Nevada Reading Week is a celebration of reading. One tradition of this event is encouraging adults to conduct read alouds for children. Look for opportunities to volunteer at your child's school or through UNLV.
Here are some suggestions from the TDRL staff to get you started with volunteering for Nevada Reading Week!
Expand your definition of what makes a book "entertaining"?
An "entertaining" book can resonate with kids on a variety of levels. Some questions to think about:
Expand past the "classics."
There are a lot of tried and true read aloud books out there, but there's a good chance that the kiddos you are reading to have already heard a lot of them. If you can, think about what you like about a certain classic and look for similar reads. Not sure where to start? Look up a picture book favorite in NoveList Plus and scan the Read-alikes column for similar books.
Determine Your Goal
What is it that you hope the kids will get out of your read aloud time? Your main goals should always be to help kids build trust in reading and for them to see the joy that reading can bring, but this "joy" can be more than laughing at a silly story.
Bring Multiple Books
Give yourself options. You may practice with reading one book in the allotted time, but it's not uncommon to read a book to kids faster than what you practiced at home. Always bring a couple of backups. Giving the kids options on what book will be read is always a great way to get them invested from the start; just don't give too many options (three is a good place to start).
Family Favorites
Do you have any family favorites? Share them! It's less intimidating to share a book you've repeatedly read out loud to the kiddos in your own life. Always make sure to introduce the book as a family favorite and then share at the end why it was a favorite with your family.
Multilingual
Are you multilingual? If so, think about using a bilingual picture book. There are books out there that are written in both English and another language, so if you can read both out loud, go for it! This is a great way to expose English speaking students to new languages while also connecting other students' to their home languages.
Interruptions can be fun
Whether you're stopping the story to add your own commentary ("oh dear, I have a bad feeling about what ___ is doing. This seems like a really silly idea...) or responding to comments from the kiddos (What? You think something good is going to happen? Let's find out), interruptions can be a fun way to engage with the text. Just make sure to keep them short and not drift too far from the story. After the book is done, you can have a longer conversation with the kiddos.
Practice
Always read the books you are bringing to class in advance and practice reading them. If there are words or names that are new to you, google how to pronounce them and practice them. Make sure you are feeling confident in your ability to read a text out loud. It's ok if you mess up during the reading (mistakes happen to everyone!), but practicing will help you feel ready.
Have Fun!
That's really what this is about. Stay flexible and respond to the kiddos in front of you even if it means throwing out everything that you planned. Make this a positive experience!
Not sure what the recommended grade level is for a specific book?
NoveList Plus is a great place to find information including grade levels, reviews, awards, and read-a-likes! Just search for the book by title.
Not every picture book will work for every read aloud/reader. Before picking books, read a sampling of them and find the ones that work for your read aloud goal and you as an individual! It's important that you really like the book you're going to share.
Please, Open This Book! by 
Abdul's Story by 
The Story of a Book by 
My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by 
The Little Library by 
Everything in Its Place by 
Stacey's Remarkable Books by Not every picture book will work for every read aloud/reader. Before picking books, read a sampling of them and find the ones that work for your read aloud goal and you as an individual! It's important that you really like the book you're going to share.
Bathe the Cat by
It's cleaning day, but the family cat will do anything to avoid getting a bath. So instead of mopping the floor or feeding the fish, the family is soon busy rocking the rug, vacuuming the lawn, and sweeping the dishes. Bouncy rhyme carries the story headlong into the growing hilarity, until finally Dad restores some kind of order - but will the cat avoid getting his whiskers wet?
The Magical Yet by
A rollicking, rhyming, and inspirational picture book for fans of Oh, the Places You'll Go! andevery child who is frustrated by what they can't do...YET! Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion--the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out. The Magical Yet is the perfect tool for parents and educators to turn a negative into a positive when helping children cope with the inevitable difficult learning moments we all face. Whether a child or an adult, this encouraging and uplifting book reminds us that we all have things we haven't learned...yet!
