Many parents are eager to be part of the classroom experience — Scholastic Read For 2006 is a perfect opportunity to get them involved!

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

• Join your child on December 2rd 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 2006 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 2006 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.

Literacy experts at Scholastic have compiled a great list of new, age-appropriate books that kids will enjoy reading on December 2, 2005 to celebrate Scholastic Read for 2006, and on every other day throughout the year!

Get a printable version of this list (PDF).

AGES 3 – 5

Clifford's Christmas Treasury by Norman Bridwell
A perfect read for Clifford fans, this treasury has funny Clifford stories, including Clifford's Christmas, Clifford's First Christmas, and Clifford's First Snow Day in a foil-stamped hardcover volume.

Ella Takes the Cake, by Carmela and Steven D'Amico
In this charming elephant's second adventure, Ella longs for a little independence and shows that you're never too little to save the day - as long as you have a big heart.

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
The best-selling, award-winning team of Yolen and Teague are back with the third playful dinosaur tale -- a picture book exploring how dinosaurs behave at mealtime.

Nacho and Lolita, by Pam Muñoz Ryan
In this tender friendship story about two birds from different worlds, acclaimed storyteller Pam Muñoz Ryan and talented newcomer Claudia Rueda reveal that any difference can be overcome with love.

AGES 6 – 8

Can You See What I See? The Night Before Christmas by Walter Wick
The newest book from the creator of the I SPY™ series includes scenes from Clement Moore's "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," inspiring twelve elegant and fascinating compositions where readers search for dozens of intriguing hidden objects.

A Doll For Navidades, by Esmeralda Santiago, illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez
Las Navidades are coming -- the Three Magi will soon bring presents to all the children. Esmeralda hopes for a doll, but instead receives something far more precious: she experiences firsthand the magic of giving and the power of her family's love. With resonant prose and vibrant illustrations, this is a heart-warming tale to share with all children. (Also available in Spanish)

Fly Guy: Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
From bestselling author/illustrator Tedd Arnold, creator of Parts and Green Wilma, comes this hilarious, easy-to-read story about the funny and beautiful friendship between a boy and a fly. Filled with hyperbole, puns, slapstick, and silly drawings, the book features an eye-catching holographic cover. The first in a series of four.

Maya & Miguel™ Telenovel: #2: Teacher's Pet
¡MUY CALIENTE! Welcome to the wacky and wonderful world of Maya & Miguel with these fabulous books that tie into the hit show on PBSKidsGo! Based on an exciting episode from the new hit TV show -- told in pictures! (Also available in Spanish)

New York State of Mind: Book and CD by Billy Joel, illustrations by Izak Denou
Legendary performer Billy Joel's bluesy ode to New York introduces children to the verve and magic of the city. The evocative lyrics invite readers to tag along with two spirited little dogs who experience the energy and excitement of New York City.

AGES 9 AND UP

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann Martin
Newbery Honoree Ann Martin once again proves her versatility with an incredible stylistic departure in this "autobiography" of a stray dog.

Egypt: In Spectacular Cross Section by Stewart Ross, illustrated by Stephen Biesty
Best-selling creator of the Incredible Cross-Sections series now brings his talent to a new challenge: Ancient Egypt. Follow the 30-day voyage of 11-year-old Dedia and his father as they sail down the Nile River, explore tombs, and more!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
As the Harry Potter sequence draws to a close, Harry's most dangerous adventure yet is just beginning. J.K. Rowling's exciting sixth installment of the magical story of a boy wizard.

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke
The captivating sequel to Inkheart --the critically acclaimed, international bestseller by Cornelia Funke -- this fantasy is crafted by an author who is emerging as a modern classic writer for children

It's Happy Bunny: What's Your Sign by Jim Benton
A must-have gift for the holiday season, this full-color, full-of-laughs astrology book is all about you -- what's not to love?

The Land of Elyon Book 2: Beyond the Valley of Thorns by Patrick Carman
The second dazzling installment in Patrick Carman's masterful Land of Elyon trilogy, an adventurous fantasy for girls and boys!

Queen Bee by Chynna Clugston Major
From the talented creator of bestselling comics Blue Monday and Scooter Girl, comes a funny, super-power graphic novel about the middle-school social hive, where only one girl can be the Queen Bee!

THESE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.SCHOLASTICSTORE.COM, BY CALLING THE SCHOLASTIC STORE AT 877-286-0137, OR AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE.

*Please let us know if you would like a copy of any of the books listed above for your Scholastic Read For 2006 event.

Reading Resources for Parents:

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

• Family Matters: All About Reading

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