You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together
#1 of 6 in You Read to Me, I'll Read to You Series
What’s inside...
From New York Times bestselling author and former children's poet laureate Mary Ann Hoberman comes a new collection of eight favorite fairy tales, each reimagined with a fresh twist. Designed with emerging readers in mind, the tales feature short rhyming dialogues color-coded for two voices to read aloud together. The interactive format encourages young readers to engage with traditional reading techniques such as alliteration, rhyme, repetition, and short sentences. Accompanied by Michael Emberley's lively illustrations, this collection includes stories such as 'The Three Bears,' 'Cinderella,' and 'Little Red Riding Hood,' making it perfect for early and reluctant readers, readers' theater, and bedtime fun. It is recognized as a 2005 Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts and a 2004 Gryphon Award Honor Book.
Discussion points
What did you like the most about how the characters in the fairy tales helped each other?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced their challenges?
Which fairy tale was your favorite and why?
If you could add another character to one of the fairy tales, who would it be and what role would they play?
What lesson did you learn from these fairy tales that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting a story, ask your child what they know about the traditional version of the fairy tale to help them connect the dots.
Encourage your child to imagine different endings to the tales and discuss how those changes might affect the story and its characters.
Use expressive voice modulation and facial expressions while reading to make the storytelling session dynamic and interactive.
After reading, relate the themes or morals of the fairy tales to real-life situations your child might encounter to deepen their understanding.
Invite your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help reinforce their memory and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: This book features stories written for two voices, encouraging children to read aloud together. By alternating roles and sharing reading duties, kids learn the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working with their peers on group projects or collaborating with siblings on household chores, learning that teamwork often leads to more successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Building literacy and reading skills
Explanation: Structured as a series of short, rhyming dialogues, this book helps children practice pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension in a playful and interactive manner.
Real-World Application: These reading skills can make children more confident in academic settings, helping them to participate more actively in class discussions or read instructions on exams and assignments more effectively.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diverse viewpoints
Explanation: By reading different parts and perspectives within the fairytales, children gain insight into how different characters might feel or react differently to the same situation.
Real-World Application: This can help children in understanding and respecting different perspectives among their friends and in conflict resolution, empathizing with others' feelings and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The whimsical, playful fairy tales stimulate children's imaginations, encouraging them to envision fantastical worlds and scenarios.
Real-World Application: This nurtures creativity, which can be applied in problem-solving tasks, artistic endeavors, or even coming up with creative solutions during play.