The World's Best Class Plant by
An irresistible picture book about a boy and his classmates who long for a class pet, but discover the joys and rewards of nurturing a class plant. Room 107 has a cockatiel. Room 108 has a chinchilla. Even the Art Room has a bearded dragon. But in Room 109, Arlo's classroom, there is a plant. A mostly green, hardly growing, never moving plant. Even though it doesn't squeak, whistle, or whimper, Arlo's teacher says the plant is "more than enough excitement for us." But what could possibly be exciting about a plant? One day, Arlo decides to name the plant Jerry. Something about naming the plant makes it more exciting. As the class learns to take care of Jerry, he starts to grow . . . greener and longer and twistier. And before long it's clear that something amazing has taken root in Arlo's classroom.
Kicks in the Sky by
Pura Belprè Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner C. G. Esperanza delivers color, rhythm, and style in this rollicking tale about everyday treasures turned magical! Red kicks, green kicks, yellow kicks, blue! Colorful, psychedelic sneakers hang from telephones wires all over the city. Up in the sky, they hang for all to marvel at. But when a few special pairs get knocked down, the kids have to try them on. Soon they're racing, dancing, leaning to fly! These enchanted sneaks are out of this world--but where did they come from? And who would ever leave these behind? This joyous book is full of fun read moments--perfect for story time and craft activity inspiration!
The Rabbit Listened by
A moving and universal picture book about empathy and kindness, sure to soothe heartaches big and small--now a New York Times bestseller and a perfect gift for any special occasion When something sad happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen . . . which is just what Taylor needs. With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustration, The Rabbit Listened is about how to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by
A #1 New York Times bestseller! This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season -- or anytime. Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can't see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago's vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.
Jabari Jumps by
Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for.
Tiny Feet Between the Mountains by
A young Korean girl comes up with a clever plan to help her village and a spirit tiger in this "gorgeous and moving debut" (Booklist, starred review) from Caldecott Honor- and Asian Pacific American Award for Literature-winning author-illustrator Hanna Cha. Soe-In is a tiny child in a village full of large people. She struggles with completing chores due to her size, but she never gives up. One day, when the sky grows dark and full of smoke, Soe-In volunteers to travel into the tall mountains to investigate. She's surprised to find a spirit tiger there and learn he has swallowed the sun by mistake! To help the spirit tiger and her village, Soe-In must come up with a clever idea to solve this gigantic problem. And while she's at it, she just may prove that the smallest people often have the biggest, bravest hearts.
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by
When Grandma gives you a lemon tree, definitely don't make a face! Care for the tree, and you might be surprised at how new things, and new ideas, bloom. "Charms from cover to cover." --Kirkus (Starred review) "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." In this imaginative take on that popular saying, a child is surprised (and disappointed) to receive a lemon tree from Grandma for her birthday. After all, she DID ask for a new gadget! But when she follows the narrator's careful--and funny--instructions, she discovers that the tree might be exactly what she wanted after all. This clever story, complete with a recipe for lemonade, celebrates the pleasures of patience, hard work, nature, community . . . and putting down the electronic devices just for a while.
Your Name Is a Song by
Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names. Your Name is a Song includes back matter perfect for parents, educators, caregivers, and young readers who want to learn more about the names featured in the story. The "Glossary of Names" lists each name's meaning, origin, and pronunciation. Additionally, readers can use a listed link to access an online video of the author pronouncing all the names in the book.
This Is MY Room! by
Jojo's ready for her first night all alone in her very own room, but a menagerie of animals have other ideas in this charming and fun picture book. Jojo can't wait to spend the night in her very own bed in her very own room. She doesn't care what her big sister Margaret says, she's NOT afraid and she WON'T be back to the bedroom they used to share. There's just one problem though--there are intruders in her new room! A lion, a bear, and a very persistent tiger seem to think this is THEIR room, not Jojo's. Is Margaret right? Is Jojo not quite ready to spend the night on her own? Or can Jojo find a way to show that trespassing tiger just who's boss in HER room?
