Interactive Kids Book Read-Alouds: Fun with Riddles, Stretching, and "The Skunk Who Couldn’t Smell"
Welcome, friends! I’m so excited you’ve joined me today for an interactive and fun kids book read-aloud. We’re going to warm up our brains and bodies with riddles and stretches before diving into an engaging story that will inspire young readers. If you're a fan of educational YouTube videos and kids' reading content, this blog is the perfect place for you to explore exciting ways to engage with children’s literature. Let’s get started!
Warming Up with Riddles and Stretches
Before we jump into our exciting adventure with "The Skunk Who Couldn’t Smell," let's get our minds and bodies ready! We'll kick things off with a playful riddle and some simple stretches. It's the perfect way to set the stage for an engaging read-aloud session.
Riddle Time!
Let’s have some fun with a riddle. I’ll give you three clues, and you’ll have a few moments to guess the answer. Ready? Let’s go!
- I am known for my very smelly spray.
- I have a distinctive stripe down my back.
- I am normally black and white.
Did you guess "skunk"? You’re absolutely right!
But wait, there’s more! Let’s take this a step further and learn how to say “skunk” in different languages:
- In American Sign Language: position your fingers like this (thumb tucked between your middle and pointer finger) and mimic a stripe down your back.
- In Spanish: say “mofeta.” Can you say that? Great job!
Stretching for Story Time
Now that we’ve worked our minds, let’s stretch our bodies. Skunks have stripes on their backs, so let's stretch in a similar way! Here’s how:
- Stretch your arms and reach over to one side, feeling the stretch along your back.
- Now, stretch to the other side.
- Try to touch your toes. Don’t worry if you can’t reach them—just stretch as far as you can!
- Spread your legs a little and reach your opposite arm to touch the other leg.
You’re doing great! Now that we’re all stretched and ready to go, let’s dive into our story.
The Skunk Who Couldn’t Smell
Today’s story is "The Skunk Who Couldn’t Smell," written by Sarah McCormick and Michael Smith, with illustrations by Evgenia Lumfur. Imagine living in a world where you can’t smell anything—no stinky cheese, no fresh flowers, or cookies baking. How do you think Smellarella Skunkerton feels in this story? Let’s find out together!
Smellarella’s Discovery
Smellarella Skunkerton always felt a little different, but she didn’t know why. She looked like other skunks, did skunky things like eating fruit and digging for bugs, but there was something she couldn’t quite figure out.
One day, while walking home from school with her siblings Savy and Sneaky Pete, they commented on how delicious the fresh bread smelled. Smellarella was puzzled—she couldn’t smell it! This set her on a journey to uncover the mystery of her senses.
The Investigation
Smellarella started experimenting with different scents to understand her condition. She tried to smell the grass, flowers, and even a pigpen, but nothing worked. It wasn’t until she failed to smell freshly baked cookies that she realized something was definitely different about her.
Her siblings set up a “sneaky smell test,” using stinky objects like moldy cheese and sweaty socks, but Smellarella still couldn’t detect a thing. Even Sneaky Pete’s tricks with pepper didn’t help!
Seeking Professional Help
Feeling upset, Smellarella’s mom took her to Doc Diggins, who ran tests and discovered that Smellarella was born without an olfactory bulb—a part of the brain responsible for detecting smells. This explained why Smellarella had never been able to smell anything, even as a baby!
Embracing Uniqueness
At first, Smellarella felt sad, but then she realized something amazing. She didn’t have to endure the unpleasant smells others did, like Sneaky Pete’s gym shorts or accidental skunk sprays. Smellarella decided that not being able to smell didn’t make her any less special. She wrote in her journal, embracing her uniqueness with pride.
Reflection: Embracing Our Unique Traits
This story teaches an important lesson: we all have unique qualities that make us special. It’s not about what we can or can’t do—it’s about embracing our individuality. Encourage your kids to reflect on their own unique traits with these fun activities:
- Journal Time: Let kids write or draw something special about themselves.
- Discussion: Talk about things they can do well and things they find challenging.
- Creative Expression: Use art or crafts to show what makes them unique.
Engaging with children in this way helps build their self-esteem and appreciation for diversity, making it a wonderful part of kids' educational YouTube videos and interactive read-alouds.
Support the author by purchasing your own copy here.
Co-Creator Spotlight
Today, we’re excited to highlight Levi, Larue, and Ellis for their contributions. Thank you for joining the fun! Want to be a co-creator? Visit our website and click on the “Want to Participate” tab, or reach out to us at media@rellabbooks.com if you have your own stories to share!
Conclusion
Thank you so much for joining today’s read-aloud adventure! Remember, if you love audio stories and engaging children’s books, check out my podcast “Reading with Rella B.” Keep exploring, reading, and celebrating the unique traits that make each of us special. Until next time, happy reading! Toodles!
