Stories & Science Features to Read Aloud with Children

The ReadAskChat picture book library. turns story time into quality time for foundational learning and family bonding.

Conversation starters on every page guide parents in reading and talking about stories with children—the best way to help kids be ready to do well in school and love reading and learning.

Because conversation starters are provided for three age levels—babies, toddlers, and prereaders ages 3 and up—story time changes as your child grows.

ReadAskChat was created by educators through multiple grants from the United States National Science Foundation.

The ReadAskChat library is illustrated by top children's artists and includes imaginative and realistic stories, poems, songs, and folktales from around the world, as well as science features.

Story packs for younger children include short, rich content, crafted to spark curiosity and reward close observation.

Science features for older children are enhanced with audio and video clips from nature.

The signature “Andie” series features a child having meaningful early childhood adventures, along with Rufffy, a stuffed-animal companion. All children can see themselves in Andie when they choose which of the six different depictions of Andie they want to read and talk about. The simple text in the Andie stories is appropriate for emergent readers. Children and adults can engage with the thought-provoking ideas in the stories by referring to our conversation starters.

All stories include suggested activities to extend learning through exploration and hands-on projects.

Stories and conversation starters may be viewed in English or Spanish.

The research-based ReadAskChat Method™ develops children’s creative, analytical, and reflective thinking; scientific habits and dispositions; and intellectual confidence.

ReadAskChat is family-focused and was rated by Common Sense Media as one of the best apps for bringing families together.

The Chicago Public Library Foundation called ReadAskChat “the new literacy app every parent should have” and said “As lovers of books and innovation, we’re always on the lookout for new technology and

methods to promote early literacy. So when we discovered ReadAskChat, we knew we hit gold!”

FOR PARENTS: A series of free one-minute videos (in English and Spanish) introduces families to four themes at the core of the ReadAskChat Method™: Reading and Talking about Stories; Imagination and Storytelling; Curiosity and Science Learning; and Open-ended Conversation.

FOR EARLY EDUCATORS: A digital guide focuses on using ReadAskChat to develop dialogic reading practice and advance children’s foundational learning. The guide helps schools enact ReadAskChat in informal learning settings; as a tool for classroom volunteers, tutors, and aides working with individuals or in small learning groups; and as a centerpiece of a family-engagement strategy.