How To Read A Story

How to Read A Story. Kate Messner. Illustrated by Mark Siegel. 2015. Chronicle. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Step 1: Find a story. A good one. It can have princesses and castles, if you like that sort of thing, or witches and trolls. (As long as they're not too scary.)

Premise/plot: The book shares TEN STEPS with young readers about how to read a story. (Step ten is to say "the end" when the book is over.) It is a cute, clever, practical book that delivers just what it promises.

My thoughts: Want a book that celebrates reading? Want a book that celebrates a child learning how to read for himself/herself? It doesn't really get any cuter than Kate Messner's How To Read A Story. It advocates reading with a buddy. It advocates reading JOYFULLY and PASSIONATELY. For example, step six is "When the characters talk, whatever's being said...say it in a voice to match who's talking." Readers then are given a chance to practice. A lion saying: "I will save the kingdom." A mouse saying: "I am the most POWERFUL in all the land." A knight saying "I'm hungry for lunch."

I think this one will definitely prove appealing to teachers and librarians and parents.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10

© 2015 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews