Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever

by Mem Fox, Judy Horacek (Illustrator)

Bestselling author and literacy expert Mem Fox reveals the incredible emotional and intellectual impact reading aloud to children has on their ability to learn to read.

All parents want and expect their children to learn to read, but few realize they can get their kids on the road to reading long before they start school simply by reading aloud to them every day. With passion and humor, acclaimed author and internationally respected literacy expert Mem Fox tells readers how she herself became aware of the astonishing effects that reading aloud and bonding through books have on very young children.

She speaks of when, where, and why to read aloud and demonstrates how to read aloud to best effect and how to get the most out of a read-aloud session. She walks readers through the three secrets of reading which together make reading possible. She gives guidance on defining, choosing, and finding good books and closes with tips on dealing effectively with the challenges that sometimes arise when children are learning to read.

Filled with practical advice, activities, and inspiring true read-aloud miracles, this book is a must for every parent-and for anyone interested in how children learn to read.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Books About Books, Teaching, Adult, Professional Development

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Merrion Frances Fox is an Australian writer of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Fox has been semi-retired since 1996, but she still gives seminars and lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gratefully stumbled across this book while shelf reading at my library. This means reading the call numbers to find books in the wrong place. I like doing this, not only to clean up the library, but because I find excellent things!

Unfortunately, this iconic Australian author has been embroiled in one of Trump’s ‘initiatives’ – she was wrongfully detained on entry to The States (LA) where she was to perform a speaking event at a conference. I digress from talking about the book but this is very interesting and worth mentioning. I also heard a radio interview where her eloquence and grace shone through, as it always does. She even seems to maintain some humour. She's quite a lady. Here’s the article I came across a couple of weeks ago whilst reading this book.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-25...

Onto this book. This should be required reading for students and teachers of primary and early education; in fact, as I was reading it at a sporting event I excitedly showed my friend the book and it turns out it was a prescribed text during her studies 20 plus years ago. This is also very topical in my household as my little one starts school next year. I love to read, but alas I didn’t start early enough with him.

The three secrets are these: The magic of print, the magic of reading and the magic of general knowledge. What happens when these come together? Reading happens, that’s what happens! It’s like a guessing game, and the earlier you start, the easier reading will be (we are at this stage at home as the fun books we read, along with my animated and over the top expressions, he knows what will come next and is ‘reading’ in his own guessing way).

Mem reflects on an incident where a six-year-old was reading well and her entire neighbourhood was saying to her ‘You must have taught her. She’s so far ahead.’ ‘Taught her?’ said her mother. ‘Of course I didn’t teach her. I wouldn’t know how, and I wouldn’t have dared anyway, in case I did something wrong. I just read aloud’.

Reading aloud is so important. Imagine how much easier kindy teachers would have it if all adults read to their children/grand children? Young readers would much more quickly further advance in their reading. Some kids no nothing of books before commencing school. I think this is tragic. Avoidable? Yes, but not if their parents did not have the luxury of being read to as a child. It does happen.

I encourage you to embrace fun and silly stories to any youngster in your life. I’m having a lot of fun doing so!

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I don't disagree about the importance of reading out loud to your children, I do take issue with her conclusions that reading out loud alone will teach your child to read. In some cases that is definitely true, but everyone's brain is wired differently and learns differently.

I also strongly object to her flippancy with how she talks about dyslexia. We have read out loud to our daughter since she was an infant, and I still read out loud to her at age 7 because she loves books and stories and it builds her vocabulary and comprehension. However, her brain is wired in such a way that she is never going to just look at the words and "get it"!

This isn't a bad book, but not the book you need to read if your child struggles with reading because of having a central nervous system that works in a less common fashion.

[Bekah · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, I read the 1988 version of this book- so I don't know what is different in this one. But the 1988 version- yuck! I have to explain though- the premise is awesome- the blatant assumptions given are bogus. I am a bit defensive though right now- this author says she thinks that if every parent read to their child that we could eliminate the reading learning problems for good! My daughter was just diagnosed with dyslexia and can I tell you I have read out loud to her since she was a newborn- no joke! I read my novels while feeding her and then picture books later. She has carted around books all over the place- still does. We have books all over the house, we go to the library all the time, both parents read all the time. In other words we do/did everything this author claims will fix all learning problems. Um- they don't. Then the author also goes off on phonics- which I understand her point that if you focus just on phonics no kid is going to want to read- but to teach my daughter to read I am having to dissect reading to the simplest levels and build from there- in other words very intense phonics so she learns all the individual sounds, letters, etc. So I realize I come from a different view point than most- and this probably has a lot of good insight for many- I just got super annoyed being told "If you just do this your kids will read" when I was doing that and more and while it is all good- it does not mean your child will read if they have a true reading disability such as dyslexia. There- that is my rant and rave- have a great day! :)

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite simplistic and filled! with! exclamation! points! The author has a good premise but rather than develop it, she spends most of the book with stories of her reading stories. There are very few statistics or case-studies mentioned, it's all the author's own experience. Very few children's books are mentioned (besides the author's). Worst of all, "Reading Magic" acts as if all hope for teaching your child to read rests in the first 3 years of life.

If someone is looking for a great book about reading to and with your child I would skip this watered down version and read Paul Kropp's How to Make Your Child a Reader for Life, instead.

[Amanda Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't picked this up originally because I assumed that everything important about reading aloud had already been said by Jim Trelease. I was wrong, this book is excellent inspiration for any parent or teacher who wants better ways to encourage reading in children. Mem Fox's background in the theater gives her an interesting perspective on reading as entertainment and she encourages teachers to embrace that use of reading in the classroom.

What Jim Trelease's book The Read Aloud Handbook is to teachers, this book is for parents. I would recommend it because of its inspirational qualities, the short chapters (so convenient for tired parents), and its readability.

[Kira Simion]

I 100% agree. This is one of the main reasons I loved learning English and how I even managed to.

[Evette · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far this is very similar to an info-mercial on why it is important to read to children. OF course, since I am passionate about this subject, I don't mind that it seems like she tries to sell it so hard throughout the book. I do like that she gives specific examples about how rhyme, rhythm, repetition and the 7 different tones/inflections can hook a child and create passion from a young age. The other thing I really like about this book is Mem's idea that children have more success learning to read when they start by learning about stories, then words, then letters, then phonics vs the other way around. And it almost seems like she discounts all of the new programs that teach children to learn by video, drills, or reading in a way she says experts "call barking at print: saying each word without expression or meaning." She impresses upon parents the simplicity of turning every day events into learning opportunities. Ex: reading billboards,\/cereal boxes, zoo trips, etc. I am so Attachment Parent-leaning that these ideals of reading aloud and having contact with my child really resonate with me.

I do think if you are passionate about your child's learning or reading then many of her examples may seem like common sense, but it is nice to get a refresher and reminder to keep doing those things.

This is such a simple and quick read - it isn't a thinking book and I do appreciate that. I think it may be too simplistic for those that like to have research and statistics backing up what should be common sense ;) - so if you are a statistics and reference-citing nut, this book may not be credible enough for you. You might like Raise a Smarter Child by Kindegarten a little more. For me though, I am enjoying this book.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you how much I really loved this book! Yes, it's a book ABOUT books which the nerd in me absolutely adores. But more than that, Fox talks about how children really learn and think and absorb, especially in the English language, in a way that made a lightbulb go off in my head. I've always thought English was such a jacked-up language for kiddos to try to learn (yes there's rules, but I swear 90% of it is exceptions!) and her explanations for why reading out loud is so critical to the learning process absolutely made sense, and kind of blew me away. We focus so much on forcing kids to sound out words and trying to use phonics--phonics, which half the time don't work because of all the exceptions--that we forget reading is supposed to be FUN and we take all the enjoyment out of it.

I'd always thought that simply memorizing how a word is spelled or said was supposed to be a bad thing, that there was supposed to be logic behind it. But Fox makes a very compelling argument for why it's actually GOOD, and really helps kids learn bigger and broader vocabulary in the long run.

If nothing else, any time I think I'm tired and maybe just want to skip storytime before bed, remembering this book makes me go "nope, read at least one for the kiddos!" and no matter how tired I am, I honestly never regret it.

All educators and anyone who has or works with children should read this!

[Dolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just discovered this book, but I must've been channeling my inner Mem Fox when our girls were born, because I've read to them since the day our oldest daughter was born (and even a little bit in utero, although I felt a little silly doing that.) In fact, one of our earliest books and absolute favorites is Time for Bed. We've read it so many times, I lost count.

I never thought that I was teaching our girls to read; I was merely spending a special time together, getting them settled down to cuddle and go to sleep. And if they ever 'read' me a book, I was fairly sure that they were just reciting it back from memory, especially if it was a story we'd read countless times. I know now that I was doing more to teach our girls to read than I could even imagine.

I always knew that reading with our girls was incredibly important, and I had fond memories of reading with my Dad especially. But selfishly, I loved it, too. I call it my special time, and if I've done anything wrong, I hogged the reading time. My husband never expressed much interest in reading aloud with them, and even when I'm on a business trip, it is often very difficult for our girls to talk him into reading them a book. I think it's because he was never read to, and he feels like it's 'my thing.'

Still, it's one of my favorite things to do in the whole world and it's one reason that I am hoping to become a children's librarian when I 'grow up' someday. I want to share all of my favorite tales with children and discover new books together, too. This book just solidifies my desire to follow this dream.

The book is an easy read and helps to show how reading aloud really sets up children for success in school - not only in learning to read, but in having the ability to settle down and listen, and to be engaged and wanting to learn. Mem shares the three secrets of reading: the magic of print, the magic of language, and the magic of general knowledge. She explains how reading aloud with children accomplishes all three.

I was a bit surprised to see that "...experts tell us that children need to hear a thousand stories read aloud before they begin to learn to read for themselves." (p. 17) But then as I look back on my Goodreads logs, I realize that I certainly read far more than that to our girls - and my books 'read' counts don't truly capture the books we read over and over (and over and over) again. It really isn't that hard to read about three stories each night. We do so most nights, even now. I don't reread nearly as many stories now as we used to, but occasionally we'll pull out an old favorite, or I'll agree to reread something our girls have requested.

I was also a bit surprised to read that Mem is not a big fan of phonics and making children 'sound out' difficult words. I think I missed out on the phonics craze - I was too old to really be affected by it much and I never pursued phonics books or programs with our girls. I also would help them if they struggled with a word while reading aloud and thought that I was being too impatient or helping too much. Now, I realize that, at least in her opinion, I was just helping them read more fluently, allowing them to understand the context of the story. I noticed that after only one or two times helping them with any particular word, they would be able to read it on their own, so I feel less concerned about my 'impatience.'

Overall, I thought this was a fascinating and enlightening book and I am glad that I discovered it. I wrote down numerous quotes that I'm including here in my review, and I'm a bit sad that I have to return this book to our local library soon. I may have to purchase my own copy. As I reflect on the book and my time here at Goodreads, I realize the two are connected. I started logging my books here to have a record of the books I read, especially the ones I read with our girls. It's become a bit of an obsession, but when I see the wonderful readers they are becoming, it gladdens my heart and makes it all worthwhile.

interesting quotes:

"Children who are read to early and regularly quickly acquire the skill of listening and the desire to hear stories. They understand the immense pleasures waiting for them in books and develop the ability to concentrate and relax." (p. 33)

"Children who have been endlessly entertained by wonderful stories have a joyful attitude toward learning to read." (p. 63)

"Turning the pages at the right time and saying the right words on the right page is a tremendous achievement for little kids, and not to be underestimated. It's a giant step toward really reading." (p. 71)

"Rhymers will be readers: it's that simple. Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they're four years old, they're usually among the best readers by the time they're eight." (p. 89)

"Children get a real kick out of the bounce and wackiness of poetry, and poems can often be paths to literacy for children who have previous found reading difficult." (p. 92)

"But if as adults we're cool toward a particular book - if our literary and emotional temperature hasn't been raised, and if the children we're reading to aren't particularly rapt, either - we ought to put it aside. Enthusiasm from all quarters has to bubble around a book, or children will think reading is dull." (p. 95)

"The more we read aloud to our kids and the more they read by themselves, the more experience they'll have of the world through the things they encounter in books. And the more experience they have of the world, the easier it will be to read." (p. 104)

"We need to chat with them about what they're reading to ensure they comprehend what's happening in the story, to find out if they're in the 'world' of the story, to discover if they're really reading or not." (p. 107)

"We now know that reading comprises three clearly defined and separate 'secrets': understanding print, understanding language, and understanding how the world works. When the three secrets of reading combine, the excitement really begins." (pp. 107-108)

"The faster we read, the easier it is to read because we can hold in our memory all we've read so far, and then use that information to guess what's to come. Our memory clogs up quickly when we read slowly. We struggle word by word, and by the time we've worked out one word, we've forgotten what we have already read, so we cna't use that information to help make sense of what we're about to read. It's a nightmare of confusion." (pp. 115-116)

"So if you want your toddlers to grow up and live next door - God forbid - don't read them books about the South American rain forest!" (p. 132)

"If a book makes children laugh, cry, squeal, shiver, or wriggle and jiggle in some way, it takes up residence in their hearts and stays there." (p. 134)

"The whole point of books is to allow us to experience troubled realities that are different from our own, to feel the appropriate emotions, to empathize, to make judgments, and to have our interest held. If we sanitize everything children read, how much more shocking and confusing will the real world be when they finally have to face it?" (p. 142)

"Read-aloud sessions are times when parents and children fall in love with each other. Parents who read aloud regularly to their children get to know their kids well and dote on them more because the things little kids say and do during a read-aloud are so funny and adorable." (p. 179)

[Becca Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite homeschooling books, but I would recommend this for anyone who has kids learning to read.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Preaching to the choir! Most parents interested in reading this book will already believe in the benefits of reading to children. Fox gives those parents encouragement to keep up the good work, which is great, but I do hope some skeptics will also pick up the book and be convinced to read, and read often, to their children.

