Summer is at an end and my kids just started school again, which cues changes in schedules and routines. That makes now the perfect time to set your family up for success in reading aloud together.
Reading together with your kids is one of the most important things you can do, besides feeding them and keeping them safe. There are so many benefits to this family habit:
- stronger parent-child bonds
- boosts language and vocabulary
- improves thinking, memory, and brain development
- improves school readiness and ability
- develops longer attention spans
- grows empathy and emotional awareness
- builds imagination and creativity
- encourages lifelong reading
- fosters passing on family values and traditions
Based on all that, I’d love to help you form a new habit of reading aloud as a family. Research has shown that there are 5 steps to forming a new habit, making it very doable!
- Pick a simple action to do.
Choose to read one picture book, or one page, or one poem: some very small amount of reading together to get started. - Tie the new habit into an existing routine.
Read during your bedtime routine, or at snack time, or in the morning right before/after breakfast. You could even read during toothbrush time. Just pick something to tack reading onto that you already do everyday. - Repeat consistently.
Once you start your habit, keep doing it at the same time/place everyday. - Gradually increase difficulty.
After the reading habit is consistent, you can increase the amount to 2 books, or 2 pages, adding on slowly until you reach your desired goal. - Reward yourself.
Everyday, after reading together, let there be a reward for reading. High-fives, hugs, dance party, etc. Something super easy that will cue your body to know what you did is awesome.)
I would love to partner with you in encouraging your new reading habit. I have 30 days of emails to help you with starting your family reading time. You can find out more about the challenge here or sign up for it right now:
Join the Challenge!
*By signing up, you’ll receive daily emails for 30 days plus occasional updates about family reading resources. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Author/Illustrator Updates:
Upcoming Events:
Storytime:
September 13, 2025 – 11 AM – Best of Books, Edmond OK
Want an event near you?
I am currently booking storytime events and author visits. These events are fun, interactive, and engaging with songs, fingerplays, and reading for preschool-aged kids. I can also do author/illustrator chats for elementary aged kids.
If you know any stores or schools who might be interested in an event such as this, I would love to connect with them. Email me for more information at charlotte@charlotteglaze.com.
Book Reviews:
Picture Book: Feathers Together
Feathers Together is a sweet picture book about two storks who stay connected even when they’re far apart. With beautiful illustrations and themes of friendship, love, and resilience, it’s a wonderful read-aloud for families.
Picture Book: The Noisy Puddle
The Noisy Puddle is a vibrant picture book that explores the changing life of a vernal pool through the seasons. With lyrical text and cut-paper illustrations, this nature book is a wonderful read-aloud for kids who love animals and the outdoors.
Middle Grade: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes is a magical middle grade adventure full of thieves, pirates, curses, and courage. Perfect for fans of The Princess Bride or Peter Pan, this read-aloud favorite is both thrilling and heartwarming.
Young Adult: Sorcery of Thorns
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson is a magical YA fantasy filled with living grimoires, sorcerers, and romance. Perfect for readers who enjoy clean fantasy romance with adventure, twists, and character growth.
Adult: The Book of Lost Names
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel is a powerful WWII historical fiction about a young woman who forges identity papers to save Jewish children in France. A moving story of courage, resistance, and love.
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