“A 'must read' for every early childhood educator! The authors’ wealth of expertise, wise advice, and love of reading shine on every page. They have skillfully crafted an invaluable resource designed to develop lifelong readers. This book is in tune with best practices and provides classroom-proven tools for planning rich, rewarding, and playful read-alouds. You will come away equipped and energized to set the stage for reading aloud in your own classroom.”

—Tammy C. Howell, MEd, English language arts teacher, Central York (Pennsylvania) School District


“In this excellent book, Beauchat et al. provide teachers of young children with an incredibly clear and cogent explanation of why and how to harness the instructional potential of read-alouds. Their discussion draws on current research to describe how high-interest read-alouds can strengthen children's alphabetic, linguistic, and comprehension skills. One feature that separates this book from others is the support it offers for teaching these crucial skills individually and in combination.”

—David Coker, EdD, School of Education, University of Delaware


“There is a consistent structure across chapters that makes the book reader friendly. Planning templates facilitate application of the strategies presented. I found the content to be current and evidence based. Teachers will walk away with a cache of high-utility instructional strategies; Head Start directors and other school leaders will find this book a great professional development resource.”

—Priscilla L. Griffith, PhD, Ruth G. Hardman Chair in Education and Director, Oklahoma Writing Project, University of Oklahoma


“In an engaging and accessible style—as if speaking directly to other teachers—the authors provide clear instructions for reading aloud to young children in order to develop their full potential as emerging readers. The focus on picture books, the detailed and realistic portraits of teachers in their classrooms, and the consistent format of each chapter make this a book I highly recommend for preservice and practicing early childhood teachers.”

—April Whatley Bedford, PhD, College of Education and Human Development, University of New Orleans


“Preschool and primary teachers who want to raise the caliber of their read-alouds need to read this book. Experienced teachers will enjoy the book as a smartly written refresher guide, and new teachers will find it an invaluable resource. Phonological awareness, the development of oral language and print awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension are discussed in clear, easy-to-digest chapters. Handy planning guides are provided, too. If you've ever thought you could get more from your read-alouds, you're right—this book shows you how.”

—Amy Walter, MA, primary teacher, The American School in London, United Kingdom