I don't think this book is useful as a tool for educators or reading specialists, however. Fox relies too heavily on personal experience and anecdotal "evidence" to back up her claims, some of which are pretty outrageous. Take for example her claim that reading to your child early and often will prevent several reading problems from arising. Sounds okay (she doesn't claim reading aloud will prevent dyslexia -- not at this point in the book anyway), except that she goes on to say, with absolutely no empirical data to support her:

"Children who are read to early and regularly quickly acquire the skill of listening and the desire to hear stories. They understand the immense pleasures waiting for them in books and develop the ability to concentrate and relax."

This claim, that small children will develop the ability to concentrate and relax if they are read to regularly from birth, comes on the heels of an anecdote in which Fox describes a mother "who knew the importance of reading aloud," but who complained her son wouldn't "sit still for books." I expected Fox to encourage the mother to read anyway, but instead she seems to shake her head in hopelessness as she tells the reader, "perhaps she didn't start reading soon enough in her son's life."

Fox certainly believes reading to your child early and often will help your child become a better reader. I wholeheartedly agree, and I especially appreciate that she encourages parents to read to/with children through adolescence. Overall, Reading Magic is okay. If you need extra encouragement to keep reading to your child, or need some ideas about how to extend reading time and play games with the print, then Reading Magic is just right.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't get enough of books like this. My husband has accused me of reading books that simply validate my own views on children and literature. I'm sure he's right -- but I don't care. A little validation never hurt, and I've gleaned new things from the last two volumes I've read about reading to your child. (Plus, I can counter by pointing out how many books he owns on the existence of UFOs. Hah!)

'Reading Magic' comes from Mem Fox, a children's author and reading advocate from Australia. She wrote 'Time for Bed' and, most recently, 'Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.' Sometimes her voice is a little perky, but I like what she has to say about word play and rhyme and just having fun reading together. She inspired me to be more dramatic when I read aloud. I also liked the list she has at the end of the "20 Books that Children Love." Here it is:

1. I Went Walking by Machin and Vivas

2. Each Peach Pear Plum by Ahlberg and Ahlberg

3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Martin and Carle (Hildy's first favorite!)

4. Green Eggs and Ham by Seuss

5. Are You My Mother? by Eastman

6. Where the Wild Things Are by Sendak

7. Where's Spot? by Hill

8. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Carle

9. Owl Babies by Waddell and Benson

10. Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Dodd

11. Rascal the Dragon by Jennings and Lea

12. Madeline by Bemelmans

13. Wombat Stew by Vaughan and Lofts

14. Who Sank the Boat? by Allen

15. Dr Seuss's ABC by Seuss

16. Dear Zoo by Campbell

17. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Rosen and Oxenbury

18. Rosie's Walk by Hutchins

19. The Elephant and the Bad Baby by Vipont and Briggs

20. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Viorst and Cruz

[Kathleen O'Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

For this reviewer, there were no revelations in Reading Magic. Most of what Mem Fox writes is in the “of course” category for me. But what was exceedingly enjoyable was her take on reading to kids. Her style and examples were delightful.

This was a quick read in the pick-it-up, put-it-down, pick-it-up style of reading I seem to do these days.

While waiting at the dentist’s office, I read a portion of this book aloud to my 13-year-old son, who said, “I love it when you read to me, even if it’s reading about reading.” Reading Magic provides plenty of ammunition against the the learn-at-school-only crowd.

Get this book if you want to understand how children learn to read, how to teach children the particularly difficult language of English (which is only about 50% phonetic) or how to improve your read-aloud persona. Read it. Follow the suggestions. Read to your kids, every day for just 10 minutes. You will be glad you did.

For the rest of this review, check out the review section at eclectichomeschool.com/

[Carrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure who the audience is for this book. I don't think you'd pick it up if you didn't already think reading aloud to children is a valuable exercise. But, the author spends the entire book selling the reader on the value of reading aloud, using anecdotal evidence and quotes from her own children's books. She doesn't use any statistics, studies, or any sort of empirical evidence whatsoever. It's all: I tried this with my kid and a few of my friend's kids and they turned out great. I was interested in hearing more of the reasons behind what specific benefits reading to your children can have, not just her personal belief that it is beneficial, because I too hold that personal belief.

If you didn't think reading aloud was valuable, why would you ever be interested in this book? I can't see any value in this book having been written, unless it's somehow required reading for parents known to object to reading to their children. And those people, I think, probably have bigger problems.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing wrong with this book is that the people who really need to read it probably won't. I felt like she was preaching to the choir (me) because I agree with a lot of what she said. I don't agree that reading aloud to kids will fix reading disabilities, but I've seen the difference in my eighth grade reading students (kids with reading disabilities) between the ones who were read to often and the ones who were not read to. The ones who were read to try harder because they have a love for books even though reading is hard. The ones who were not read to, struggle to sit still, follow along, or focus. They hate books.

