How To Read A Story
Written by: Kate Messner
Illustrated by: Mark Siegel
Ages : 4-8years
Publisher: Chronicle Books (May 5, 2015)
2015 Parents Choice Award
Theme: Reading, Learning
Opening Lines: Step 1 Find a story. A good one. It can have princesses and castles, if you like that sort of thing, or witches and trolls. (As long as they’re not too scary.)
Synopsis: (front flap) Kate Messner and Mark Siegel brilliantly chronicle the process of becoming a reader, from choosing a book and finding someone with whom to share it to guessing what will happen and – finally- coming to The End.
Why I like it: This is certainly an exceptional book. Not only did the cute cover catch my eye but the overall text is well thought out. It’s quick, snappy and playful with layers, almost like a lesson, or teachers guide, yet keeps one interested by building a story within a story. Both the child and the reading buddy are given instructions throughout on how to go about reading a story. It’s not until you come to the end that you realise there was a story within. You just have to read it again.
When Kate was little she used to follow her parents’ dinner guests around with piles of books, hoping for a read aloud. These days she is paying it forward, writing beautiful childrens’ books and sharing them. She lives on Lake Chaplain with her family.
Mark Siegel is an award-winning illustrator of a number of books and lives in New York.
Resources/Findings: You will find all you need to know about Kate and her books on her beautiful website. Along with Question and Answers, Kate is a speaker and writers guru at many conferences and workshops. Checkout her appearance dates … http://www.katemessner.com/
Here is a great review from one of my writing buddies. (I thought I had seen it somewhere)…. http://thiskidreviewsbooks.com/2015/05/01/perfect-picture-book-friday-how-to-read-a-story-by-kate-messner/
A resource for teachers…. http://reading.ecb.org/teacher/pdfs/lessons/vis_lp_StoryWheel.pdf
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors
Writer and Dreamer at work 
What a clever idea for a book! I haven’t seen this one, but it certainly would encourage reading.
Hi Pat. (boy your quick..lol.) Yes it is very clever and sweet. It has previously been reviewed by our chum Erik. Hoping you are having a great Easter weekend. Hugs and thanks for stopping by.
I like the idea of this book! Thanks. Have a fabulous Easter weekend Diane.
Glad you like it. You too, have a great Easter weekend.
So many ways to read…. my kids preferred to be upside down, hanging from the edge of a bed or couch…
Ha,ha, actually I have a nephew who does that. Strange! Have a great Easter weekend.
I really liked this one! I also reviewed it on my blog: http://andrea-mack.blogspot.ca/2015/08/learning-from-picture-books-how-to-read.html
I’m so glad you like this one. It is a very popular and Kate has written many great books. Thanks for popping in hope you have a great weekend.
I remember Erik reviewing this. Kate Messner is a very clever writer; her books always have such depth and this seems like no exception.
I’ve seen this book mentioned but haven’t read it yet. I also reviewed a Kate Messner book this week – she’s been busy!
Yes I agree her books are exceptional. Thanks Joanna. Have a great Easter weekend.
This book looks awesome! I am going to pick it up at the library. Thanks for the review.