Kids definitely can learn from talking pigs, but they can learn from pigs (and dinosaurs) that don’t talk. In fact, many of them prefer it that way.
– Tim Shanahan

Have you thought of adding nonfiction books to family read alouds? Descriptive language and attractive illustrations can make these books engaging as well as informative. They can inspire curiosity and be launching points for more discovery and activities.

Here are a few places to find some good suggestions in:

• 10 Nonfiction Picture Books to Read Aloud
• 50 Science Picture Books for Kids that Teach about Our Amazing World
• Nonfiction Picture Books for Reading Aloud
• Now Read This! Discovering Nonfiction
• RAR#122: Picture Book Biographies We Love
• Sidebars are Not for Skipping

What are some of the benefits of reading nonfiction with children? Nurturing the Inquiring Mind Through the Nonfiction Read-Aloud shares one teacher’s perspective.