- Great concept for early readers
- Appealing stories and illustrations
- Good use of rhyme, rhythm and repetition
- Repetition may be overdone
- Suggested for ages 4-8
- Published by Little, Brown Young Readers
- 32 pages
- $16.99 in hardcover
Beginning readers can be easily fatigued by the hard work of decoding words. To lessen the stress when reading with grandchildren who are early readers, I sometimes suggest that we alternate reading pages. Mary Ann Hoberman's creation, You Read to Me, I Read to You, is an even better way of addressing that concern, as well as being a whole lot of fun. Some lines are designated for one reader, some for the other reader, and some for the two readers to read together. Color-coding and placement on the page indicate who should be reading. It's perfect for grandchildren aged 5 to 9 or for a precocious preschooler.
My grandsons are good readers but are not noted for their attention spans. This book holds their attention well, with its creative stories and whimsical illustrations by Michael Emberley. There are at least two other books by Hoberman in the same vein, one containing fairy tales and one with scary stories. There are a couple of books by other authors with remarkably similar titles which may or may not be just as delightful.
Hoberman also deserves kudos for promoting reading in general: "In the shade (Or in the sun) / Choose a book (That looks like fun.) / One that's old (Or one that's new.) / Make-believe (Or really true.) / I'll read one line (I'll read two.) / You'll read to me. / I'll read to you."
Why Especially Suited for Reading With Grandchildren
If you want your grandchildren to practice reading while they are with you, or if they need to read for homework, this book gives you an easy way to get them reading. Reluctant readers often aren't intimidated by the idea of reading a few lines. Children who read with ease and pleasure will enjoy the rhythm of sharing reading with a partner.
