Susanna Leonard Hill has a feature on her blog called Perfect Picture Book Friday. It is a list of “perfect” picture books recommended by all sorts of people. I chose this book because it is a cute story about how to read a story with a buddy.
How To Read A Story
By Kate Messner
Illustrations by Mark Siegal
pages – ages 4+
Published by on
Theme/Topic- Reading
Genre- How-To/Fiction
Opening and Synopsis- Opening –
“Step 1
Find A Story.”
Synopsis – From Goodreads:
“Step One: Find a story. (A good one.)
Step Two: Find a reading buddy. (Someone nice.)
Step Three: Find a reading spot. (Couches are cozy.)
Now: Begin.
Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End. This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.”
Why I liked this book- This book made me smile while reading it. Ms. Messner has written a sweet book that will be perfect for bedtimes and classrooms everywhere. I like how the book has a story within a story within a story (“The Princess, The Dragon, and The Robot” (the story the characters read)). I like that the MCs are a kid and a dog – not 2 kids. The illustrations are amazing. They capture the spirit of the book perfectly.
Activities and Resources-
Well, DUH! Read a story with someone! They will enjoy it! 🙂
This book is a great way for a classroom to start a book club! You can all read the book (this book – or another) and talk about it using the steps in HOW TO READ A STORY.
It would also be fun to video tape someone reading a story and have them go through the “steps” to reading a story.
Hey speaking of that – here’s a video of me reading a story for National Read Aloud Day from, like, three years ago! How did I do?
Visit Kate Messner’s website HERE
To find more Perfect Picture Books please visit Susanna Hill’s blog HERE!
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Categories: Age 1-5, Age 6-9, Perfect Picture Book Friday
I’ve been looking forward to reading this one.
You would like it! So would Enzo! 😀
I’m definitely going to check this book out. The opening and synopsis sound so very welcoming and inviting. Also that video of you reading 3 years ago is (forgive me) freaking adorable!
Thank you Ms. Dent (I think… “Adorable”…)! 🙂 This is a great book! 😀
Love all your gestures and dramatic articulation! The book sounds fab – what a concept!
Thank you Mrs. RoZo! I think you would love this! 😀
Thanks for sharing this imaginative story. Kate Messner knows how to connect with young readers.
Yes she does! 😀
Good one 🙂 I love the idea of classrooms starting a book club too.
Thank you! 😀
Very clever idea for a book! I love Kate Messner. She does know how to connect with young readers as we see in this story! Loved the video. You did great.
Thank you Mrs. Tilton! Ms. Messner is a great author! 😀
I thought I had read all Kate’s books but I haven’t read this one. It looks so inspiring.
Yes it is! 😀
Looks adorable. I hope it has the part where the kid stalls to go to bed; this is what my 10 year old does at bedtime reading!
No, it doesn’t, but it is still amazing! 😀
Now, I’m at the correct place: Nice PPBF choice. I loved this book from the moment it arrived and could not wait to share it. This is perfect for beginning readers and those ready to read on their own. It is also perfect for adults who adore “perfect picture books” (me and those commenting above me ). Nice review, Erik, and you are sooo adorable reading. Has three years gone by already? Only one thing left to say: I won this one!! Mwahahahaha! 🙂
Thanks Ms. Morris! I like your evil laugh! 😀
This sounds so fun and interesting for short attention spans. Great reading, Erik!
Yes it is! 😀 Thanks! 😀
Great concept…a story within the story.
Yes! 😀
Good job on the reading aloud!
Thank you Ms. Carol! 😀
Cool Book. Must look this one up. Great review, had me hooked.
It’s a marvelous PB! 😀
Sounds like a great book! You did an excellent job of reading Sir Princess Petra 3 years ago.
Thank you Ms. Foster! 😀
I haven’t seen this one! Glad I’m catching up – thanks for sharing this.
It’s a great book! 😀