36:30 am

Thanks Shari for these great mentor text suggestions. I just read Roxaboxen for the first time and thought it would be great for a read aloud. As I am studying the various mentor texts I am learning that each book has it's own unique character, and that the PB's with higher word counts have such depth of story. I need to keep encouraging my young readers and listeners to take time to listen to the longer stories. Your suggestion of using different voices is a great way to keep their attention focused until the end of the story!

darlene koppel link

3/11/2016 10:50:25 am

Thank you for all the great tips on what makes for a good story!

janet smart link

3/11/2016 10:52:00 am

Thanks for the post. I love reading aloud to kids and have did it several times at the library.

Karen Brady link

3/11/2016 10:57:42 am

Hooray for the longer word count! When I first returned to children's books a few years ago, after quite a bit of time away, I went to the library with a list of popular books and checked them out, excited to see what the fuss was about. While undoubtedly well written and beautifully illustrated, I got to the end of the first book and said out loud to myself, "That's IT?" I moved on to the next one...same response. Where were the stories I had known as a child myself? They were long gone, it seemed. Children's books have become almost an abbreviation of what they once were--though still well crafted and wonderful. I think some children favor the longer stories because they translate to a longer amount of time spent interacting with the book itself, the story, and most importantly, time spent with the reader! One of the best things about children's books is there's a place for a variety of genres and formats--high concept, sparse words, no words, more words, and even a picture book with no pictures! It's nice to see a bit of cheerleading for longer books, though! Hooray!

Martin Segal link

3/11/2016 11:05:13 am

Thank you for the wonderful texts and insights into read-alouds, Shari! I've been wanting to read I Need My Monster! It's good to hear about the longer word counts, too, as I go back and forth between removing words, but then adding some more back in mainly due to the read-aloud-ability.

Laura Purdie Salas link

3/11/2016 11:14:12 am

Love hearing different viewpoints. I adore short picture books. But I agree that some feel too short, too gimmicky. Of course, having a wonderful reader/performer makes a book of just about ANY length appealing to kids, and it sounds like you do exactly that.Thanks for sharing!

Gabrielle Snyder link

3/11/2016 11:14:55 am

Thank you for saying there's still a place for higher word count picture books. These longer picture books with more involved story lines are the ones that my kids (ages 6 and 8) ask for time and again. And they're so much fun for an adult who enjoys the drama of reading in different voices!

Linda Schueler

3/11/2016 11:15:38 am

Hmmmmm, interesting research. I'll definitely check out these books.

Angie Quantrell

3/11/2016 11:19:25 am

Love this post! I am inspired by learning so much about picture books. I think being Story Lady is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of what kids love to read and/hear in picture books. Thanks for sharing with us!

Shari

3/14/2016 10:57:37 am

Angie, you're right. I often share our books with my story hour kids before they're published. They're thrilled that they get to be "the first kids to hear this book in the whole world!"

Johnell link

3/11/2016 11:22:48 am

Yay! We love Heckedy Peg at our house. I'm so heartened to hear these stories are still wanted! Thanks.

Susan Deo

3/11/2016 11:35:34 am

Shari, Thank you for sharing your insight into the importance of read a louds. I'm enjoying reading all your recommendations. Whether new to me or not I'm seeing them with fresh eyes. I try to write to the read a loud and now I have so many more ideas of how to reach that goal!

Angela Turner

3/11/2016 11:39:42 am

I enjoyed reading your recommended books which were new to me. Like most others have mentioned it is refreshing to read longer selections. Thank you.

christie allred link

3/11/2016 11:43:56 am

I had never read "I Need My Monster" until today. I love it! What fun it is to read to my kids in different voices. :)

Brenda Huante

3/11/2016 11:48:21 am

My youngest daughter's favorite book was Abiyoyo. Thank you for the recommendations.

Shelley Kinder

3/11/2016 11:57:48 am

Thank you, Shari, for a great post! So good to hear that kids are loving the longer stories. It varies in our house....they like long and short (ages 3, 4, 6, and 8), but this post has inspired me to pay more attention to their preferences even more. I love Flashlight Press stories (and the illustrations are always phenomenal!). Thank you for your part in bringing great books into the world and for recommending the books you did.

Tracey Brown

3/11/2016 11:57:54 am

Thank you Shari! I've always loved the longer picture book. Hopefully a balance will be achieved and we'll find a wonderful selection of both long and short PB's

Michele Manning

3/11/2016 12:09:01 pm

Thank you, Shari! Nice to hear the kids pick the longer stories!

Heather Kinser link

3/11/2016 12:25:06 pm

YES! From the time they were small, my kids have always loved books that went deeper. They are now 7 and 10, still love picture books (the ones that tell a story), and have great vocabularies and solid attention spans that serve them well in school. They sometimes complain about books that "have no story." We adore "Roxaboxen" as an all-time top favorite. I'm so glad to see it mentioned here. Our other top favorites are "The Seven Silly Eaters" by Mary Ann Hobermann and "Beautiful Warrior" and "Mirette on the High Wire" by Emily Arnold McCully.

