Engaging Kids with Literature, Stand-Alone Books vs Series

Engaging Kids with Literature (4:12) Many experts say that we should let children read what they want to read. It might not be what we want, but maybe that’s not the point. We could, and should, just celebrate that they’re reading at all. Now, there’s even better news, says literary expert, Nell K. Duke. We adults and teachers can help broaden horizons for our children, often by example. We can show them how their specific choices and preferences are not the only exciting worlds awaiting them. Nell K. Duke is a professor with expertise in literacy, language, and culture. She works in the combined program in education and psychology at the University of Michigan. Duke’s award-winning research focuses on early literacy development, particularly among children living in poverty. One of Duke’s most recent books is Beyond Bedtime Stories: A Parent’s Guide to Promoting Reading, Writing, and Other Literacy Skills from Birth to 5. Stand-Alone Books vs Series (15:20) Next, Rachel talks to children’s book author, Matthew J. Kirby about his creative process with his stand-alone books as opposed to his popular series. You may know some his titles such as The Clockwork Three, Icefall, The Dark Gravity Sequence series, and, his most recent books: A Taste for Monsters and “Last Descendants” – the first of the Assassins Creed series. When he’s not writing books, Matt is also a school psychologist. Poetry (27:33) We finish up the show today with a poem by William Blake entitled, The Lamb, read by Emma Calderwood.