Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together - (You Read to Me, I'll Read to You) by Mary Ann Hoberman (Paperback)

About the Book

This book uses traditional reading teaching techniques (alliteration, rhyme, repetition, short sentences) to invite young children to read along with an adult. Eight short fairy tales fit on one spread and feature the characters and stories that children love best. Full color.

Book Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author and former children's poet laureate Mary Ann Hoberman comes a new collection of fresh read-aloud takes on eight favorite fairy tales, including "The Three Bears," "Cinderella," and "Little Red Riding Hood."

Designed with emerging readers in mind, each of the tales is told in short rhyming dialogues--with each character's lines indicated by a different color--to be used as a script for two voices to read separately and together. Using traditional reading teaching techniques like alliteration, rhyme, repetition, and short sentences, the text invites young children to read along, while Michael Emberley's lively illustrations enhance the stories' humor and high spirits.

Goldilocks, the Little Red Hen, the Three Little Pigs, and many more beloved characters star in these tales-with-a-twist that are perfect for early and reluctant readers, readers' theater, and bedtime fun.

A 2005 Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts by the Children's Literature Assembly of the National Council of Teacher of English. Also chosen as a 2004 Gryphon Award Honor Book by the Center for Children's Books.

Review Quotes

"A wonderful read-aloud experience for two voices... a truly delightful reading ensemble."--School Library Journal

"An exuberant read-aloud collection. Emberley's illustrations capture the liveliness of the poems beckoning readers to join in and relish the fun."--Kirkus

"Beginning readers will be encouraged by the early successes they are likely to meet within these pages, to go out and conquer the mountains of written word that lie ahead of them."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Even seasoned older readers will love the parody... Emberley's clear comic- style pictures are hilarious."--Booklist

"Seldom has a potential play script been as delectably illustrated as this one."--Horn Book

"The brevity, repetition and rhyme help youngsters develop reading skills -- all while enjoying the cozy interaction with another reader... should inspire frequent readings as well as a demand for the originals."--Children's Literature

"The content is as smart as the format, with fresh takes on old plots."--Child Magazine

"The energy never flags, neither in Hoberman's trademark bouncy rhythms nor in Emberley's exuberant illustrations."--Booklist

"These brief verse retellings are just right for you to share with your new reader."--Parenting Magazine

About the Author

Mary Ann Hoberman is a children's poet and author. The former children's poet laureate, she is also a National Book Award recipient. She has published over forty books for children.