Hoberman, Mary Ann. You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Stories to Read Together. Ill. Michael Emberley. New York: Hatchette. 2001. ISBN 978-0316013161.
SUMMARY AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS
You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Stories to Read Together features a collections of short stories told in rhyming verse. Each story is intended for two voices. This title is one in a series of books created with young readers in mind. This title features children and animals as main characters in a variety of funny circumstances.
The simple text is skillfully written by former Children's Poet Laureate and award winning author, Mary Ann Hoberman. Readers will enjoy the accessible language, short lines and a strong rhythm and beat in each story. Repetition is used effectively to reinforce phrases and questions. The repetition creates humor and provides support for learning new vocabulary. Each rhyming story ends with "You read to me, I'll read to you," reminding readers to share these stories with a friend. Alternating text color and the text layout make it easy for young readers to share the text.
Engaging cartoon-like illustrations add humor and detail to each short story. Illustrator Michael Emberley has filled each page with many small vignettes or entire scenes. There is so much to look on each page, readers will want to linger over the illustrations. From the funny expressions on the faces of animals and children to the actions and antics of the the same, many readers will be laughing out loud. Two pigs solve a problem of lost money in "The Dime." You will find two tough dogs sticking up for the pesky mice in "The Big Cat." The reader will see a different perspective in "I Like" when two friends talk back and forth on their fire escape balconies.
The short stories are playful and promote reading success for young readers and provide a fun experience to share with a friend. This title is an excellent selection for emerging readers. Hoberman's engaging text is complemented and extended by Emberley's creative and funny illustrations.
SPOTLIGHT ON A POEM
Any selection from this book can be used for reader's theater presentation for the classroom. Try "I Like," it features two friends sharing their opposites likes. The short sentences will be easy to read for most young readers and it can be read with expression. Choose two students to prepare the poem in advance and then have them share it with the class. Provide copies of the poem after it has been presented and allow students to read it with a partner. Encourage students to work with a friend to create their own versions of "I Like." Allow time for partners to share their original poems with the class.
"I Like"
"I like soda.
I like milk.
I like satin.
I like silk.
I like puppies.
I like kittens.
I like gloves.
I like mittens.
I like apples.
I like pears.
I like tigers.
I like bears.
I like to slide.
I like to swing.
We don't agree
on anything!
I like butter.
I like jam.
I like turkey.
I like ham.
I like rivers.
I like lakes.
I like cookies.
I like cakes.
I like yellow.
I like blue.
I like pizza.
I like stew.
I like summer.
I like spring.
We don't agree
on anything!
There's something else
I like a lot.
But if I like it,
You will not.
There's something else
That I like, too.
But you won't like it
If I do.
Tell me yours.
And I'll tell you mine.
I like reading.
Reading's fine!
You like reading?
Yes, I do.
Why reading was
What I picked, too!
Well, then, at last
We both agree!
I'll read to you!
You'll read to me!
EXTENSIONS
Children will enjoy all of Mary Ann Hoberman's titles. Pick up several of them to read aloud to the class and to have on hand for students to read to themselves. Check out her website for a complete list of her 45 titles and to see a parade of her characters move across the screen. You will also find other interesting information on the website at http://www.maryannhoberman.com/index.html. Don't miss Michael Emberley's website for questions and answers with the illustrator and a colorful view of his engaging artwork. Find him at http://www.michaelemberley.com.
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