I loved all the ideas she gives for making reading aloud fun and exciting. I did many of the things she suggested with my own kids, but not all of the things, so I wish I could go back in time, read this book, and make reading aloud even more fun than what we had.

I wish every single mother and father would read this book when they are expecting their first child. It is a short little book - a quick read - and worth every minute of it.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh read aloud books, you light a fire in my soul everytime.

I've always been a reader, it was fostered in my family from a very early age. We read aloud as I got older too, I vividly remember my dad reading Where the Red Fern Grows to my family as we all sat in the living room together. It's one of those things you always remember.

I've always read to my children, and I've always encouraged them to read what they like. What I found most interesting in this book was the talk about "poor" readers in the classroom, and that rather than forcing them to figure out reading (which sucks) to instead read to them. It's something I'll keep in mind when I volunteer at the grade school again this year. I also liked the don't force kids to stop their flow and figure out a word. Just tell them, and they'll eventually recognize it again.

I will say that the ending felt a little sexist. It was reading to boys vs girls. And I'm not sure, I've only had girls, and they've always enjoyed a good story. My brother even that I read to as a kiddo liked a good story. But as I've never tried to raise a boy, I'm not sure about the difficulty in reading aloud to them. But the book did just kinda make it seem like boys are naturally less inclined to read, and I disagree. But again, not raising boys here.

I really did appreciate the parts about how it's important for dads to read to the kiddos too. I made my husband read to the girls a lot when they were younger. Reading together really is a great bonding experience, and one that dads should enjoy too. As annoying as it may be that a dad reading can mean more than a mom reading, if it keeps my kids in books, it's an annoyance I'll accept.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had wanted to read aloud to my children for a while but had never gotten started. Now that I’m homeschooling, reading aloud is part of our day, every day. I recently read The Read Aloud Handbook which was highly recommended as was this one.

Although they are both about reading aloud, they are quite different. So, I’m glad I read both. I recommend you read them both. But if you will only read one, then here is my suggestion. If you want advice and suggestions for reading aloud to kids of any age, even teens, I recommend The Read Aloud Handbook. If your child is still learning how to read, I recommend Reading Magic.

Why? This book doesn’t just go over why reading aloud is good, it offers suggestions on why and how to read aloud to benefit your child who is learning to read. It doesn’t say you can’t read to older kids but it’s focus is definitely reading aloud to teach literacy.

Both authors use studies to back up what they are saying. Mem Fox, who also happens to author some GREAT picture books, knows what the is talking about.

[Leah Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had very mixed feelings about this book. There are a lot of great points, so I do think it is very much worth the read. Reading aloud is crucial; however, it is important to keep in mind, Mem Fox is a literary specialist and not necessarily a child development specialist. There are some glaring inconsistencies throughout her book. One in particular is the mentality: "all hope is lost" if you haven't read to your child consistently before the age of five, but children as old as ages eight and nine, as examples later in the book, became avid readers - clearly all hope is not lost. This book does give the impression that you are doing your child a disservice if you have not been reading every single day at least three books a day since the day they were born - even to the point that they will not reach their intellectual potential!

Also, if you are not constantly providing intellectual stimulus to your child under the age of one you have not laid the foundation for them to be creative, intelligent individuals. She gives examples of going to the zoo, reading magazines, riding a plane, looking at pictures on the computer, or (and Lord help us if this doesn't prove she's not a child development specialist) television... It's a miracle anyone born before modernity was brilliant at all. I wonder did Einstein, Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis not reach their intellectual capacity, because by Mem Fox's standards they did not have enough stimuli. And let's not buy into chronological snobbery. The next generation of children will have different experiences and possibly more experiences readily available then what was suggested by Mem Fox, so technically no child will ever reach their intellectual heights by this standard! This point is also extremely relevant and crucial to think about as we are only now coming out of COVID. According to this logic, every COVID baby who lived in lockdown during their first year of life is intellectually stunted - permanently. I'm sorry, Mem Fox, I see what you are trying to say and experience is important, but I am going to fall back on the medical professionals and actual scientific research on this one.

What frustrated me the most was according to her criteria my daughter should have been reading fluently by 18 months. I know of no one else who has read as much to their child as I have and I do not say that to brag, but that it was one of the only the ways I could bond with my child while battling OCD. We do voices, we laugh, we play... she has no interest in reading herself. Mem does say there are rare exceptions, (again inconsistency) but later says, probably one of the three secrets is imbalanced. According to Reading Magic's "Three Secrets", I have actually done everything as well as I could (for my first born at least, my poor stunted COVID baby is doomed) and she is barely reading and almost five.

