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How to Read a Story
Step One: Find a story. ( A good one. )
Step Two: Find a reading buddy. ( Someone nice. )
Step Three: Find a reading spot. ( Couches are cozy. )
Now: Begin.
Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End . This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.
Step Two: Find a reading buddy. ( Someone nice. )
Step Three: Find a reading spot. ( Couches are cozy. )
Now: Begin.
Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End . This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2015
20 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Kate Messner
127 books1,642 followersKate Messner is an award-winning author, TED 2012 speaker, and former middle school English teacher. Her books for kids include THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.,SUGAR AND ICE, and EYE OF THE STORM (Walker/Bloomsbury Dec. 2010) the MARTY MCGUIRE series (Scholastic), SEA MONSTER'S FIRST DAY, and OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW (Chronicle, Books). Kate also wrote SPITFIRE and CHAMPLAIN AND THE SILENT ONE, both Lake Champlain historical novels published by North Country Books.
Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com
Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner
...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner
Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com
Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner
...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
October 8, 2018
Perhaps this should actually be titled How to Read a Story Aloud. If you're looking for tips on how to read novels while doing your best imitation of a hermit, you'll be disappointed; but if you're looking for a cute manual about reading books out loud with a friend, then this is just the thing.
The illustrations by Mark Siegel are really cute, and tell their own story within the story. The book is laid out in a series of ten steps, with good explanations for each. However, I thought the first few were a little bit mixed up. Step 1 is "Find a story." Step 2 is "Find a reading buddy." I won't spoil Step 3 for you, but moving on to Step 4, we have: "Look at the book's cover." This is so you can figure out what the book might be about. To me, this seemed like something that should've been done at the beginning, perhaps even before Step 1! How are you supposed to choose a book if you haven't even looked at the cover?
Other than that, though, it's a nice little "instruction manual" for kids, and would probably be pretty fun read aloud itself.
The illustrations by Mark Siegel are really cute, and tell their own story within the story. The book is laid out in a series of ten steps, with good explanations for each. However, I thought the first few were a little bit mixed up. Step 1 is "Find a story." Step 2 is "Find a reading buddy." I won't spoil Step 3 for you, but moving on to Step 4, we have: "Look at the book's cover." This is so you can figure out what the book might be about. To me, this seemed like something that should've been done at the beginning, perhaps even before Step 1! How are you supposed to choose a book if you haven't even looked at the cover?
Other than that, though, it's a nice little "instruction manual" for kids, and would probably be pretty fun read aloud itself.
January 9, 2016
A great story for modeling how to read any story including word attack, predicting, book selection, fluency, and more.
Would make a great mentor text for word choice.
Would make a great mentor text for word choice.
October 1, 2023
This is the most fabulous charmingly delightful picture book about reading and stories! I can already predict this will become a beginning of the year read aloud in classrooms everywhere. Younger and older kids (and adults) will all appreciate the premise and way it is executed. I couldn't help but smile as I read it and the advice it gives about reading a story and appreciating it with others. I absolutely adore it and the format along with the references to the book within the book and the illustrations are spot on for being as entertaining as the story. I'm not only adding this book to my first week of school/launching the reading workshop read aloud lists, but also my baby shower gifting list.
April 1, 2015
Delightful book about reading and stories. I will be giving this book to relatives for many years to come.
August 28, 2016
This was a great book for our kick off of 'what's true for us a readers,' prompting students to think about how they like to read a book. After we read the book and created our list, students were able to share and then create class expectations for our independent reading time. It was a story all of us could connect to.
May 23, 2015
This book made me smile while reading it. Ms. Messner has written a sweet book that will be perfect for bedtimes and classrooms everywhere. I like how the book has a story within a story within a story (“The Princess, The Dragon, and The Robot” (the story the characters read)). I like that the MCs are a kid and a dog – not 2 kids. The illustrations are amazing. They capture the spirit of the book perfectly.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 21, 2015
Just the right book to encourage reading and sharing, with the steps on how to read a book to a friend (maybe even yourself). Sentences just long enough to inform but not intimidate, language a bit challenging at times, illustrations that place the child right in the book....
June 22, 2015
This is a fun read aloud and discussion for the beginning of a school year! Celebrate the book knowledge students already have and then introduce classroom routines and expectations for independent reading time. Hmmm... perhaps students could help to create an anchor chart for the classroom!
July 25, 2016
A 'must read' to primary classes at the beginning of each school year! :-)
July 21, 2015
Such a perfect book about the joy and love of reading books. Every budding children's librarian looking for a primer on how to conduct story times needs this book.
April 30, 2016
Excellent read aloud for beginning of the year!
October 11, 2017
Love this book for teaching how to read a book step by step. Recommended to all the youngsters (Y)
Enjoy learning these steps here.. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th-oW...