Remember by
US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's iconic poem "Remember,"illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it. Remember the sky you were born under, Know each of the star's stories. Remember the moon, know who she is. Remember the sun's birth at dawn, That is the strongest point of time. So begins the picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages young readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. Michaela Goade, drawing from her Tlingit culture, has created vivid illustrations that make the words come alive in an engaging and accessible way. This timeless poem paired with magnificent paintings makes for a picture book that is a true celebration of life and our human role within it.
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2019 Meet the funny, fierce, and fearless Amy Wu, who is determined to make a perfect bao bun today. Can she rise to the occasion? Amy loves to make bao with her family. But it takes skill to make the bao taste and look delicious. And her bao keep coming out all wrong. Then she has an idea that may give her a second chance...Will Amy ever make the perfect bao?
Paletero Man by
A vibrant picture book celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer from Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player. Ring! Ring! Ring! Can you hear his call Paletas for one! Paletas for all! What's the best way to cool off on a hot summer day Run quick and find Paletero José! Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator's pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now. Full of musicality, generosity, kindness, and ice pops, this book is sure to satisfy fans of Thank You, Omu! and Carmela Full of Wishes. Includes Spanish words and phrases throughout, an author's note from Lucky Diaz, and a link to a live version of the Lucky Band's popular song that inspired the book. A Junior Library Guild Selection!
Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess by
A story about a little troublemaker with a big heart from the New York Times bestselling author and noted speaker Luvvie Ajayi Jones Whoops! Little Luvvie loves her mom. She loves her sister. And she loves doing nice things for other people. But what happens when doing something nice means breaking some rules? Little Luvvie is about to find out. Written by the New York Times bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones with bright, bold art by Joey Spiotto, this funny, sweet story about a bighearted girl with the best of intentions is sure to become a family favorite.
Penguinaut! by
The story of a small penguin with a big dream that's out of this world!Orville lives at the zoo, surrounded by animal pals who go on exciting adventures. A hang gliding rhino! A deep-sea diving giraffe! Orville struggles to keep up, until one day he concocts an adventure all his own: build a spaceship and fly to the moon all by himself. Can one tiny penguin get there alone?Penguinaut is perfect for every child who's said, "I can do it myself!" and comes to find that the rewards are much richer when shared with friends. Marcie Colleen's playful text and Emma Yarlett's charming, whimsical illustrations are sure to delight both children and their parents.
Magic by
In Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land, her acclaimed debut as author and illustrator, Mirelle Ortega shares her own story of growing up near her family's pineapple farm in Mexico, where she learned the true meaning of magic. A 2023 Pura Belpré Youth Illustration Honor Book Growing up on a pineapple farm in Mexico, a girl discovers the true meaning of the word magic in this truly magical picture book about change and transformation of all kinds--what we can't control, such as natural disasters and loss, and what we can. Magic can transform dirt into pineapples, seeds into trees, wool into blankets, words into stories, blank pages into pictures and stories into book.
Punky Aloha by
Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying "aloha" to experience exciting and unexpected adventures! Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother's magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. Will she be able to get the butter for grandma Punky Aloha is a Polynesian girl who carries her culture in her heart and in everything she does. Kids will love to follow this fun character all over the island of O'ahu.
The Truth about Dragons by
A Caldecott Honor Winner Winner of the Asian Pacific American Award for Literature An unforgettable lyrical picture book that celebrates biracial identity from the award-winning author of Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist. Lean in close, my darling bao bei, and I will whisper a most precious secret about a powerful magic that lives inside you. Brought to life with lavish and ornate illustrations, The Truth About Dragons follows a young child on a journey guided by his mother's bedtime storytelling. He quests into two very different forests, as his two grandmothers help him discover two different, but equally enchanting, truths about dragons. Eastern and Western mythologies coexist and enrich each other in this warm celebration of mixed cultural identity. *A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023*