Shari

3/14/2016 04:03:04 pm

Heather, I LOVE Mirette on the High Wire. It's another one that the kids vote as a favorite whenever I read it. And The Seven Silly Eaters! Fantastic read-aloud - which is much harder to do in rhyme - but Mary Ann Hoberman is a terrific poet.

Therese Nagi

3/11/2016 12:28:44 pm

Thanks, Shari for sharing these wonderful mentor texts. I really enjoyed rereading Ira Sleeps Over.

Elizabeth Duncan link

3/11/2016 12:30:26 pm

As a teacher, I know that students enjoy longer picture books that combine a complex story with illustrations. Making sure that the book has that "read aloud" quality is very important too. Thanks for the mentor texts. They were enjoyable and thought provoking.

Lisa Rogers link

3/11/2016 12:41:15 pm

Totally agree with you--Roxaboxen is completely captivating! It definitely is one of the longer read alouds but children are riveted by it. The voice and rhythm so compelling and irresistible. Heckedy Peg is another great example of a perfect read aloud. I will put Amanda Noll's monster book on my reading list. Thank you for these suggestions, Shari.

Andrea Allen

3/11/2016 12:45:18 pm

I love this post and that a press realizes the importance of a well rounded story - which sometimes can't be done in fewer than 500 words and leave the kids (the intended audience) satisfied. Looking forward to reading the mentor texts you suggested. Thanks!

Lynn Davidson link

3/11/2016 12:52:23 pm

I am enjoying everyone's input during this challenge. These books look wonderful. Unfortunately, the only one my library has in their system is Heckedy Peg. I loved it! The illustrations are phenomenal.

Shari

3/14/2016 11:00:11 am

Yes, phenomenal illustrations. I could look at them all day. And they were painted in oils!! Don Wood is tremendously talented.

Megan Taraszkiewicz

3/11/2016 12:54:45 pm

Thank you for this post. As a former school librarian, it was great to find captivating books with longer word counts to engage the students for the class period. These books are great selections!

Beverly Marsh

3/11/2016 12:54:47 pm

Wow, 25 years of storytelling magic. I applaud your dedication. Thanks for suggesting these wonderful higher word count books. Look forward to reading them,

Holly Samson Hall

3/11/2016 12:55:05 pm

Thank you for your refreshing perspective! I completely agree. I actually find it difficult to read some of the low word count books with my three children in an engaging way. There's nothing like a good, long read aloud with different character voices!

I have been struggling with my own writing, feeling that I HAD to keep my word count super low, ignoring my own instincts. I am looking at my manuscript with fresh eyes today. Thank you!

Val McCammon

3/11/2016 12:55:48 pm

Excellent examples of how the story is most important, using as many words as it takes to tell it, without one word extra. Thanks, Shari.

Sherry Howard link

3/11/2016 12:56:30 pm

I love this post! Today, I was the mystery reader at a second grade class, a privelege I often have. They loved the word-heavy A Bad Case of Stripes, and weren't enthused about a current hit, a low word count offering. I know each child has specific tastes, but it's easy to see the books that enchant a group as a whole.

Donna L Martin link

3/11/2016 01:11:17 pm

I've already read three of these five books to my summer students at my martial arts school and I have to agree with you...children enjoy a longer picture book with an expanded story line. Hopefully this will allow MORE of those type of books to be published in the future as well.

Great post!

Patricia Nozell

3/11/2016 01:16:59 pm

Cannot wait to read these books - aloud! Thanks for sharing & reminding me to consider not just how the words might look on paper but how they will sound to young ears.

Bethany Roberts link

3/11/2016 01:19:32 pm

Thanks for the great reading list! I, too, have found that kids enjoy the magic of longer stories. Short ones are fun, but a bit like snacking on popcorn. I do hope in time more publishers will swing back to balance in this area.

Juliana Lee link

3/11/2016 01:25:41 pm

Oh, how I love the longer storybooks of yesteryear! And, so happy that Flashlight Press still loves them too! Although, I do follow today's guidelines in writing. I have been very impressed with Flashlights titles having studied Maddie's Fridge and When a Dragon Moves In with the Debut PB Study Group on Facebook and interviewing the authors. I would love to be pulled out of your slush pile and join your happy family!

Kristi Veitenheimer link

3/11/2016 01:31:22 pm

"Roxaboxen" was one of my all-time favorites when my kids were young. I can't wait to read your other recommendations!

Ali Bovis

3/11/2016 01:35:35 pm

Thanks so much for the amazing post Shari. I'll give extra thought to Read-Aloud-Ability from now on and loved the books on your list. Thanks also for sharing the key elements that all those books share- from the strong opening that draws the children in through the satisfying conclusion. Thank you!

