Dish Up a Reading Delight!

Lynne Chapman reads from SMUDGE'S GRUMPY DAY, written by Miriam Moss & illustrated by Lynne. The little Smudge puppet was made by Lynne's mum and was always a favorite with the littlies.

Have a book event scheduled in which you'll have to read your story aloud? Want some tips to ensure it will be an engaging experience for your audience? Nine kidlit professionals share their advice on how to dish up a scrumptious

​READING DELIGHT!

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Jennifer Laughran, senior literary agent with Andrea Brown Literary Agency and part-time children's bookseller:

Choose the section (or sections) you want to read. Type, or cut-and-paste, into a clean document. Edit out any spoilers, or things that don't make sense out of context. Make the font BIG and very readable. Give each paragraph its own page. Now print out, and put each page into a clear plastic sleeve in a binder.  

Having the sections in a very readable, large format will make it easier for you to lie the binder down on the table or podium, so you don't have to fumble around with the book or block the audience by putting it in front of your eyes. The fact that each paragraph has its own page means you are forced to slow down.

Now practice reading to your friends, or even your pets. Remember, don't go too fast, don't mumble, and don't forget to breathe.                                    

Daniel Nayeri, director of children's publishing at Workman Publishing and author of a young-adult novella collection:

I try to meet some people in the crowd before speaking--nothing too formal, just standing around as people take their seats and saying hello. That gives me friendly faces to return to as I speak. It connects me to the group, and makes me feel like I'm in a conversation, rather than delivering a pre-recorded speech.  

Mary Amato, award-winning middle-grade book author, poet, playwright and songwriter:

Keep it short and make sure you do it justice: use a confident, dramatic, full voice. Ask the audience to provide all the sound effects in the book and to act out the parts of the story that can be done while sitting.

Moira Donohue, poet, playwright and children's non-fiction book author:

I was lucky enough to be coached in my reading by my sister who is a professor of theater at a New Jersey university. The one thing she told me that really stuck with me was how many ways there are to emphasize a word--louder is only one, and often not the best way!  Sometimes it's a pause, or a drop in volume; sometimes it's best to use a change in tone.  

When I get to the climax of the story, I pause, drop my volume and speak more slowly. I can see the audience literally hold their breaths and lean in, and I know that I have them!

Erica Perl, award-winning author of picture-books, middle-grade and young-adult novels:

I always make sure to use my books as a jumping off point for interactions with my audience. This varies depending on the age and abilities of the students: preschoolers and kindergartners are wiggly, so I try to make good use of their desire to move and participate by having them act out variations on what we see in the book. For example...when we find a clock in a bubble, we dip imaginary bubble wands, blow big bubbles and pop them together. Older kids participate in different ways. They like to offer their opinions and can be quite passionate about them.  

Sara Holmes, author of middle-grade books:

I would say to pick a scene with lots of action, early in the book, and try to find a way for the audience to engage with you in making the scene come alive. I pick a scene in which the students can participate, and they do---together we chant a jody call back and forth, which culminates in the students telling me to "Drop down, granny, and give me ten!"  I'm not a granny (yet!) but I do drop down and give them ten good push-ups. It never fails to get them cheering.
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See if you can use a cordless headset rather than a hand-held mike--it makes holding a book and reading expressively so much easier.  

Marfé Delano, author of narrative non-fiction for children:

I've learned over the years to approach a reading as more of a story-telling opportunity, a performance. I want to inform and entertain my audience. First I start by getting a little personal. I talk a little about how I got the idea for the book and about my research. Then I move into what I learned in that research, and I try to share the wonder and excitement I felt at certain discoveries with my audience. From there I go into sharing the basic story line, setting the stage for the passage I've selected to read aloud.
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I​ try to keep things spontaneous--like I'm sharing the story for the first time. That helps keep me excited.

Brian Rock, picture-book author:

Start the reading off with some questions to pique your audience's interest…It excites them to talk about a subject they know and are interested in, and it helps them focus on the upcoming story as well.
 
Ask fun, trivia-type questions relevant to your book before the reading. Include as much unusual, outlandish, or downright-gross information about your subject to really capture kids' attention.
 
For picture books, memorize as much of the text as you can so that you can keep eye contact with your audience. I know it's tough to memorize, but so is trying to read upside down with a class full of kids staring at you!

If your book has multiple characters, try to give each one a unique voice. High, squeaky voices are always good for a laugh!

Don't forget to put the big bang at the end so everyone knows when to applaud. I know it sounds weird, but sometimes kids won't applaud until they hear the words, "The End." Don't be afraid to use them, even if they're not written in your text.
 
Have fun! If you're scared or nervous, your audience will feel a bit nervous as well. If you're at ease and having fun, they'll pick up on your energy and raise it even higher!

Lynne Chapman, author and illustrator of children's picture books:

Do lots of different but short activities and make everything as interactive as possible. In a typical storytelling, I do a drawing for them first on a flip chart--a great attention-grabber for even the littlies! As it evolves, I ask for suggestions for all the details. Then I read a story with lots of voices and joining in for the noises or actions (plus sometimes I wear a hat or use a puppet). Afterward we sing a song or do a dance, or something silly, depending on the book. Then I draw a bit more, but this time as a guessing game.

I let them draw so they don’t get wriggly. I finish with another story to bring it back together and to calm it down. I can get any children over 5 years-old to sit and listen for an hour and a half, if we fit that format. Works every time!

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Learn more about these kidlit pros and their books here:
jenniferlaughran.com 
Daniel on Twitter 
maryamato.com
moirarosedonohue 
ericaperl.com 
saralewisholmes.com 
marfebooks.com
​brianrock.net 
lynnechapman.co.uk

Lynne's ten tips for a successful school visit HERE!