Now that Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer, and the end of the school year is near, it’s getting more and more challenging to keep our children focused on their homework. After all, one more ride around the block or ball in the net is way more fun than being stuck inside… reading. To grab the attention of our restless youth, it may be time to break out a great read-aloud. Read-alouds are wonderful for engaging the entire family in a story, even when there are lots of other things competing for their attention. So here is a list of the most recent books we have read that are extremely well-suited for this purpose. There is a little something here for everyone.  Be sure to click on the book covers to get the full scoop.

Happy reading!

- Jen, Story Snoop

Who am I kidding? I must be up to Plan G by now. I love my reluctant reader but he is tough. Just when I think I have him well on his way to reading bliss, BAM, we hit another wall. I’ve tried fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, graphic novels, fantasy, adventure, dystopian, bribery — you name it. To be honest, it’s hit or miss. There is no formula for success.

But, I have recently struck upon something that is working — for now — so I had to share. Audio books. Yup. I get an audio book version of something I think my son would like and, for some reason, I don’t get the eye-roll or the wrinkled nose. Instead, he disappears into his man cave of a room every night (WITHOUT BEING ASKED) and listens to his book. Granted, I picked a really good one — a slam dunk — to start with, but now he is actually enjoying “reading.”

So what follows is a list of books I’ve listened to that are particularly engaging for boys, starting with the one that has captured the attention of my fourteen-year-old son, Carter Finally Gets It, by Brent Crawford. These are all terrific stories paired with terrific narrators. Hopefully there is something for everyone — all ages and interests. Click on the book cover to get the details. And please let me know if there are any books I should add to the list. I’m always looking for the next great read (or listen).

Happy reading!

- Jen, StorySnoop

As parents, and as human beings, we are deeply saddened by the senseless tragedy that occurred in Connecticut last Friday. Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones, the survivors, the first responders, and the entire community of Newtown. It is, without question, one of the most devastating events in recent history. Across the country this past week, parents have hugged their children a little tighter, appreciated the guardians of their safety a little more. Today, we honor those that were lost. And for those of you who want to do something to help, we’ve provided addresses for the brave first responders and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary, in case you’d like to send some kind words their way.

Newtown Police Department

3 Main Street

Newtown, CT 06470

Connecticut State Police

Public Information Office

1111 Country Club Road

Middletown, CT 06457

Sandy Hook Vol. Fire and Rescue

PO Box 783

18-20 Riverside Road

Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corp.

77 Main Street

Newtown, CT 06470

Sandy Hook Elementary School

12 Dickenson Drive

Sandy Hook, CT 06482

It may be the most wonderful time of the year but, truth be told, it can also be a wee bit stressful. After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over — the last holiday recital attended, the last card mailed, and the last present wrapped — you can finally breathe a sigh of relief. And that’s just when your kids will no doubt be looking at you, wondering what they should do. One of my most crafty solutions to the age-old problem of the holiday lull is, shockingly enough, a great read. I like to take advantage of mandatory family time and choose a book that will entertain everyone, adults included. My all-time favorite family read-aloud is, of course, Harry Potter.  But since I’m the only one in my family who is willing to start all over with Book One, I have to let it go.

If you are looking for a read aloud for your own family during the holidays, here is a list of StorySnoops favorites. They include books from various genres — from fantasy to realistic fiction — so there should be something for everyone. Choose one or two and take advantage of the quiet moments, even if they are few. Maybe even start a new tradition. Reading aloud to my family during the holidays is an activity I will always treasure.

Happy Holiday Reading!

-Jen, StorySnoop

June is the official month celebrating LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender-Transsexual) Pride. In both children’s and young adult literature, there are a great many characters that fall somewhere in the LGBT category. Here is a selection of books that reflect characters either struggling with their sexuality, or who are very secure in their sexuality, or somewhere in between. For young people who may need to know that they are not alone and that there are characters and stories that reflect who they are, and what they deal with, these books serve a very valuable purpose.