About a year ago, I came across this title while reading something or another on the topic of reading and children's books. Along with abundant praise was the information that this book had been newly translated and had heretofore been difficult to obtain. The blurb promised that this teacher/author, well-known in France for several charming books, was completely in tune with what was truly essential and important in the experience of reading, specifically the experience of children and reading. I was all in for this.
It took a while to get my hands on a copy. Once I had it, I read it in about a day because I was entranced and enthralled with the simple truths told by this man and the knowing, forgiving and honest way in which he tells them. I suppose I like it chiefly because I agree with most of it and have expressed some of the same opinions myself. I love to read, so it is a pleasure to see some of my ideas and opinions expressed and validated. I also deal with reluctant readers daily, so it is a relief to read what gets in the way of learning to love to read, how to remove these obstacles and how to do everything in our simple but awesome power to share the love of stories with children.
How many times have you shared with someone details about what you are reading, or what you've read, only to have them say 'Oh, I wish I had time to read, but I just don't.' Or, 'You're so lucky you have time to read; I'm too busy to read for fun. When I finally sit down at the end of the day to read, I just fall asleep.' OK. I know that reading is kind of what I do for a living, but still. No time to read? I tell people that even though it's part of my work day, the reading that I do for fun is also time that I make sure to set aside just for the purpose - not by putting it on the calendar but by not feeling right or together if I don't do it (yes, like exercise). And I don't read stuff I don't want to.
All this is why children's booksellers cringe a little when we hear a parent tell their child to put a book back by saying 'We have that one at home,' or 'That's a baby book; let's get you something more grown up.' Well meaning, of course, but one of the great pleasures of life, one that adults seldom have, is re-reading a favorite book. And what could possibly be so bad about the comfort of a book that is easy to read? Have we never heard of (gasp - indulged in?) a 'beach read' or a 'mindless read'? When you read Pennac's Rights of the Reader - the actual Ten Rights he lists - this courses through the list.
I love this book and give it to every school in which I do a book fair. If you have children in your life who love to read or who refuse to, if you remember learning to love to read, if you want a little forgiveness or pat on the back for your reading lifestyle choice - find this book and read it. And if you don't want to after the first few pages, by all means, put it down. That's what Pennac would tell you to do.
It took a while to get my hands on a copy. Once I had it, I read it in about a day because I was entranced and enthralled with the simple truths told by this man and the knowing, forgiving and honest way in which he tells them. I suppose I like it chiefly because I agree with most of it and have expressed some of the same opinions myself. I love to read, so it is a pleasure to see some of my ideas and opinions expressed and validated. I also deal with reluctant readers daily, so it is a relief to read what gets in the way of learning to love to read, how to remove these obstacles and how to do everything in our simple but awesome power to share the love of stories with children.
How many times have you shared with someone details about what you are reading, or what you've read, only to have them say 'Oh, I wish I had time to read, but I just don't.' Or, 'You're so lucky you have time to read; I'm too busy to read for fun. When I finally sit down at the end of the day to read, I just fall asleep.' OK. I know that reading is kind of what I do for a living, but still. No time to read? I tell people that even though it's part of my work day, the reading that I do for fun is also time that I make sure to set aside just for the purpose - not by putting it on the calendar but by not feeling right or together if I don't do it (yes, like exercise). And I don't read stuff I don't want to.
All this is why children's booksellers cringe a little when we hear a parent tell their child to put a book back by saying 'We have that one at home,' or 'That's a baby book; let's get you something more grown up.' Well meaning, of course, but one of the great pleasures of life, one that adults seldom have, is re-reading a favorite book. And what could possibly be so bad about the comfort of a book that is easy to read? Have we never heard of (gasp - indulged in?) a 'beach read' or a 'mindless read'? When you read Pennac's Rights of the Reader - the actual Ten Rights he lists - this courses through the list.
I love this book and give it to every school in which I do a book fair. If you have children in your life who love to read or who refuse to, if you remember learning to love to read, if you want a little forgiveness or pat on the back for your reading lifestyle choice - find this book and read it. And if you don't want to after the first few pages, by all means, put it down. That's what Pennac would tell you to do.
