Many parents are eager to be part of the classroom experience — Scholastic Read For 2005 is a perfect opportunity to get them involved!

Here are some ways parents can participate from home or work:

• Join your child on December 3rd by picking up a book and reading together.
• Read the same book as your child and discuss it later that night at the dinner table.
• Scholastic Read For 2005 can be a perfect opportunity for children to stay up past their bedtime to read together or to have a family reading moment after dinner.
• You can call or e-mail your child on Scholastic Read For 2005 day to wish them happy reading and to talk about what books they are reading.
• You can share your favorite childhood books with your children and maybe they will chose to read one of them.
• Families should take time together everyday to read together for at least 20 minutes a day…reading is something that can be celebrated on any day at any time.

Scholastic Read For 2005 Suggested Reading List
Literacy experts at Scholastic have compiled a great list of new, age-appropriate books that kids will enjoy reading on December 3, 2004, to celebrate Scholastic Read For 2005, and on every other day throughout the year. (All these books are available at www.scholasticstore.com or by calling The Scholastic Store at 877-286-0137.)

Get a printable version of this list (PDF).

AGES 3 – 5

Alice the Fairy, written and illustrated by David Shannon ($15.95)
From the author of the best-selling David series comes a brand-new book about Alice, who has a nose for trouble, but luckily is a fairy for only a short period of time.

Ella the Elegant Elephant, by Carmela and Steven D'Amico ($16.95)
Ella, the shyest elephant on Elephant's Island, is counting the days until the first day of school…but not because she's eager to start!

Clifford Up and Down, by Norman Bridwell ($7.99)
An awesome new Clifford novelty book with moving parts on every spread and secret surprise flaps to lift!

How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? and How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms?, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague ($6.99 each)
Everybody's favorite dinosaurs are back in two all-new original board books. Now even the smallest children can enjoy BIG dinosaur fun!

The Christmas Alphabet, by Robert Sabuda ($22.95)
A brand-new limited edition pop-up created in celebration of its tenth anniversary. A wonderfully festive way for young kids to learn the alphabet.

AGES 6 – 8

Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation, written and illustrated by Mark Teague ($15.95)
Ike LaRue, the devilish dog hero, goes from obedience school dropout to shrewd sleuth in this exceedingly funny sequel to the best-selling Dear Mrs. LaRue.

Goodnight, My Angel: A Lullabye, book and CD by Billy Joel, illustrations by Yvonne Gilbert ($16.95)
In his first book for children, Grammy and Tony Award-winning performer Billy Joel creates a beautiful lullaby that expresses the deep bond between parent and child.

The Second Captain Underpants Collection, including Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman, Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part I & II, and The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey ($19.96)
Captain Underpants' brand-new adventures, full of action — and laughs!

Geronimo Stilton, by Geronimo Stilton ($5.99 each)
A new series of fun chapter books that tell the story of the world's most beloved mouse adventurer and reporter, including #12: Merry Christmas, Geronimo; #13: Phantom of the Subway; and #14: The Temple of the Ruby of Fire.

Pippin the Christmas Pig, written by Jean Little, illustrated by Werner Zimmermann ($16.95)
A wonderful holiday tale about spunky little Pippin the pig, who is on a mission to discover the meaning of Christmas.

Can you See What I See? Cool Collections by Walter Wick ($13.95)
The newest book from the creator of the I SPY™ series. New and amazing photographs and picture puzzles to search and solve!

AGES 9 AND UP

Children of the Lamp, by P.B. Kerr ($16.95)
Kerr's debut novel for kids and the first book in an exceptionally imaginative adventure trilogy about a twin boy and girl with magical powers.

Here Today, by Ann Martin ($16.95)
This captivating novel explores the delicate bonds of family in a story that is intensely original and profoundly lyrical.

Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett ($16.95)
The Da Vinci Code for kids! A bewitching first novel about a Vermeer painting that has mysteriously disappeared.

Becoming Naomi León, by Pam Muñoz Ryan ($16.95)
A riveting novel about family and identity, drawn from the warmth, wisdom, and love of the author's own Mexican and Oklahoman heritages.

Dragon Rider, by Cornelia Funke ($12.95)
An exciting, heartwarming, and ultimately triumphant tale about the power of belief and the true meaning of home when what starts off as an adventure soon turns into a battle for survival.

A Dream of Freedom: The Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968,
by Diane McWhorter ($19.95)
A fair and balanced presentation of the civil rights struggle, capturing the turning points of the movement in a clear and easy way, from a Pulitzer-Prize winning author.

Reading Resources for Parents:

• 10 Tips on How To Make Reading Fun for Kids (PDF)

• Family Matters: All About Reading

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