Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.
Ashley Bryan
Ashley Bryan is a teller of tales in word and image. His lively use of language begs to be voiced — in music or through storytelling. Children from all backgrounds and of all ages are sure to delight when they meet tricksters and other misbehaving characters in the pages of these books. Adults and children alike will enjoy seeing favorite songs or learning about new ones in lively illustrations that swirl, dance, and exude joy on the pages of books by this award-winning author and illustrator.
Jewel-toned watercolors adorn a collection of both well- and lesser-known spirituals, ideal for young voices. Musical arrangements for each are included in this handsome collection which won an award for its striking illustrations.
A range of poets introduce various aspects of African American history and culture. The alphabet is used as the device to introduce and organize the carefully selected poetry and stylized paintings to create an evocative whole.
Tales drawn from the oral tradition are retold with verve and musical language certain to delight listeners of all ages. Bryan's paintings decorate each tale, bringing characters and plot vividly to life.
In a story of the Ila people of Zambia, the colorful birds of Africa ask Blackbird, whom they think is the most beautiful of birds, to decorate them with some of his "blackening brew." The story line is simple and the rhythmic chants of the flock frequently interspersed throughout the text add drama and a rapper's cadence to this award-winning book that is ready-made for participative storytelling.
Three well known spirituals, "This Little Light of Mine," "When the Saints Go Marching In," and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," have been interpreted in vivid, jewel-toned illustrations and presented in a large format for a new generation. A bit of information about the songs' history as well as musical notation for each are included.
Have you ever wondered why there is thunder and lightning? Hear this Nigerian folktale and other tales (as well as original poems) retold and shared by a master storyteller, artist, and writer. Ashley Bryan's distinctive style and resonant voice echo the techniques of traditional griots.
Rhythmic, original poems combine lyrical, evocative language and gentle lessons in this attractively illustrated collection. Each original poem begs to be shared aloud and is sure to delight both reader and listener.
Books illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Colorful illustrations by two award-winning artists decorate Gilchrist's short poem celebrating different aspects of America — which combine to make a rich, unified whole.
The poet celebrates growing up in the Caribbean, in Jamaica. Lively illustrations decorate the lively language used, including some dialect, in this evocative collection.
This collection offers children an introduction to poetry through rich imagery and vivid illustrations. The stream-of-consciousness style sticks to familiar childhood themes to keep children engaged.
The song made famous by Louis Armstrong has been reinterpreted with brilliantly colored illustrations showing a multinational cast of children doing a puppet show. Though most young children will not recognize Armstrong, the optimism of the song is sure to please.
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Reading Rockets is a national multimedia project that offers research-based and best-practice information on teaching kids to read and helping those who struggle. It is an educational service of public television station WETA in Washington, D.C.
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