Enjoy learning these steps here.. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th-oW...
April 27, 2015
Sure, your young readers may already know how to read, but do they really know how to read a story. In How to Read a Story, Kate Messner outlines 10 simple to follow steps for really reading a story. Each step elaborates just what is involves.
Step 1: Find a Story begins with a little boy surrounded by books about all kinds of things and suggests picking one that is about something he likes.
Step 2: Find a Reading Buddy shows our hero approaching different family members and has suggestions about what to look for in a good reading buddy. A reading buddy can be anyone at all, even the family dog (maybe even a favorite stuffed toy)
.
Step 3: Find a Cozy Reading Spot shows our hero testing different spots, and finally settling on one both he and his reading buddy like.
Step 4: Look at the Book's Cover shows our hero and his buddy trying to guess what the book might be about based on the cover and title.
Step 5: Open the book
Steps 5 through 10 are all about reading, how to make reading aloud to your reading buddy exciting and interesting, sharing the pictures, sounding out new words and guessing what they mean based on the pictures, reading with feeling to make the exciting parts sound exciting. And when you get to the end of Step 10, you can start all over again.
I love How to Read a Story. We take it for granted that we and our kids automatically know how to do read a book once we learn how to read, but there is so much more to reading. Of course, kids will probably see their teachers following the steps that Messner talks about, but not always and often not until around 3rd grade. Here, however, is a book that can be read, shared, and followed by kids still at the picture book stage. One thing I particularly liked is how Messner makes it OK to reread a book if the readers really likes it or to not like a book and to simply go back and pick a different one when that happens. two things readers are often discouraged from doing.
The whimsical illustrations by Mark Siegel are done in ink and watercolor in bright, happy colors and match the text on every page. I loved how he depicts the young reader following the step listed and then reading his story aloud to the family dog so well that he begins to attract and draw other family members into his listening circle.
How to Read a Story is the book to read over and over again with your kids, at home or in school. When a child knows how to read, a love of reading will most likely result and steps that Messner lists are skills that they can use over and over again.
The benefits of reading aloud to children can't be stressed enough, so it only stands to reason, that teaching a child to read aloud would greatly enhance those benefits.
How to Read a Story will be available April 28, 2015.
This book is recommended for readers age 5+
This book was obtained from the publisher, Chronicle Books and will be available May 5, 2015
This review was originally published on Randomly Reading
Step 1: Find a Story begins with a little boy surrounded by books about all kinds of things and suggests picking one that is about something he likes.
Step 2: Find a Reading Buddy shows our hero approaching different family members and has suggestions about what to look for in a good reading buddy. A reading buddy can be anyone at all, even the family dog (maybe even a favorite stuffed toy)
.
Step 3: Find a Cozy Reading Spot shows our hero testing different spots, and finally settling on one both he and his reading buddy like.
Step 4: Look at the Book's Cover shows our hero and his buddy trying to guess what the book might be about based on the cover and title.
Step 5: Open the book
Steps 5 through 10 are all about reading, how to make reading aloud to your reading buddy exciting and interesting, sharing the pictures, sounding out new words and guessing what they mean based on the pictures, reading with feeling to make the exciting parts sound exciting. And when you get to the end of Step 10, you can start all over again.
I love How to Read a Story. We take it for granted that we and our kids automatically know how to do read a book once we learn how to read, but there is so much more to reading. Of course, kids will probably see their teachers following the steps that Messner talks about, but not always and often not until around 3rd grade. Here, however, is a book that can be read, shared, and followed by kids still at the picture book stage. One thing I particularly liked is how Messner makes it OK to reread a book if the readers really likes it or to not like a book and to simply go back and pick a different one when that happens. two things readers are often discouraged from doing.
The whimsical illustrations by Mark Siegel are done in ink and watercolor in bright, happy colors and match the text on every page. I loved how he depicts the young reader following the step listed and then reading his story aloud to the family dog so well that he begins to attract and draw other family members into his listening circle.
How to Read a Story is the book to read over and over again with your kids, at home or in school. When a child knows how to read, a love of reading will most likely result and steps that Messner lists are skills that they can use over and over again.
The benefits of reading aloud to children can't be stressed enough, so it only stands to reason, that teaching a child to read aloud would greatly enhance those benefits.
How to Read a Story will be available April 28, 2015.
