Every Sunday is storytime at Readings Kids! Every week is a new adventure with guest authors, fun activities and more. We asked our new storytellers Ellie and Lili some questions so you can get to know the experts behind the storytimes!
What is your favourite part about hosting storytime?
Ellie: My favourite part about hosting storytime is getting to dress up and be silly! It's also a real treat to have so many kids in the shop, and to get to hear their opinions on each book – they're the best audience.
Lili: My favourite part about hosting storytime is being able to really see the community that we get to build by having a storytime. Seeing the same kids come in every week, excited for a new picture book and sometimes making friends with other kids throughout the year, is so special.
What do you look for in a book for storytime?
Ellie: Sometimes some of my favourite books that work well one-on-one aren't good for storytime. When picking books to read to a group, I look with very different criteria: I try to find ones that have strong illustrations, shorter text, and a good sound when read aloud. Rhyming is always a plus as well.
Lili: Rhyme!! I love rhyming books for storytime because they lend themselves to a rhythm that is easy to follow and fun to read. The illustrations are also really important, they need to be big and bright or simple and structured so that the kids can see them even if they're sitting towards the back of the group.
What is the best way to keep kids engaged in a story?
Ellie: The best way to keep kids engaged in a story is to commit to it and get enthusiastic, and welcome engagement in whatever it looks like for them. Sometimes, I'll add little questions, or ask for help turning the page, but I mostly just try and focus on having fun.
Lili: I find the best way to keep the kids engaged is to make sure that you as the person reading are also super enthusiastic and engaged. If you're not into it then they won't be either! Asking them questions always helps too.
What is a book that has received unexpected reactions from the audience?
Ellie: I don't know if I have an answer for this one yet – let's wait and see.
Lili: Not necessarily unexpected, as kids always seem to have the most in-depth knowledge about unexpected things, but, there was one time I was reading If I Had an Octopus by Gabby Dawnay and one of kids blurted out that they knew all about octopodes. He did in fact know all about them and I was more than delighted to have him share the full extent of his knowledge. For instance, did you know that an octopus can fit through almost any gap?
What was your favourite book as a child?
Ellie: One of my favourite books from childhood that's still in print today is Burglar Bill by Janet and Allen Ahlberg (the pair behind Peepo and Each Peach Pear Plum). It's extremely funny and very, very silly. I also have massive soft spots for Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse! by George Mendoza, The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone and anything by Judith Kerr. There are lots of books I loved that are no longer in print as well - I remember being particularly obsessed with the Bananas In Pyjamas Bumper Collection by Katrina Van Gendt.
Lili: Many of my favourite picture books are now out of print however the few that are still around include: the Winnie and Wilbur picture books by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul, Knuffle Bunny (One, Too and Free) by Mo Willems, and Are We There Yet by Alison Lester.
Silly voices – yes or no?
Ellie: Very big YES to silly voices. I look forward to inventing some more in the year ahead.
Lili: Silly voices 100% yes, they add so much! (Though I must admit, I fear mine aren't all that great yet).
