The reasons to read Reading Magic by Mem Fox. It is a fast, simple read and wil help you be prepared to change your kids’ lives.
Reading Magic by Mem Fox is another book dedicated to helping parents instill literacy in their children. Mem Fox is from Australia and is Australia’s best-known children’s book author. She is currently a literacy consultant in several countries.
This book is similar in purpose to The Read Aloud Handbook. Fox even references The Read Aloud Handbook in Reading Magic (Reading Magic is actually dedicated to Jim Trelease).
Reading Magic Book Review
The point of Reading Magic is to teach parents why and how to read aloud to their children. She talks about the emotional and intellectual impact reading aloud has on children. She talks about how life-changing it is for kids.
I would call this a “light” version of The Read Aloud Handbook. Fox does not include the studies behind her information. It is a fast and easy read. It is lighthearted and fun.
She has information on why you read aloud, and then lots of information on how (how often, when, getting the most out of it, how to read out loud effectively, etc.).
This is a great read that won’t take you long at all. It has some extra ideas on reading aloud. One focus of Fox is how to make it really fun and enjoyable for parent and child.
She talks about how much reading aloud increases bonding. So she doesn’t just focus on how it will help your child to love to read and to help them be smarter; she focuses on the relationship you and your child will build.
Reading sharpens listening and conversation skills. It helps grow your child’s imagination and expands your child’s knowledge base of the world.
Fox studied drama in school and also taught drama for 28 years, so part of her coaching in this book is how to be an interesting out-loud reader.
You know that I am a big believer in the power of books in the lives of children. If you are a believer, you will read this and feel validated and even more energized to read to your kids.
If you are not a believer, you will find compelling reasons to make reading aloud to your kids a priority in your family. Mem Fox proclaims that reading aloud to your children will change their lives. I belive it to be true!
Pick this one up. I think you will find it enjoyable.
Great ideas! Keep up the great work, my kids are loving it!
I finally read this and yes, enjoyed it very much. I've read most of The Read Aloud Handbook and so I wasn't sure how much I would gain out of this, but it was an enjoyable read. I actually the first 3/4 on a plane ride in one sitting…I usually only do that with novels! Thanks for another great recommendation!
It is quite an easy read. She has some fun suggestions for making the read aloud interesting. Glad to hear you liked it!