Jarm Del Boccio link

3/11/2016 02:13:53 pm

Shari, I had not read any of these. Thanks for introducing them! As a school librarian, I always enjoyed story time, and inevitably, the ones I read were the first out the door at their next visit!

Jane Buttery link

3/11/2016 02:23:31 pm

Thank you for emphasing readability and involved plots. that's why fales are so long lasting! As a mother and teacher( now retired 21years) I did read with different voices. I always think teaching involves acting too.I even composed songs if they worked in a book. It is good that you affirm us readers.Even in Church I read lessons dramatically if needed.

Mary Jo Wagner

3/11/2016 02:46:01 pm

I am rather verbose so I am ALL for the longer word count! Can't wait to dive in and see how these authors made the longer story form viable and exciting!

Mona

3/11/2016 03:01:00 pm

Thank you Shari. "You" can tell which stories kids like to have read to them. Thanks for the great list...I think I might have someone read to me.

Shari

3/14/2016 12:18:56 pm

Excellent idea, Mona. In fact, if you have someone read your manuscripts to you, you should be able to hear where they might need tweaking.

Amanda Sincavage

3/11/2016 03:05:18 pm

So great to revisit Ira Sleeps Over - the language, dialogue, conflict are wonderful!

JEN link

3/11/2016 03:15:15 pm

What an interesting observation about the kids enjoying the longer books more. and I agree with them... you have to want to read the book again and again!

Ellen Leventhal

3/11/2016 03:16:50 pm

I love that kids enjoy the slightly longer stories with more layers and fun read alouds. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

MD Knabb

3/11/2016 03:30:49 pm

I love that you read to kids- our audience. Three cheers for you, Shari, and your finding that kids love story, not word count. Thanks!

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/11/2016 03:34:24 pm

Hi Shari, this post gives me lots of hope because my stories tend to be a bit longer. Thanks for posting. :)

Sheri Radovich

3/11/2016 03:39:34 pm

Interesting that longer stories are more popular. I have read several of these stories in reading anthologies in elementary schools. But I love the books that there are opportunities for children to take part and read one character while I read another to them. Good post and helpful.

Joan Swanson

3/11/2016 03:49:08 pm

I really liked Heckedy Peg. It reminded me of one of those fairy tales we used to read as kids. I also liked the flow of the story:)

Tina Cho link

3/11/2016 03:52:54 pm

Thank you for your list of what makes great read-aloudability. Ira Sleeps Over has been a favorite of mine, too.

Janie Reinart

3/11/2016 04:21:00 pm

Love read-aloud-ability and the kids' choices. I own a copy of Roxaboxen! Yeah!

Jena Benton

3/11/2016 04:24:53 pm

As a teacher, I LOVE read-aloud time with my students. And a plethora of characters lets me get creative with voices. I'm glad you brought this topic up. It's a good research point AND it's encouraging to hear that it's the longer stories that are voted for sometimes too! Thank you for sharing!

Julie Burchstead

3/11/2016 04:34:28 pm

I am so glad to hear this! Longer stories do have a place! These demands for such short texts do teach a writer to choose words carefully, but to tell a story richly, sometimes takes more words. Some lovely stories here.

monique wakefield

3/11/2016 04:46:08 pm

Thank you for your post :) I NEED MY MONSTER is such a cute story that my kids love to read over.

Melanie Ellsworth

3/11/2016 04:52:57 pm

Thank you, Shari. It is refreshing to hear from an editor who appreciates the stellar longer picture books. The Ira books are a huge hit in my house. We laugh out loud every time we read them. My 6 year old loves them, and they remind me of my childhood, too! Timeless.

Ashley Pierson

3/11/2016 04:53:42 pm

Thank you Shari! Great post. So much good info here!

Judy Cooper link

3/11/2016 05:06:48 pm

Thank you so much for your thought filled post. I echo the other comments here about the appreciation of not being locked into a short word count.

Melissa Stoller link

3/11/2016 05:12:51 pm

Thanks, Shari, for these insightful words. I love that your little readers vote on their favorite books! They are the true experts when it comes to readability!

Kathy Mazurowski

3/11/2016 05:23:04 pm

Thank you! Your experience speaks volumes.

Melissa Rutigliano

3/11/2016 05:28:13 pm

Excellent topic! I read my current MS out loud to myself multiple times a day! It's really great to get some insight on what kids prefer. And I was very shocked to see all your high word count tallies! I think this has inspired me to read my MS out loud to a few family children before submitting. I think it will be difficult to get the ultimate desired reaction out of them without the art work, but if they respond well enough that could be a treatment to the power of the text.

Kimberly Marcus link

3/11/2016 05:42:50 pm

Heckedy Peg and Roxaboxen are two of my all time favorite books and read aloud books. They are engaging, compelling and fun!
Thank you for your insights!!

