Ashraf with Books

Ashraf like to take picture with books. :)

Ashraf with Little Beauty

                 Ashraf with his favorite book, Little Beauty by Anthony Browne

Buzzfeed showcased "19 wonderful vintage school library posters" from the 1960s that encouraged kids to explore the library. Check it out, it's cool. :)

Let's Read Aloud

When I first began to read aloud to my eldest child, I needed a book that gives pointers on, and emphasises the importance of reading aloud. Luckily, I found two books – Jim Trealese’s The Read-Aloud Handbook and Mem Fox’s Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. In the former, Jim Trealese explains why it is important for children to grow up as readers, and how we as parents can help to accomplish this. Every chapter of the book – even the introduction – is very edifying. I still remember one of the arguments on whether reading should be the responsibility of parents or teachers. Since children spend more time outside the school, it should be the parents’ responsibility. And we, as parents, can play a huge role not only by reading to our kids, but also making sure that they have access to books at home, and being a model to them by being readers ourselves. In Reading Magic, Mem Fox guides us on how to get the most value and joy out of a read-aloud session. With passion and humour, she explains when and where to read aloud, and demonstrates with examples that are easy to follow. She also discusses the secrets of reading and offers guidance on defining and choosing good books. As a parent, I want my children to love books, and I want them to become an avid reader. These two books help me discover the pleasures of reading aloud, and helped me start my children on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. I hope they would help you, too!

Backyard Books

It's been a while i didn't post anything on my blog but it's does not mean we discontinued our read-aloud session. I still read to my children and currently they like me to read to them the Backyard Books series. It's a series of non fiction picture books where children can learn backyard bugs and spiders. This books very informative and the illustrations is beautiful. Read it to your children and enjoy as they giggles when you asked them "Are you a dragonfly?"

Ape by Martin Jenkins (Read on 30th July 2012)

Last night I’ve read Martin Jenkins’s Ape to my children. I think this is the third times I’ve read it to them, but they never get bored with this fantastic book. This exciting book tells us about the increasingly rare Orang-Utan, Chimp, Bonobo and Gorilla.  The illustrations was breathtaking and gorgeous (well done to the illustrator, Vicky White), and the text was lyrical and engaging (well done too for the author, Martin Jenkin). Ape is a wonderful book for children and adults. And of course, I enjoyed reading it to my children. :)

Reading Should Be a Family Affair

According to author Mary Pope Osborne, “having books at home is just as important as having them in school. Reading should be a family affair — something that’s done for pleasure and not treated simply as an assignment.” I totally agreed with her. When I read to my children, I don’t feel it’s a burden to me. I do it because I enjoy doing it. I love watching my children quietly listening to me while I’m reading. This is the time when we can spend our time together, quietly, after a long busy day. ^_^