And here's what I don't get about all of this...

What I don't get is how people can read children's books to kids as if there were reading a shopping list, as if they were reading the phone book.  It's not about limitations in reading skills--the reading is smooth and fast.  But there is no intonation, no enthusiasm, no "drama", no character definition, full monotone, and incredible speed, as if this is the last thing on earth they have time to do. 

I have heard it in the library again and again.  No wonder so many kids don't like books.

Would anyone want to be read to in that way?  Why do people read that way to kids?