It all began back before the holidays when I pulled out our old copy of My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. This was the first chapter book that my co-teacher and I would attempt with our four year old preschool class, usually in the spring, so I was prepared for the reading experience to be not entirely successful with three year old Red. But, she loved it so much that we forged ahead and picked up the other two books in the trilogy from the library, Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland. Over the course of many weeks, we got through all three books, with JAM even sitting in for a chapter here and there. (It's an old favorite of his, back from that preschool reading!) With a good amount of unfamiliar language (they were written back in the day), these books provide some fantastic vocabulary along with some old-fashioned wild adventure, and of course, dragons!! I really do love these books, and I'm happy to have introduced Red to the story.
As a follow-up, Red and I began Beverly Cleary's Ramona and Her Father, but I do believe that is too big a leap for just yet, so we've scaled back and begun some of Jeff Brown's Flat Stanley books instead. Ramona will probably be picked back up when Red is at least four... just like Ramona!
With JAM, our shared reading has certainly lessened from the time when he was Red's age, but we do try to fit in books together every once in a while. Sometimes we both read the same book in succession, like we did with Alienated by Andrew Auseon and The Wish Stealers by Tracy Trivas and then we get to giggle or chat about the story after we've both finished. Both of these middle grade novels were full of outrageous fun- aliens living among us and magical pennies that grant wishes (or bring horrible luck when stolen!) While I enjoy reading what 
might interest him and then sharing our experiences, I really do treasure when we set aside the time to read together, and we've chosen some really good titles to share in the past. And, we're just about to embark together on a new book tonight, thanks to a lovely gift from Jennifer, my dear boss lady from 5M4B. Yes, JAM and I will be cracking open the Newbery Medal winning When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead! I am seriously excited to find out why EVERYONE has raved about this book. I expect that we'll both love it, and we're due for some quiet, happy reading time together. Thanks, Jennifer!
And of course, then there's Pudge. While I can't say that my two year old little guy is advanced enough to take part in chapter book reading just yet, he has taken a particular shine to two of my own favorite characters. (You really didn't think I could resist bringing up Mo, did you??) Elephant and Piggie books found their way under the grandparents' Christmas Tree for Red, and Pudge has pushed for their reading on almost a daily basis since then. The cool thing? I don't ever get tired of reading about flying pigs, birds on Gerald's head, preparing for fancy pool costume parties, or learning the Elephant Dance. These books simply cannot be read without enthusiasm and joy. Mo Willems continues to be my absolute favorite contemporary children's author, and his characters hold dear places in my kids' hearts!
So, what have your kids been picking for their reading adventures lately? Join the fun over at this month's Kids' Picks on 5 Minutes for Books!
Calling all readers,
With JAM, our shared reading has certainly lessened from the time when he was Red's age, but we do try to fit in books together every once in a while. Sometimes we both read the same book in succession, like we did with Alienated by Andrew Auseon and The Wish Stealers by Tracy Trivas and then we get to giggle or chat about the story after we've both finished. Both of these middle grade novels were full of outrageous fun- aliens living among us and magical pennies that grant wishes (or bring horrible luck when stolen!) While I enjoy reading what might interest him and then sharing our experiences, I really do treasure when we set aside the time to read together, and we've chosen some really good titles to share in the past. And, we're just about to embark together on a new book tonight, thanks to a lovely gift from Jennifer, my dear boss lady from 5M4B. Yes, JAM and I will be cracking open the Newbery Medal winning When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead! I am seriously excited to find out why EVERYONE has raved about this book. I expect that we'll both love it, and we're due for some quiet, happy reading time together. Thanks, Jennifer!And of course, then there's Pudge. While I can't say that my two year old little guy is advanced enough to take part in chapter book reading just yet, he has taken a particular shine to two of my own favorite characters. (You really didn't think I could resist bringing up Mo, did you??) Elephant and Piggie books found their way under the grandparents' Christmas Tree for Red, and Pudge has pushed for their reading on almost a daily basis since then. The cool thing? I don't ever get tired of reading about flying pigs, birds on Gerald's head, preparing for fancy pool costume parties, or learning the Elephant Dance. These books simply cannot be read without enthusiasm and joy. Mo Willems continues to be my absolute favorite contemporary children's author, and his characters hold dear places in my kids' hearts!So, what have your kids been picking for their reading adventures lately? Join the fun over at this month's Kids' Picks on 5 Minutes for Books!
Calling all readers,
No, I didn't think you could resist bringing up Mo! =)
ReplyDeleteWith the stories that Red likes to tell herself, I think it's AWESOME she's listening to longer tales. How fun for you!
Ahhhh I see you are reading The Catcher in the Rye now. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on that!
I cannot wait until my girls are old enough to be interested in reading chapter books! There are so many great titles that I want to share with them. I loved Beverly Cleary whenever I was growing up - especially Ramona!
ReplyDeleteI have some highly-secret recently-discovered info about Mo. Actually, it's historical (as in, already happened -- years and years ago), but it's surprising.
ReplyDeleteI'll leave it at that (annoying much??), but I'll post it sometime.
I think I'll try My Father's Dragon with Kyle. I know that this is one of the "good books," and I want to do more chapter reading with him.
The My Father's Dragon books were my Favorite Boy's first read-aloud chapter books as well. They are perfect! The short chapters really make a difference. Great picks!
ReplyDeleteHow is When You Reach me?
ReplyDeleteThe Mysterious Benedict Society
Ah, yes, My Father's Dragon and sequels. They were some of the first I read to my girls, too. I also had success with Charlotte's Web when they were still really young. (I'm sure you've already thought of that one.)
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about the Newbery winner, too. I'm NEVER up to date on my reads. :-(
We read My Father's Dragon and Elmer and the Dragon, but not the third in the series. Good reminder to pick it up soon from the library!
ReplyDeleteAnd Mo is a big hit in our house too. I'm watching his blog like a hawk to find out when he'll be in my area on his book tour.
wow, I've never heard of ANY of these before - cool!
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE the dragon books. We read them all this summer together, and they are just so great. We borrowed my mom's ANCIENT ones, but bought new ones when they were suddenly in the book orders! Very serendipitous.
ReplyDelete