Dee Leone link

3/11/2016 06:47:31 pm

Thanks for sharing your experience in regard to how the kids are voting. As I watch "acceptable" word count go down lower and lower, I keep wondering why the emphasis isn't more on the story, whether that means 200 words or 1200.

I wonder what parents with limited budgets think when considering buying books that only take a minute or two to read, but want their children entertained for longer.

Carol Nelson

3/11/2016 06:48:35 pm

I've always loved Roxaboxen. I'm sure it was both due to the language and the memories it brought back of playing in the field by my house as a child. Books today seem to be geared to very young children.

Mary Warth

3/11/2016 07:02:46 pm

Thanks Shari. I found it very interesting that kids don't necessarily follow the "trends" !

Vicki Reinhardt

3/11/2016 07:10:10 pm

Heckedy Peg was one of my favorite books to read aloud to the kids at school when I worked in the elementary library a few years back! =)

Trine

3/11/2016 07:15:06 pm

Even if I take nothing else from REFOREMO 2016, I am forever grateful to find out about the book Roxaboxen. It transported me back to the wondrous parts of my childhood. I went out and bought my own copy.

Denise Benavides

3/11/2016 07:22:37 pm

Longer stories, when done well, let the readers enjoy the magic of the book's new world
. It gives time to savor and experience until sated.

Bev Langill

3/11/2016 07:52:13 pm

I have to agree with you about length of books Sheri. My students were always captivated by the longer books with the rich language and characters. Great post,\.

Lydia Lukidis link

3/11/2016 07:54:01 pm

This is music to my ears!! Some PBs can be shortened, but others cannot...and I love that they cans till engage little ones, provided they are written well.

Alan Elliott link

3/11/2016 08:15:43 pm

Thanks for the info...it gives me some hope for my 800 word stories... I'm getting to know the children's area of my library quite well...

Noelle McBride

3/11/2016 08:22:59 pm

Thank you for these mentor texts! They are all among my favorites for the classroom, for just the same reasons that you listed. Very inspiring!

Rosie Pova

3/11/2016 08:56:51 pm

Thanks, Shari, this makes me look at longer picture books in a new way and I love it! Glad you shared some of the kids' favorites that even go over the 1000 word count limit!

Shellley Marshall

3/11/2016 09:16:52 pm

Thanks so much for this reminder of what the broader community of publishers don't seem to be reporting. This is great news.

Laurie Bouck

3/11/2016 09:30:25 pm

Thank you so much for this post! Such a great way to get feedback from the kids. I'll have to try this with my grandkids! :)

Natalie Lynn Tanner

3/11/2016 09:41:24 pm

Hi Shari: I appreciate your post so much! I am a bit wordy in my writing (that's how I know God has a sense of humor, pairing that with my love for writing children's lit!), so knowing of your research findings that children actually do like longer texts . . . well, I felt my entire being sigh with relief! YEA! I do have a question for you though: I was excited to learn about your publication company; your book selections are WONDERFUL! However, I noticed that in the submission guidelines you indicate 1000 words or less. I wonder why this is the case when your post here indicates that children prefer longer texts. Just curious! Thank you for the FABULOUS post and book selection examples. I learned SO MUCH today that I can apply to my own writing! THANK YOU!

Shari

3/13/2016 06:40:01 am

Hi Natalie, I'm pleased you liked my post and can relate it to your writing. To answer your question, although Flashlight's submission guidelines say 1000 words, we get manyof stories with 1200 words or more, and I look at those submissions too. To misquote the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, the Flashlight "'code' is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules." But please don't equate being wordy or verbose (as someone else here classified themselves) with higher word-count. Every word in your story needs to be there for a reason, and the writing needs to be stellar. If your manuscript is wordy, it needs to be trimmed. I hope that clarification is helpful.

Keila Dawson link

3/11/2016 10:34:50 pm

Yes, yes, yes! The read-aloud-factor is very important! Thanks for the recommendations. Hooray for your little listeners.

Mike Karg link

3/11/2016 10:52:43 pm

I love reading aloud! Thanks for more terrific suggestions. It's great to see PBs with a healthy ensemble of characters and room to breathe.

Laura Renauld

3/11/2016 10:58:11 pm

I Need My Monster is brilliant and I can't wait to read Heckedy Peg. Thanks for the reminder that, above all, picture books are meant to be read aloud.

Maria Marshall

3/11/2016 11:00:11 pm

I too am so glad that longer books with multiple characters have not totally disappeared. They are so fun to write and read aloud. Thank you for proving a home for these type of books and encouraging a love for a great multi-cast story.

