Miss Debby's Best Loved Children's Books

Charlotte Jewish News October 2021

Some of my favorite memories include snuggling in bed and reading chapter books aloud to my own sons. Even to this day, we exchange beloved quotes from those shared books. Though your elementary-aged children are able to read to themselves, reading aloud to them remains an extremely valuable and educational experience.

Here are some of the many benefits of reading aloud to your school-aged children:

• Builds a joyous connection to reading and to literature

• Expands vocabulary

• Improves comprehension

• Improves listening skills

• Models fluent reading

• Introduces different genres

• Enhances empathy and understanding

of others and promotes opportunity for discussion

• Last, but probably the most important, reading aloud for 15- 20 minutes a day provides quality bonding time between parent and child — a true benefit for both the child and the adult.

I recommend that the adult reads aloud books that are above the level their children are capable of reading comfortably to themselves. Bedtime is a great time to explore together classic literature such as “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Mouse and the Motorcycle,” the Judy Blume series about Fudge, or even J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” Pick a book that you as the adult will enjoy, making this a perfect winwin experience.

Here are some of my bestloved books to read aloud to your big kid:

“The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks

Imagine one of your dolls or plastic figurines coming to life. That is exactly what happens when Omri puts his new plastic figure of a Native American man into a metal box and turns a mysterious skeleton key. The interactions between Omri and the tiny being from a different time and culture are delightful, as is their growing friendship. This

book is at the top of my list to read to your child or grandchild. (Appropriate for ages seven and older.)

“Does God Have a Big Toe: Stories About Stories in the Bible” by Marc Gellman

One of my all-time favorite books to read to elementary-aged children is “Does God Have a Big Toe?” by Marc Gellman. Rabbi Gellman shares his amazing, and often hilarious, versions of creation and other Torah tales. I love all the stories, but “Adam’s Animals” will delight any child. Do you know what Adam called the “large-gray-wrinkledup-long-nosed-big-eared-whitetusked-tree-eating-stomper?” That’s right … “Hey You!” If you and your child enjoy this book, I would also recommend Marc Gellman’s “God’s Mailbox.” (Appropriate for children K-4th grade but great fun for adults as well.)

“Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang” by Mordechai Richler

Jacob Two Two is two plus two plus two years old. He has two ears, two eyes, two arms, and two feet. He has two sisters and two brothers, but he is the littlest. Unfortunately, no one listens to Jacob Two Two the first time, so he has gotten into the unfortunate habit of saying everything twice. When Jacob Two Two is finally allowed on his first adventure, he insults an adult by repeating himself and ends up in a creepy children’s prison run by the purportedly frightful Hooded Fang. “Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang” is a delightful and darkly humorous adventure story written by the acclaimed Jewish Canadian author of “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz.” (Appropriate to read aloud to children ages five to eight)

“The Lemonade War” by Jacqueline Davies

I recently discovered and was instantly impressed by “The Lemonade War” by Jewish author Jacqueline Davies. This story brings sibling rivalry to a whole new level when Evan and brainy younger sister Jessie compete to see who can make the most profit from their lemonade stand. This award-winning book is lighthearted yet emotionally charged as it explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone’s intent. “The Lemonade War” successfully weaves in lessons on math, marketing, and business in a child-friendly way. If you enjoy this book, look for the other books in the series as well. (Appropriate to read aloud to children grades three through five)

“Death by Toilet Paper” by Donna Gephart

Benjamin lives with his mother, his zeyde (grandfather), and a fish named Barkley. Benjamin does everything he can to help his family become financially solvent, from selling candy bars to attempting to win $10,000 by writing a slogan for a toilet paper company. This PJ Our Way selection is in turns emotional, heartwarming, and humorous. Fun facts about toilet paper can be found in every chapter. (Appropriate to read to children ages nine to twelve. Note: This book deals with the recent death of the character’s father.)

What was your favorite book? Why not share it with your child tonight?

Miss Debby’s best-loved books are available at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library. Please stop in and pick up a copy to read to your child tonight. Alternatively, you may reserve a copy by emailing library@jewishcharlotte.org or calling (704) 944-6783.