Reading Magic does have some excellent points. I was intrigued by her thoughts on phonics and I will say that it only got me thinking, of course, I would need to dig deeper and see some of the research and backing to formulate a personal opinion. Two other excellent points: read the original fairy-stories and have dad's read to their children. I have heard many parents voice their hesitation in reading anything that might expose their children to hard topics. Hard topics are life and I want to have those discussions with my children, not leave it to a teacher or have them encounter the cruelties of the world unprepared. Fairy-stories have so many merits including what Mem Fox rightly points out as the "action-consequence" sequence and the "happy-ending" (or eucatastrophe). I have only touched the surface in researching and writing academically on fairy-stories (as an Oxford graduate) and I am constantly impressed by how many benefits are hidden in these gems. In regard to dad's reading to their children, well, I do not think there can be any argument to the merits there.

All that to say, I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water on this one. Anyone who can critically think will spot the tensions and inconsistencies in this book, but also be able to pick out the gems. For parents out there who are reading to their kids, YOU ARE DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB!! And whatever you can do or however long you can read to your children, go you! Well done! Parenting is hard and especially once you have more than one child to read to with different levels, interests, and attention spans! Keep on being the amazing parent you are!

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST scientific, nerdy, brainy, wordy, and exiting book on reading every. The author is passionate about this subject and it shows. A really good academic look at reading, reading aloud, and phonics!

[Christie]

In this book Mem Fox reveals the emotional and academic impact about reading aloud to children has on their ability to learn to read. All parents want and expect their children to learn and read but few realize the impact they have on their ability to help their children alone the way. The author, also a literacy expert, using humor and her expertise, tells us about her own experience with reading aloud, not only to her own children but also her college students. The author reveals the importance of reading outload can have a deep impact on people across a wide range of people, showing its importance. The author’s general purpose is to bring an mindfulness to an everyday idea, reflect on reading aloud and how it’s impacted our own life.
Based on the opinion that the benefits of reading aloud are not generally standard or adequately encouraged, this book explains why reading aloud to young children has a emotional and academic impact on their capacity to read and learn. The book begins with the reminiscence of how the author turned out to be aware of the effects of reading aloud on young children. The book continues with a conversation of brain research during early child development. Reading-aloud is presented as the perfect occasion for conversations with children that have been connected to IQ improvement and as an chance for parents and children to connect on several levels with one another. Reading aloud to children is shown through stories about teachers reading to their students and stories about recollections of being read to as a child. The book mentions starting to read aloud to children the day they are born, creating a routine that matches the needs of the family, and creating a routine for reading aloud at bedtime. Ideas are given for reading stories in a way the is enjoyable to your children and how to create read-aloud sessions through reading games, and helping children to write. The book also clarifies how reading contains three "secrets.” These include understanding print, understanding language, and understanding how the world works. Fox explains when children do not learn to read or hate reading, it is often because too great a focus has been placed on only one of the “secrets” of reading. Fox makes suggestions for selecting books for children of different ages, and how to make reading as fun to children as watching television. The book ends with a conversation of dealing with things that that arise when children are starting to read.

If you’re looking for a book that goes uses facts from research and scientific data, this is not the book. The author uses stories of her own experience and her own professional opinion to derive the conclusion that you can help improve their child’s ability to read and improve intelligence by creating a routine and activities around reading out loud to your children. The author makes the book fun and entertaining and give parents ideas to use at home with their own children. She also brings the issue to light, as many parents have not thought about this as they start out into parenthood for the first time.

[Hector Caballero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intended to educate parents on the importance of reading aloud to their children. Written by Mem Fox, who is a former professor of literacy education, and who is the author of many popular children’s books.

“Reading Magic” is filled with very important do’s and don'ts of reading aloud to children. The book describes ways in which an adult can make reading fun, and not turn children off to reading by turning reading into a chore. The book does an excellent job of explaining why reading aloud to children is so important, and how one can never, start too early. The book isn’t technical at all, everything is spelled out in a very clear and precise way. All of the statements claimed in the book are backed up by testimonials, and research. If you are not currently reading to your children, this book is a must read, for you.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so easy to read, that I completed it, in only four short sittings, and I am not, a fast reader. Mem Fox takes you on an educational journey on the importance of reading aloud to children. The book is filled with testimonials of parents who have struggled with getting their children to read, as well as getting them to enjoy and comprehend what they are reading. Some basic principles that the book tries to convey are; reading to a child is so much more then reciting the words. Careful attention should be payed to punctuation. Learning when to read fast, and when to read slow, and reading volume are all essential to a positive experience for your children. I must confess, that the beginning of the book had made me feel as though I was wasting my time reading this book. All indications were that given the age of my children, I was too late to start reading to them. However, my reading this book could not have come at a better time. Late last week I received a letter from my son’s fourth grade teacher. Informing me that although my son was very bright, he is not at the level of reading he needs to be in order to be successful. My son and I have started reading every night together. I will usually begin reading to him, utilizing the principles spelled out by Mem Fox, and then we finish our session with him reading to me. After only a week of doing this, and carefully applying Fox’s principles. I am happy to report that for the last few days, my son has come to me with book in hand excited to begin one of our sessions. Only time will tell if this trend continues, but for now, we are both excited and enjoying the time we are spending with each other. I plan on posting a revised review once a few months have passed. If you are looking for ways to enrich the lives of the children in your life, I would highly recommend you begin by reading this book.