Charlotte Dixon

3/11/2016 11:07:16 pm

Thank you, Shari, for sharing higher word count books with great read-a-loud-ability! I Need My Monster is a fav in my household :)

Pamela Courtney

3/11/2016 11:37:52 pm

Okay, this is spooky. My ReFoReMo group discussed this Thursday night. I teach a Kindergarten/First grade combination class for a small private school. Yes, they love books with shorter stories. But children also love books with books with longer text. Yes, they sit through these books. So many of the older books with their longer versions are written so lyrically, so poetically that the children are engaged (as you say) from the first line. The endings are quite satisfying. Great posts.

Carol Cole link

3/11/2016 11:52:53 pm

I read these books to a friend's 4 year old daughter and she loved them. Especially "Ira Sleeps Over" and "I Need My Monster". These two books also touch upon the fears of young children not ready to give up a favorite stuffed animal or the monster, they know is under their bed.

Emily J

3/12/2016 12:17:42 am

Thank you Shari! I really enjoyed all the books from your post. I must have a lot in common with your little listeners :)

Annette Bay Pimentel link

3/12/2016 12:32:01 am

Heckedy Peg is magical. Often when I read aloud longer texts I edit-along-the-way, cutting superfluous pears that drive me crazy over multiplease readings. But there's nothing to cut in Heckedy Peg. Perfect.

Shari

3/13/2016 06:42:04 am

This ties in with my reply to Natalie. Although the text in Heckedy Peg is long, there's nothing to cut. Every word is exactly right.

Kaye Baillie

3/12/2016 12:36:01 am

What a fabulous post. Really interesting and thanks for showing us these books.

DeLeon

3/12/2016 12:55:12 am

This is the first time I read these books and I fell in love with them. Read-Aloud-Ability confirmed and approved in these beautiful examples ;-) Thanks Shari

Deborah Allmand

3/12/2016 02:57:02 am

Shari, I agree that some books are too short. These are some great examples of what kids really like. Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful post. Love that these were the winners voted on by the toddler/preschool choice awards. They will make great mentor texts on what is great in picture books.

Lenne' Musarra

3/12/2016 04:19:44 am

By the end of this week, I found myself reading PB books out loud. Reading them silently was dull and boring compared to reading out loud where you could changing voices, increase tension by adding appropriate pauses or faster pacing. I think it is well to remember that PB are meant to be read aloud. We homeschooled off and on at our house and spent a great deal of time at the library and reading aloud night and day. Though our 3 boys were 3 years apart, and had different talents, interests and cultural backgrounds, a good read aloud was always a good read aloud and longer was often better! Thanks for the great post and 5 mentor books.

Celeste Gerard

3/12/2016 08:20:55 am

Thank you for the titles. I love Heckety Peg!

Natalie Rompella link

3/12/2016 09:33:31 am

I think that the word count really just needs to match the story to tell. If you're able to do it in limited words, great. But pb are for all ages, so some should be longer. Thanks for the titles.

Joana Pastro

3/12/2016 09:33:36 am

Great post! Thanks, Shari.

Lori Gravley link

3/12/2016 09:34:01 am

Love the classics on this list, and I'd never read Heckedy Peg thought the Woods have written many of my favorites. It's also nice to be reminded that there's room for low word count and high word count picture books. Now, if publishers will just get the message.

Heather Pierce Stigall link

3/12/2016 10:10:59 am

These are all new titles to me and I look forward to reading them aloud to my youngest! Thanks for the suggestions!

Julie Burchstead

3/12/2016 10:14:15 am

I am so glad to hear support for longer stories is alive and well! Great Post!

Lisa Morgan

3/12/2016 10:25:18 am

Thank you Shari! When I really began sinking my teeth into learning what I needed to do to become a published author, I was surprised by the trend of 500 words or less. I appreciate your experience and knowledge of the longer PB. It helps me to know I don't have to whittle all of my manuscripts down quite so much!

Sandra Jenkins

3/12/2016 11:59:37 am

Makes me wish I could come to your storytime. I'd love to hear you read! Thanks for your post.

sue twiggs

3/12/2016 12:18:59 pm

Shari!
Refreshing to hear that short is not necessarily readable. I am ordering these books at the library today.

Helen Dening link

3/12/2016 01:12:20 pm

I was a preschool director-teacher for years and have the delightful pleasure as the "story lady" to read to young children. I'm always looking for excellent read-aloud-ability books and these are superb. I, too, miss the rich language of longer books. Sometimes we forget that young children are building foundations and sometimes shorter texts also cuts building relationships with the language, emotions, and characters.

Shari

3/13/2016 06:43:53 am

I agree!

Ginger Weddle

3/12/2016 01:26:10 pm

I whole heartedly agree with your comments about read-aloud-ability, word count, and more involved story lines! I believe these books engage children's minds and stretch their attention spans. Thank you for your insightful post.

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/12/2016 01:38:28 pm

Thank you for sticking up for higher word count picture books! I love the stories you've highlighted, and couldn't agree more.

