I’ve been extolling the importance of reading fiction stories to kids for more than 26 years for various different reasons. Finally, (although a wee bit late in the time-line) I can report some compelling information in actual studies that supports what I’ve been saying all along–that reading fiction for all ages helps readers/listeners develop compassion and empathy.
In the November/December 2011 issue of Scientific American: Mind, author Keith Oatley presents a fascinating case in his article, In the Minds of Others: Reading fiction can strengthen your social ties and even change your personality. In his article he highlights that more than 25 years of study cognitive psychologists have come to understand the importance of stories and how fictional characters in books can help readers understand the feelings and dynamics of others which strongly assist the reader’s ability to develop empathy by acquiring another person’s point of view (this occurs first through the characters in the book, and subsequently translates to the reader’s understanding and interaction with people in real life).
Oh, hurray, Keith Oatley, and thank you for the further substance in the very thing I’ve been trying to convince my readers of. Whether it is a seemingly “simple” 32-page fiction picture book or a lengthier fiction novel for older kids, this research is extremely important to know and act upon. Make that happen.
Books to Borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
“The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs” by Betty G. Birney, illustrated by Matt Phelan, Atheneum, 211 pages
Read aloud: age 7 – 8 and older
Read yourself: age 8 – 9 and older
Young Eben longs to see the Seven Wonders of the World, and it frustrates him that he is too young to go out and explore on his own. To make matters worse, Eben considers his small farming community of Sassafras Springs to be the most boring place in the world.
Then Eben’s pa presents Eben with a challenge. If Eben can find seven wonders in Sassafras Springs that are as remarkable and interesting as the real Seven Wonders of the World, Pa will send him on a trip out West. While Eben is pretty sure that will be impossible, he decides to give it a try. What he discovers comes as a total surprise in many ways.
A remarkable book on several levels, this selection serves as a reminder that wonders exist everywhere if one is willing to look for them – even in our own backyard.
Library: Bayard Taylor Memorial Library, 216 E. State St., Kennett Square
Library Director: Donna Murray
Children’s Librarian: John Hendrix
Choices this week: “Officer Buckle and Gloria” by Peggy Rathmann; “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt; “Redwall” by Brian Jacques
Books to Buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
“Big Mean Mike” by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Scott Magoon, Candlewick, 2012, 40 pages, $15.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 4 – 5 and older
Read yourself: age 7 – 8
Everyone in the neighborhood knows Big Mean Mike is the toughest dog around, and that is exactly the way he wants to be known. But one day an adorable tiny bunny shows up in the trunk of Mike’s big, mean car. Mike is horrified; big, mean dogs and tiny, cute bunnies do not go together! Carefully removing the bunny, Mike speeds away. Mike’s problem multiplies the next day when the bunny returns with a friend, and then another and another. Yikes! What is Mike to do with these cute little bunnies? And what about his reputation?
Loaded with laughs and an important lesson on not worrying what other people think, Big Mean Mike is a very good read.
“Have You Seen My Blue Socks?” by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier, Clarion, 2013, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 2 ½ – 4
Read yourself: age 6 – 7
A spunky little duck has lost his new blue socks and is determined to find them. He searches his own box but with no success. Then he asks one friend after another for help. After searching near and far, duck finally finds his socks, but they certainly weren’t where he expected them to be!
A charming story perfectly complemented with expressive, charming illustrations, this story is delightful.
Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached at her website: www.greatestbooksforkids.com.