Family Reading at the Vineland Public Library

Need a good way to spend time together as a family--how about reading together?

 

Story Time Tips

  • One of the best ways to encourage a love of reading is to have regular times each day for sharing books with your children.
  • Establish a special time for reading together. Turn off the TV, radio and computer and immerse yourselves in a great book.
  • Find a quiet, well-lit spot where you can sit comfortably with your children.
  • Both you and your child can pick out books at the Vineland Public Library. The Children's Librarian will be happy to help you find fun books.

 

The following is a list of suggested books to share with your family. The Vineland Public Library owns all of these books. Please ask the Children's Librarian for help in finding these titles. The Librarian will also be able to find other appropriate titles for you and your children.


With Love, Little Red Hen by Alma Flor Ada
J E Ada
A series of letters describe the adventures of Goldilocks, Peter Rabbit, the Three Pigs, Little Red Hen, and other storybook characters when Little Red Hen and her chicks become the target of the unsavory Wolf and his cousin, Fer O'Cious.


Singing with Momma Lou by Linda Jacobs Altman
J E Altman
Visits with her grandmother, Momma Lou, are difficult for Tamika because Momma Lou suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Tamika uses photographs, school yearbooks, movie ticket stubs, and other mementos to try to restore the memory of her grandmother.


The Pot That Juan Built by Nancy Andrews-Goebel
J 738.092 And
This story of Juan Quezada, one of the best know potters in Mexico, is written in the form of "The House That Jack Built" and accompanied by explanatory material. This is also the story of the village of Mata Ortiz and its people.


The Music in Derrick's Heart by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert
J E Bat
Derrick is excited because Uncle Booker T. is going to teach him the harmonica this summer. Uncle Booker T. teaches Derrick that music is more than just notes-you have to have feeling too. This is frustrating for Derrick, but the day Uncle Booker T. doesn't show up for Derrick's lesson may be the day he learns to play from his heart.


The President and Mom's Apple Pie by Michael Garland
J E Gar
It's 1909 and the President William Howard Taft is coming to town to dedicate the new flag pole. He smells something wonderful and sets out to discover from where the scent is coming.


Rocks in His Head by Carol Otis Hurst
J E Hur
Hurst recounts her father's interest in rock collecting, which begins in childhood and lasts through his adult life while raising a family, running a filling station, and surviving hard times during the Depression. Nobody ever thinks his obsession will amount to anything but he proves friends and family wrong.


Lisette's Angel by Amy Littlesugar
J E Lit
In World War II France, a young girl's prayer for an angel to come rescue her from the Nazi occupation is answered by the arrival of an American paratrooper. Inspired by the author's memories of his father-in-law, who was a paratrooper.


Delilah by John Bemelmans Marciano
J E Mar
Red leads a quiet, lonely life until he purchases a little lamb-all he can afford. He names her Delilah, and she becomes his best friend, helping him on his farm. The next year he is able to purchase a dozen sheep with Delilah's wool. Delilah must choose between being a real "sheep" or being Red's friend.


Rent Party Jazz by William Miller
J E Mil
In New Orleans in the 1930s Sonny must work after school to help his mother make ends meet. When his mother loses her job, Sonny worries how they will pay the upcoming rent. Smilin' Jack, a popular jazz musician, tells Sonny how to organize a rent party to raise the money they need.


Sophie's Masterpiece by Eileen Spinelli
J E Spi
Sophie is no ordinary spider. She's an artist who spins wonderful webs. But no one at Beekman's Boardinghouse likes spiders. They don't appreciate Sophie's artwork until at last, old and tired, she weaves her final masterpiece.


Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnell
J E Tun
In 1914, because her family cannot afford a train ticket to her grandmother's town, May gets mailed and rides the mail car on the train to see her grandmother.


The House in the Mail by Rosemary and Tom Wells
J E Wel
In 1927 Emily's father brings home a catalog that will change their lives forever. Inside are pictures of houses-wonderful houses that feature all the latest amenities. The most exciting part is when the house arrives on a freight train ready to be assembled. Emily and her family just need to pick the right one.


Additional Tips

  • Remember that story time doesn't have to end when your child learns how to read on her own. A child's listening level is two grade levels above his reading level. This continues through high school. You just need to find something to pique your child's interest.
  • Show enthusiasm while reading the book. Get involved with and excited about the story. Be expressive.
  • Be dramatic. Help the book come to life.
  • Interact and involve your child. Read with rather than to your child.
  • Most importantly, have fun!

The information on this page was created by the Vineland Public Library from a brochure funded by a Literacy Grant from the New Jersey State Library with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through its Grants to States program.

If you have comments or suggestions, email Samantha Tai, Children's Outreach Librarian

 

This information last updated 03/09