I'm wondering, though, if books like "Sam and Dave Dig a Hole" use a different kind of imagination, one that relates to a more visual telling of the story that ignites a "what is going on here?" kind of response. One where some of the subtext of the story doesn't exist on the page. This is just something I'm pondering.

Shari

3/13/2016 06:52:28 am

Definitely, Jilanne. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole is a different kind of book than the ones I discussed. Neither the text nor the illustrations in Sam and Dave could work without the other. Both elements are integral to the story, and the humor comes from the reader seeing what Sam and Dave do not see.

Nancy Rimar

3/12/2016 02:21:55 pm

Thanks Shari for the great list of mentor texts.

debbie mccue

3/12/2016 03:03:02 pm

Shari, thanks for your post. Your perspective of what makes a great read-aloud is eye-opening and I loved learning about what your groups of 4-8 year olds enjoy the most. I look forward to reading your selected "winners".

Suzanne Poulter Harris

3/12/2016 03:34:31 pm

I had the privilege of working with Shari briefly last summer while she considered one of my quirky picture book texts. She has a great sense of humor, and loves lively dialogue in a story. Although my book was not acquired by Flashlight Press, it is much tighter and stronger than before. Thank you, Shari, for taking the time to consider new writers, for listening to what children really want, and for being an advocate for the longer picture book. And what wonderful mentor texts!

Shari

3/13/2016 06:53:30 am

My pleasure, Suzanne. I'm glad my feedback was helpful to you.

Meena

3/12/2016 04:49:01 pm

We all began listening to read-a-loud books. That will be the ultimate test for the success of picture books. Love those selections, both classics and new books.

Marilyn Garcia

3/12/2016 05:35:36 pm

Well, it looks like you have struck a nerve with your post! I agree with your observation about kids wanting more from a story than a zippy fast read and a great punch line. I have read to plenty of kids over the years and not once did one of them roll over dead at word number 501. (Nor have I ever had a child ask about the publication date.)

Roxaboxen is a beautiful book in every way. I'm not surprised that it's on your list. I haven't read any of the others. Shame on me. I'm adding them to my library requests this minute! Thanks.

Shari

3/13/2016 06:55:33 am

Marilyn, your comment made me laugh thinking of a possible plot for a picture book in which the character faints after the 501st word.

dfrybarger

3/12/2016 07:32:20 pm

I love read-aloud, higher word-count books also. While the low word-count books are great for one-on-one learning, there's nothing like a story with a good story-line for even younger children. Thanks for the recommendations, Shari.

Gayle C. Krause link

3/12/2016 10:39:24 pm

Read-aloud-ability and voice inflection for varied characters is the key to wonderful storytelling. God you think so, too. As a Pre-K Director, I did it everyday, and longer picture books stories were always favorites of my classroom children. Thanks, Shari, for keeping the great picture book stories alive! :)

Susan Zonca

3/12/2016 11:11:59 pm

I loved listening to these books being read aloud online. Great mentor texts!

Karen Condit

3/12/2016 11:39:08 pm

Reading your post was very encouraging. After twenty-five years as a reading specialist, I have found that a child's attention to a book is only as good as the story. For me, craft always precedes word count. As we strive to write stories that delight, perhaps in the process we will be helping children grow their attention spans. Thanks for your recommendations, Shari!

Jennifer Cole Judd link

3/13/2016 12:09:34 am

This post makes me ridiculously happy. Love hearing that PBs can be longer and not only be published, but also, treasured. Thank you so much for this post, Shari! Can't wait to read these titles.

Carrie Pearson link

3/13/2016 08:54:43 am

As a former preschool/early ed teacher, a book with "multiple characters whose dialogue can be read in varied voices" were my go-to books for engagement. My students loved the drama and play-acting.

Caroline Webster link

3/13/2016 09:02:20 am

I'm so relieved to read that longer word count books are often the best loved by kids at your story hour . . . and thank you for telling us why you think that is :-). You've given us so much insight to work with as we craft our own tales. Thank you!

Angela De Groot

3/13/2016 09:57:27 am

Read-Aloud-Ability - you said it!

Linda Carpenter link

3/13/2016 11:02:31 am

Yeh for longer word counts! Great post!

Cheryl Kim

3/13/2016 11:21:01 am

This is great, thank you Shari. It was helpful to see the word counts next to the titles too!

Lynn Alpert link

3/13/2016 01:41:53 pm

Thanks for the recommendations on the longer books – looking forward to reading them!

Valarie Giogas

3/13/2016 02:42:15 pm

I love that these are voted on by your listeners. I'm currently in love with That's (not) Mine by Anna Kang. It's a much shorter one, but oh so fun to read aloud.

Anne Appert link

3/13/2016 04:40:30 pm

Thank you for your insight! Still waiting to pick these books up at my local library. Can't wait to read them!

