Recently I heard about a program called Reading to Rover, and the basic idea is that kids can practice reading aloud to a dog. Now, who hasn’t experienced sweaty palms and increased heart rate with the fear of being called upon to read to the class? Ugh, it’s worse than playing dodgeball. So I think it’s a great idea, right up there with practicing your embarrassing dance moves in front of your dog, which happens a lot around here. This is a structured program, but I think a kid anywhere can probably just do this anytime with their own dog. In the case of my dog George in the above photo, I’d probably have to sweeten the deal with a little cheddar to get his full cooperation.

Next I started thinking maybe reading a book about dogs to dogs would bring everything together. And a book that you can sing—even better. Then I saw this new one by John Lithgow on the blog titled Brain Pickings.

If you go to the link, there’s a video with Mr. Lithgow himself singing and howling the words, so you can get the melody just right. Very entertaining. The book even comes with a CD, even better.

As for me, I’m kind of past the fear of reading aloud. Practicing my Italian, however, is a completely different matter…now, where’s George?

Photo from Reading to Rover, the Children and Family Resource Center. I Got Two Dogs by John Lithgow, illustrated by Robert Neubecker.