I have not one memory of my parents reading aloud to me. There I have said it.
What I can remember is a collection of books that came each with their own 45 rpm.
I can still quote, word for word, those old instructions:
You can read along with me in your book. You will know it is time to turn the page when Tinkerbell rings her little bells like this…
There’s a disney wiki article that lists every read along book made. I was quite delighted when I googled Tinkerbell rings her little bells like this and found it.
So, look, I’ve got my parents beat. It was me and my read along record player all alone in my room.
My son may not grow up with sweet memories of me reading books aloud to him right before bedtime, but he’s going to remember me holding him in my lap – ok, sometimes I was holding him in my lap – and watching books together.
Who do you think taught him how to swipe that screen?
So, here’s the deal. I love libraries and I’ve spent my fair share of time and money at that big box book store that has the train table. I even own a copy of Jim Trelease’s The Read Aloud Handbook. But more often than not, I reach for this thing we call a phone and I go looking for a little entertainment. I think I’ve found a few you’d like to know about. Let’s just agree they count as books, with rhymes and story lines and sweet time together.
And you don’t even have to take them back or pay that late fee.
Just pay your phone bill.
But be forewarned. Your little one will ask for “just one more, please.” Because phones with books are addictive.
1. Are You My Mother, PD Eastman
While this is simply the book read aloud, beware of this youtube channel unless you want to get sidetracked watching old movie videos!
2. Curious George and the Bunny, Margaret Rey
The curious monkey takes me back to my elementary library school days. The simplicity of this video might take you back a bit in time, too, but the website itself contains over 700 read-aloud books, so don’t discount it.
3. The Doorbell Rang, Pat Hutchins
I remember the first time I discovered this book – yes, I checked it out from the library – and loved its repetition and its theme of sharing and its surprise ending. The book’s been long returned, but it’s forever available here. This channel has more choices, too.
4. The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss
This gentlemen’s channel is great when you don’t want to do the voices your child asks for when you do the reading. He’ll get a bit annoying for you, perhaps, but this man throws himself into each reading. And, with the promise of “one every day,” he has quite a selection for you.
5. Ten Apples Up on Top, Dr. Seuss
This won’t put your child to sleep. Instead, they may ask you for apples and try balancing, but I love Miss Ally’s channel because there are just enough selections and ones a teacher chose.
6. Barnyard Dance, Sandra Boynton
There are a lot of options for Sandra Boynton if you’re looking for a free video. Just google her or your favorite title. But I’m willing to pay a bit for the best. These apps are sweet.
7. Lots of Little Pigs, Laurie Berkner
I know. I know. Now we are listening to music, not even reading books. But this one tells a story? And you can find a book somewhere that goes along with it? Seriously my favorite Berkner song.
8. Classical Baby, the Music Show, HBO
Yes, now it’s all about the video. Why not? That’s what happens when you’re on the phone. I bought the three dvd set of HBO’s Classical Baby, but you can get a little fix for free.