Juli Caveny link

3/13/2016 04:46:20 pm

I'm writing down those "traits" in my handy-dandy notebook! Can you think of any PBs that have high readability but w/out multiple characters?? I'm thinking about books that break that 3rd wall... Maybe??

Charlene Steadman

3/13/2016 06:27:41 pm

Lots of great classics in this list! I was an elementary teacher who read many of these to my classes over the years. Reading stories to my class was one of my favorite things to do!

Lotus Ivak

3/13/2016 07:33:19 pm

Hi Shari, Thank you for these great suggestions!

Sydney O'Neill

3/13/2016 08:20:32 pm

Children enjoy good picture book stories long after they are able to read. Thank you for these recommendations, Shari.

Susie Sawyer link

3/14/2016 12:18:55 am

This might be my favorite post so far. :) Like many others here, I love to hear support for longer picture books. However, I agree that every single word must be necessary. There absolutely is a place for well-written longer picture books, along with shorter ones that rely mostly on illustrations. It's like ice cream - we need ALL the flavors. :) Thank you so much, Shari!!

Angela Dale

3/14/2016 05:09:50 am

All new books to me, can't wait to check them out.

Jess Townes link

3/14/2016 07:28:19 am

I had no idea Abiyoyo was a book before this challenge! This was a great list, and I really enjoyed some new to me books. I agree that the 4-8 year old crowd can handle a longer story without difficulty most of the time. Great choices from your littlest readers!

Leah Heilman Schanke

3/14/2016 07:52:48 am

I agree with many of the comments here. I write historical fiction PB's and have been told they are too long and should be expanded to a chapter book. It’s great to learn that 800-1000 words can be just right.

PatHaap

3/14/2016 08:11:05 am

So good to hear this! Roxaboxen was always one of my children's and my favorites!

Anna Forrester link

3/14/2016 08:21:17 am

Shari- thanks for the reminder re: who we are really writing for. As much as I love these on line forums and groups, posts like yours remind me that I sometimes focus so much on conversation with peers that I don't pay enough attention to the (small) people who really matter!!
And I don't know HECKEDY PEG -- thank you for that intro too!!

Lauren Kerstein link

3/14/2016 11:28:32 am

Thank you for helping us peek through the eyes of children. I really appreciated your post!

Cecilia

3/14/2016 12:50:50 pm

These titles were new to me so it was great fun reading something new. Good to see higher word counts too.

Cindy Cornwall

3/14/2016 01:58:11 pm

I hadn't read any of these, though I had heard of Abiyoyo. Roxaboxen has a charm to it that you don't find these days. The voice of the author is so strong in regards to childhood memory. (Barbara Cooney's Miss Rumphius is another one in that vein).The way the sister torments her brother in Ira Sleeps Over reminds me of Spinky Sulks, a great William Steig book. Thanks for the list Shari!

Shari

3/14/2016 04:09:11 pm

Cindy, I need to look for Spinky Sulks. My favorite William Steig is Sylvester and the Magic Pebble - it has unbelievable read-aloud-ability!! Kids are entranced by it.

Linda Hofke

3/14/2016 07:30:49 pm

I NEED MY MONSTER!!!! (Sorry, had to cap that.) Such a fun book to read out loud.

I will check out the other book recommendations. Heckedy Peg definitely sounds original.

Virginia Law Manning link

3/14/2016 10:59:45 pm

I guess it's the parents who are looking for low word count so they don't have to spend a long time reading. That is a sad story if true.

Kathy Cornell Berman

3/15/2016 02:53:31 pm

Thanks Shari, I love this post. It's good to hear that some editors still appreciate longer stories. Kids do love the meatier stories, although the shorter ones have become very clever. As a teacher the students always preferred the longer stories. Kids adore read alouds. Ira Sleeps Over was one of my favorites.

Anne-Marie Strohman

3/15/2016 05:21:13 pm

Thanks for sharing your favorite read-alouds! And for breaking out the shared qualities they have.

Kristen Browning

3/15/2016 10:51:17 pm

Thanks for your post and for your spotlight on longer picture books. I have enjoyed IRA SLEEPS OVER with my students. I had a Reading Methods teacher in college who adored ROXABOXEN. I believe this is the first time that I have actually sat down and read it! I enjoyed it--reminded me of my own childhood. There's definitely a time and place for both shorter and longer picture books!

sharon langley link

3/16/2016 02:09:02 pm

Readability is so important to build reading fluency, vocabulary and a reader (and listener's ear.) Thanks for the reminders...you want the reader to have a sense of delight as they read and listen to a delicious story.

Kim Benson

3/16/2016 03:51:53 pm

I loved reading this and I agree! I have been reading aloud to kids for over 20 years and they do like longer more involved stories and they can understand them! I have Kindergarten kids who love Heckedy Peg!! The Paper Princess by Elisa Kleven is another one. For slightly older children I have read, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, by Susan Wojciechowski and the Snow Goose buy Angela Barrett. These picture books have many more words than the industry standard 1000, but are works of art! Kids love adventure!

