What Makes a Great Read Aloud?

At least some of it is beautiful language. Words that just flow and invite you into the story. Some of it is characters you want to know more about as soon as you meet them. And some it is a plot that leads you to unexpected places. In The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice, I was seduced by her use of language. Listen to this, "Inside the smell of flour tortillas and cinnamon greeted me. Add to that all the onions, peppers, and chilies heating up on the stove, and you could tell it was the kind of place people liked coming to." I love it. Easy to read aloud. Fills the senses. And invites you right into the story. Now you just have to wait until February for the rest. On sale 2/3/09.