[Sheila Saiko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explains the fundamental reasons as to why children should be read aloud to and often. The book was not what I initially expected. While the author has an amazing background and obviously a profound insight and passion for reading aloud. I thought there would be substantiated reasoning to how reading aloud will accomplish great things in a child’s life instead the book was littered with real-life examples as basis for theory. While these examples provide interesting cases of what reading aloud can accomplish, this theory is not supported by concrete evidence such as research or professional studies. I feel the intended audiences that should be reading this book and would benefit the most are those that do not regularly read themselves and would probably not stumble upon this book. Those that are regular readers more than likely are already reading to their children and passing on their habits to their offspring. This book affirms what an avid reader is more than likely already doing with and for their children.
The author is very passionate about reading to children and gives a great deal of self-promotion. Her excitement to the cause is evident through her numerous examples, however, some seem a little far-fetched. She gives great points and tips on how to help children while reading. The author breaks down the fundamentals of reading and how children learn to do so. She does make it seem, however, that you will fail as a parent and your child will struggle if you have not been reading to them since before birth. Dyslexia is also discredited for how debilitating it can be which is an interesting twist and not necessarily a favorable one, but is the author’s theory. I am not entirely sure that reading aloud to a child can keep them from being dyslexic but perhaps could help them on their journey. There are three secrets to reading that are elaborated upon and a separate chapter is devoted to each secret. The book also goes in-depth to address the issues of television or technology in our society.
The book is an easy and quick read as there are some great tips and tricks on how to help a child when reading to them. The opinions should be taken with a grain of salt as I think parents do the best they can with what they have in their own life situation. In my opinion, any level or amount of reading to a child is better than not reading to them at all. I do like how the author says that once reading is incorporated into your life you forget it is even happening.

[Ellen Haigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really expressed to me as a reader how important and beneficial it is to read aloud to children along with insightful advice. Mem Fox is very positive and energetic throughout the whole book. The book states very good reasons how reading aloud to children does have a huge impact on their future. Her personal stories truly added great presence to the book. All of her individual stories have noticeably changed how children continue to read. I feel as though the author directs her attention towards parents with children, parents that highly encourage reading, parents who can have a difficult time getting their child to read and parents are already read to their children because they find it just as important. It’s important to recognize that every child learns to read differently.
The author really breaks down a few important topics on how “words are essential in building the thought connections in the brain, the more language a child experiences” she also states along with that being said, “through books and through conversation with others, not passively from television- the more advantaged socially, educationally, and in every way that child will be for the rest of his or her life.” I think that is is very well true. I feel when children are at a younger age in life it is easier for them to learn visually and by listening. She also points out the three secrets of reading which are divided up into three different chapters and essential each one is.
I found this book to be an easy read for myself, I did like the illustrations that came along with it, and the good advice that Mem Fox offers. I also like how engaged the author was throughout the book because it brought it to life and how she really is passionate with children reading. This book was not at all boring to me I found it extremely interesting and I took a lot of good things away from it.I think that most parents would appreciate this book because of how she really puts forth effort into helping children read. I feel like most parents encourage their child to read but it can be difficult if they don’t like it or don’t have interest; which Mem Fox tries to make it be easier and more interesting. I would have to say that every child learns how to read different and that parents can’t assumed that they have failed as a parent or parents because their might not be as developed as others, what I gathered from this book is that Mem Fox has found ways to change and improve how children learn to read and that this is a good tool and technique for those who have children to use.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to the art and necessity of reading to our children. Mem Fox weaves her own personal stories along with anecdotes throughout the book, offering information on why it’s important to read to our children and how children develop their communication, reading, and writing skills. She shares tips on how to read to our children and why it is incredibly important to start when they are babies. Wiping out illiteracy could be accomplished within one generation, if we would read three stories a day to our children, according to Mem Fox.

Mem Fox states, “The foundations of learning to read are set down from the moment a child first hears the sounds of people talking, the tunes of songs, and the rhythms and repetitions of rhymes and stories (p. 14-15). According to experts, our children need to have a thousand stories read to them before they even start school. Mem Fox offers concrete suggestions on how to accomplish this. She suggests that we read three books to our children a day; a child’s favorite book, a familiar book and a new book. Talking about what you read together is just as important as reading it, according to the author.

