PHOTOS: Ankeny Kids Practice Reading Skills on a Rodent

Some Ankeny kids yesterday got to wow an unlikely listener with their reading skills.

The kids were participating in ’s Read to a Rodent, a monthly event where each child has a chance to read aloud to an attentive and kind set of ears that just so happen to belong Albus, the guinea pig of library director Sarah Willeford.

Tuesday was 10-year-old Tyler Cubit’s second time reading to Albus.

“I get to be with animals,” he said, “and it helps me be a better reader.”

Read to a Rodent got its start over the summer, said children’s librarian Sherry Schlundt. Albus replaced L.B., the dog behind Tail Waggin’ Tutors, while the pooch overcame some health issues.

Read with a Rodent was so popular with the kids, Schlundt said, they decided to keep it around even after L.B. returned.

Kids are required to register at the children’s desk. They are then assigned a set amount of time to read a book of their choice to Albus.

The idea behind Read to a Rodent, Schlundt said, is to provide an additional listener for kids of all ages who are developing their reading skills.

“They get to learn in a comfortable and warm environment where someone is completely focused on them,” Schlundt said. “For some kids, this is exactly the right kind of audience.”

Nine-year-old Mikayla Fourake said reading is her favorite subject in school. Thursday was her first time attending Read to a Rodent.

“It helps me read out loud better,” she said. “I’m going to come back again.”