This book is recommended for readers age 5+
This book was obtained from the publisher, Chronicle Books and will be available May 5, 2015
This review was originally published on Randomly Reading
February 6, 2018
Tiltle: How to Read a Story
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Mark Siegel
GR Level: L
Lexile: 550-620
Grade Level: Pre-K- 2
Publisher: Chronical Books
Date: 2015
Genre: Children`s literature, Fiction, How to
Pages: 27
Summary:
This text teaches children step by step how to be a good reader. The book starts at step 1: “Find a book” and it goes all the way to step 10: Reread the story if you want. The language in the book, and the way it gives instructions makes the idea of picking out a book sound like the most exciting thing in the world. The books tells the reader that they can pick books about anything they want, and they might have to try a few times before they find the perfect book. “Step 5: Opening the book” is shown as the “most exciting part”. As well as getting the reader excited about books, it also teaches children strategies such as sounding out words and readers voice. The text combined with the beautiful and action-packed illustrations show the reader how to turn the process of reading into an adventure waiting to happen.
Teaching Idea:
I would use this book in a 1st grade classroom on the first day of school to introduce independent reading. I would read them the book and then we would actually go through all the steps. Starting off with how to choose a book. The text also brings up talking points that teachers should discus with their students such as sounding out words and reading voice. This book would be a good introduction on how to use those skills.
This would also be a good mentor text for a writing assignment where the prompt is to create a “How to” piece.
Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4.A
Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4.B
Read grade-level text orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.2
Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Mark Siegel
GR Level: L
Lexile: 550-620
Grade Level: Pre-K- 2
Publisher: Chronical Books
Date: 2015
Genre: Children`s literature, Fiction, How to
Pages: 27
Summary:
This text teaches children step by step how to be a good reader. The book starts at step 1: “Find a book” and it goes all the way to step 10: Reread the story if you want. The language in the book, and the way it gives instructions makes the idea of picking out a book sound like the most exciting thing in the world. The books tells the reader that they can pick books about anything they want, and they might have to try a few times before they find the perfect book. “Step 5: Opening the book” is shown as the “most exciting part”. As well as getting the reader excited about books, it also teaches children strategies such as sounding out words and readers voice. The text combined with the beautiful and action-packed illustrations show the reader how to turn the process of reading into an adventure waiting to happen.
Teaching Idea:
I would use this book in a 1st grade classroom on the first day of school to introduce independent reading. I would read them the book and then we would actually go through all the steps. Starting off with how to choose a book. The text also brings up talking points that teachers should discus with their students such as sounding out words and reading voice. This book would be a good introduction on how to use those skills.
This would also be a good mentor text for a writing assignment where the prompt is to create a “How to” piece.
Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4.A
Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4.B
Read grade-level text orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.2
Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
August 19, 2017
This nonfiction book is a great way to introduce the process of how to read. It is written for younger students in grades K through 2.
This nonfiction book is written and illustrated almost like a picture book, so it makes it attractive to children reading it. It has ten steps the reader has to follow in order to read a story. It includes everything from finding the story, to encouraging fluency or as they say in step 9, "When you get to the exciting parts, make your voice sound exciting too."
Sometimes nonfiction is criticized by readers for being difficult to follow or lacking in entertainment. This story shares the important steps of how to read a good book, but makes it fun at the same time. Mark Siegel, the illustrator, adds many great pictures to complement each of the steps. The author also uses humor to support the information, something that will help to engage the kids to the subject matter.
This could be used in the classroom in many different ways. It could be used to introduce how to pick and read a good book. It could also be used to teach procedural writing. The students could make their own "how to" books about a nonfiction topic they enjoy, and then share them with each other.
This nonfiction book is written and illustrated almost like a picture book, so it makes it attractive to children reading it. It has ten steps the reader has to follow in order to read a story. It includes everything from finding the story, to encouraging fluency or as they say in step 9, "When you get to the exciting parts, make your voice sound exciting too."
Sometimes nonfiction is criticized by readers for being difficult to follow or lacking in entertainment. This story shares the important steps of how to read a good book, but makes it fun at the same time. Mark Siegel, the illustrator, adds many great pictures to complement each of the steps. The author also uses humor to support the information, something that will help to engage the kids to the subject matter.
This could be used in the classroom in many different ways. It could be used to introduce how to pick and read a good book. It could also be used to teach procedural writing. The students could make their own "how to" books about a nonfiction topic they enjoy, and then share them with each other.
May 10, 2015
When I first hold a new book in my hands, no matter the format, I remove the dust jacket and open it up. I look at the layout, design and palette used, flap edge to flap edge. Next I look at the book case to see if it matches the dust jacket. If it's anything but a picture book the color and texture generally have significance. There might be a single element embossed on the front. Lifting the cover I check the endpapers in the front and at the back. As soon as I pass the title page, verso and dedication pages, whether the words are written or not, I think Once upon a time.