The author also shares helpful tips on how to read a story to a child. Giving pointers such as utilizing your eyes to enhance the mood of the story and changing the inflection and pace of the story to keep young listeners interested. She lists seven things you can do with your voice such as being loud or soft and reading fast or slow. She states, “Expressive reading is reading that is remembered.” (p.52)

Mem Fox tackles what isn’t working with struggling young readers and why. She spells out implicitly why phonics don’t work with young readers and gives suggestions on what works better. She also states that most reading programs designed to help young readers catch up in school don’t work well. She points out that the books used for these programs don’t interest or engage the readers.

Without bogging the reader down with too many facts or figures, the author successfully enlightens the reader about the importance of reading to our children and also how to go about reading to them. She points out the pitfalls of the current school protocols and gives amazing suggestions that are easy to follow and integrate into our lives. Mem Fox made a believer out of this grandmother. My only negative is that I wish I had read this book when my children were younger!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mem Fox's enthusiasm for reading aloud to children definitely exudes in her writing. She gives obvious but great reminders about having expression while reading aloud to children, in order to create a fun environment. I think she points out, needfully, that children must have good feelings fostered towards reading - we must make it enjoyable!

Fox seems to attribute a little too much to reading - it is valuable but not a cure-all for character:)

Fox is an advocate for "whole language literacy" versus phonics, though she does mention phonics has some value. She says - "The stories first approach achieves better results than letters-and-phonics approach."

Mem Fox says good reading starts with children recognizing the value of print, hearing as much language as possible to learn to know what to expect, and knowing general knowledge (understand the context they are reading helps quick comprehension). All of this comes from reading aloud!

I am not surprised that this all has some (though not always direct) correlation to reading music - it's important to recognize musical notes; but good reading is chunking measures and innately feeling the continuous flow of music. Love reading outside my field of music and seeing correlations!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone that was read to as a child and has worked at a library for nine years, I am not the target audience for this book; I have always believed in the necessity of reading to children and have seen many great storytellers and librarians in action, so what may seem like common sense to me, may not be to everyone. I think this book is great for parents who may not yet see the value of libraries, books, or reading aloud. It is passionately written and contains pages of great anecdotes. Reading Magic is a quick and enjoyable read.
That being said, my review as follows is written based on the fact that I had to read this as a text for school:
I felt this book was very redundant. I also felt as though it did not have enough evidential value to be validated for use in an educational setting. There were a few instances in which methodology, psychological aspects, etc. were mentioned without anything other than anecdotal evidence to support them. I would have loved to have seen studies or statistics cited to give the claims more corroboration. I found what Mem Fox had to say about phonics very interesting; the sections on phonics made the book worthwhile for me.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

his book could have been completely finished after the introduction. But instead, Mem repeats herself several times about how reading aloud to your child is important and how many people's lives she has changed. I guess to me, maybe I have had a rare experience but most of what she wrote was just plain common sense. I kept reading because I was fascinated that people were shocked about "her" idea of reading to their own kids! It almost saddened me this book, to know that there are so many parents who find it a shocking idea to actually read to their kids. Because this was not such a shocking idea to me, I guess I found her voice in her writing to be too condescending and a very much "hey, aren't I the best reader in the world, and I judge everyone who does not do it my way". But again, I too am very very passionate about reading and reading to my kids and anything that can promote that to other parents, teachers, etc... is a service to all mankind.

[Arnetha Villery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. All parents should read. I wish I had know how important it is to read out loud to children, even babies; when my children were born.
Excellent Book!!
Mem Fox-Best-selling children's author and internationally respected literacy expert Mem Fox reveals the incredible emotional and intellectual impact reading aloud to children has on their ability to learn to read. With passion and humor, Fox speaks of when, where, and why to read aloud and demonstrates how to read aloud to best effect and get the most out of a read-aloud session. She discusses the three secrets of reading, offers guidance on defining and choosing good books, and—for this new edition—includes two new chapters on boy readers and phonics, a foreword, and a list of "Twenty Books That Children Love." Filled with practical advice, activities, and inspiring true read-aloud miracles, this book is a turn-to classic for educators and parents.

[Carrie Fraser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the tone of this book to be a bit sanctimonious, in spite of the fact that I am a very strong believer in reading to children often and from birth. The book made some good points but it was nothing that I hadn't heard before or practiced myself. Perhaps I was not the intended audience. If you are looking for information on how to make your voice interesting while reading to children then this would be a good place to look.

[Becca Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I could love any parenting book as much as I love The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease but this book is definitely going to rank right next to it! This is less of a "what to read" instructional and more of a "here's why reading aloud is so valuable." I especially appreciated her ideas on how to help young readers progress with fluency. So refreshing. I highly recommend this for parents, grandparents & teachers!!!