Kristen Schroeder

3/16/2016 10:42:01 pm

Thank you for sharing your experiences and book recommendations with us! And for reminding us of the value of longer picture books.

L. Michelle Quraishi link

3/16/2016 11:16:19 pm

Of all the types of mentor texts we have studied so far, these are the ones I aspire to most. Contemporary picture books are often very clever, but these stories have staying power. This is the treasure I'll dig for.

Colleen Paeff

3/17/2016 12:48:34 am

Thanks, Shari!

Shari Della Penna link

3/17/2016 10:56:01 am

Thanks, Shari for calling our attention to the classics on your list.

Angela De Groot

3/18/2016 12:21:24 pm

Hey Shari, I found a YouTube video of Pete Seeger reading/singing Abiyoyo on Reading Rainbow from way, way, back.

Pam Jones-Nill

3/19/2016 10:55:40 am

Thanks for the mentor texts here. I just watched the Abiyoyo reading on Reading Rainbow that Angela mentioned. What a treat.

Suzy Leopold

3/19/2016 10:18:26 pm

It's amazing that little ones as young as four can disern a Read-Aloud-Ability book. Your little listeners voted for some excellent titles. Thank you, Shari.

Gabrielle Schoeffield

3/20/2016 09:53:38 am

I read Abiyoyo at the library yesterday before bringing it home. Even the title is lyrical....I was surprised it is "a really old picture book". I originally ordered it because it was written by Pete Seeger!
The others listed in your post will most definitely be read aloud!

Wendy Greenley link

3/20/2016 05:28:04 pm

Thanks for introducing us to your fav read-alouds, Shari! I found myself wondering if there is a difference between the read-aloud books shared one-on-one in close proximity to the illustrations, and those for group settings? I'm thinking the words need to carry more story in those groups.

Lisa Williams

3/20/2016 11:25:12 pm

Thanks for a new selection of read-alouds. I'm surprised that you are able to get your kiddos to sit for longer books. The group I have can barely sit still for a short book. I also appreciate your breakdown of what makes "read-aloud-ability". Thanks!

Linda Kujawski link

3/21/2016 09:11:00 am

Shari, "story hour lady" sounds like a great job! I love the suggested texts and their "read-aloud-ability." Thank you😊

Karen Bell

3/22/2016 12:58:24 pm

Shari, thank you for these wonderful mentor texts. My favorite is "Roxaboxen". It reminds me of my own childhood and how, with some imagination and a few simple props, we could be and do anything.

Sadee Schilling

3/22/2016 01:03:59 pm

I have heard of only one of these books--I'm looking forward to checking all of them out! It's interesting that even young children voted the higher word count books as their favorite read-alouds!

Angela Dale

3/22/2016 09:18:18 pm

Thanks for mentor texts I wasn't familiar with - these certainly go against the industry call for leaner word count. An interesting triangulated tug between kids-parents-industry-writers. And not a Dr. Seuss in the lot (which also run on the longer side)!

Cindy Jolley

3/23/2016 04:33:19 pm

Ira Sleeps Over has been a long time read-aloud favorite of mine also! Thanks for the introduction to the other titles as well!

Lisa Williams

3/23/2016 10:18:36 pm

I finally got a copy of Roxaboxen from the library. How could I have NOT known about this book?? I have a new fave. I love it!! Thanks for the recommendation.

Dina Ticas

3/24/2016 01:43:21 am

Read-aloud-ability is a big selling point for me as a K teacher. I like to get into character and make them come alive for my students. I made a special connection with "I Need My Monster" because I recall asking why monsters even existed. My kindergarteners ask about monsters, fairies, leprachaun, and sll those sorts of things.

Myrna Foster

3/25/2016 03:24:27 am

These look seriously fun. Thanks for the recommendations!

Lauri Meyers

3/25/2016 09:16:35 pm

Thank you for sharing the kids' favorites. It's a good reminder too to read during the day when we can savor a good long story without perhaps the rush of the bedtime read.

Lynne Marie link

3/28/2016 10:18:37 am

So inspiring, really! Thank you, Shari Dash Greenspan!

LuAnn Kern

3/28/2016 12:18:11 pm

Thanks for introducing me to Heckety Peg! (How have I never heard of this book before???!!) They are all great selections for read-aloud ability. Lots to take away from them!

Kelly Rice Schmitt

3/29/2016 10:34:17 pm

Thank you for this amazing post! Heckedy Peg is one of my all-time favorite picture books! These others have made the list now too for snappy language that's fun to read. Thank you for reminding us to keep the KIDS in the kids books!

ReFoReMo Day 11: Editor Shari Dash Greenspan Relies on Read-Aloud-Ability

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