Every reader has their own personal approach for beginning a new book. A recent release, How To Read A Story (Chronicle Books, May 5, 2015) written by Kate Messner with illustrations by Mark Siegel includes all the little intimate details, in a series of steps, making reading the pleasure it can and should be. They recognize a great deal of the fun comes before holding the book in your hands.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
Every reader has their own personal approach for beginning a new book. A recent release, How To Read A Story (Chronicle Books, May 5, 2015) written by Kate Messner with illustrations by Mark Siegel includes all the little intimate details, in a series of steps, making reading the pleasure it can and should be. They recognize a great deal of the fun comes before holding the book in your hands.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
February 3, 2018
Fabulous! Both as a storytime reader and now as a parent. This is perfect. Glad my husband saw this in passing at the new Family Study area in the BYU library.
11/15/17 Used as closer for Random theme. This was actually a pinch hitter when last night I realized one of the books I was planning never came in from my hold. Still had this checked out for my stepkids, so I brought it in. Kids and parents really enjoyed it. Might have missed everyone coming up to listen at the end. But they liked the steps. And with each step I pointed out how I was (or wasn't) doing that in mine. Showed them the cover. Showed them the pictures. Etc. Worked very well.
Read at home. Excellent.
11/15/17 Used as closer for Random theme. This was actually a pinch hitter when last night I realized one of the books I was planning never came in from my hold. Still had this checked out for my stepkids, so I brought it in. Kids and parents really enjoyed it. Might have missed everyone coming up to listen at the end. But they liked the steps. And with each step I pointed out how I was (or wasn't) doing that in mine. Showed them the cover. Showed them the pictures. Etc. Worked very well.
Read at home. Excellent.
September 11, 2017
Step 1: Find a Story
Step 2: Find a Reading Buddy
Step 3: Find a Cozy Reading Spot
Step 4: Look at the book's cover
Step 5: Open the book. (This is the exciting part!)
The list continues to include reading in different voices for different characters, sounding words and using picture clues, "Taking a break" to predict what might happen next.
Love this! A great book that can be enjoyed first, but then good for author's purpose, voice and/or procedural writing.
Step 2: Find a Reading Buddy
Step 3: Find a Cozy Reading Spot
Step 4: Look at the book's cover
Step 5: Open the book. (This is the exciting part!)
The list continues to include reading in different voices for different characters, sounding words and using picture clues, "Taking a break" to predict what might happen next.
Love this! A great book that can be enjoyed first, but then good for author's purpose, voice and/or procedural writing.
October 20, 2015
As a former reading teacher and current elementary library I am probably a tad biased, but I thought this book was engaging, straight forward and informative. I can't imagine a kid picking this up on her own, but it would make an excellent classroom read aloud.
September 4, 2015
I love love this book! I will be sharing this with my class this year and every class in the future!
January 4, 2016
When you need to teach kids or adults how to read aloud, put this in their hands!
January 25, 2016
Very cute step-by-step story to inspire young readers.
March 15, 2016
I always love a book about books! And I love Kate Messner - her writing style is just so cozy. Kind of reminiscent of Beverly Cleary.
August 1, 2016
Very cute book!...krb 7/31/16
July 10, 2020
Young storytellers. Instructions. Find your voices.
December 16, 2015
If only it was possible I would give this book many more than five stars. Mark Siegel's illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to Messner's brilliant text. I love that this is a story within a story. I can't wait to read it to our older students who read with little buddies. I can't wait to read it to the younger students because there is just so much here about making sense of text.
What a jewel of a book!
What a jewel of a book!
March 11, 2016
This books is perfect for teachers and parents of younger children to share with them. I can imagine how much my own daughter would have loved it as a kindergarten when she wanted to read the big books all on her own. This book really does teach you how to read a story. Exactly how to read a story. I don't really think this would be a hit with children who could read it for themselves, though.
September 16, 2015
It took me a while to track this book down, which makes me sad. I see this book being useful on so many levels! With pictures it is an easy read aloud for 2 years olds up. Uncomplicated language makes it a read alone from first grade. Beautifully constructed ideas make it a valuable teaching tool for many ages - older ones can expand on the simple ideas while being reminded that reading is a pretty easy thing to do!
October 6, 2015
Many books are hybrids of fiction and nonfiction, and this is a perfect example. The story within the story allows for humor and multiple examples/demonstrations of the best strategies for reading independently and effectively. The boy and his dog the diverse family and friends, and the clear, concise directions make this a sure winner for readers, teachers, parents, and pets!). A how-to book at it's best!
December 1, 2015
How to Read a Story by Kate Messner, illustrated by Mark Siegel – Preschool and up – What an absolutely lovely, wonderful book. Loved how the simple information about figuring out what type of book to choose, how to find a cozy reading spot, how to enjoy the book and use different voices for characters, and so many more important steps on how to read a story. Just loved this book… wonderful for so many teachers talking about book selection, reading books, and reading aloud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews