Monday, December 17, 2007

Books that won't Bore! (Volume I)

While I love the classics (think Dr. Seuss) for kids and am a firm believer in reading, reading, reading to your kids, I have to admit to the read a page, skip a few paragraphs, turn the page (or two) method of reading, which of course only works until your child can a) actually notice sight words in the text or b) knows the story plot line and/or cadence by heart.

But over the years, family and friends and a few lost trips to Barnes & Noble have provided me with some great keep-a-Mom's-interest reads. A few of which I'll note here:

1. Tidy Heidi. By John Patience. A really cute story about a pig who's overly concerned with primping, then learns how to get down 'n dirty. Many thanks to Helen for that one!

2. The Todd Parr books. Simple, quick reads with colorful, graphic illustrations with some really wonderful messages (e.g., "it's ok to be different").

3. Mary Had a Little Jam. By Bruce Lansky. Classic nursery rhymes with a new twist. Even though toddlers won't necessarily get the play on words, they'll still laugh at these versions!

4. Once Upon a Time, the End. By Geoffrey Kloske and Barry Blitt. Think classic fairy tales if Cliff Notes got their hands on them. It's the super condensed but still on point version of your favorites--each story fits on one, single page.

5. You Read to Me, I'll Read to You. By Mary Ann Hoberman. This series has won awards and made the NY Times Bestseller list. And it falls into the category of "why didn't someone think of this sooner?!" For when your child is learning to read for him/herself. Your-turn/my-turn paragraphs in alternating colors cue you and your child into who-reads-when. Engages both of you big-time and it's definitely a lot of fun all-around!

That's it for now--but these are definitely worth a look. More to come in Volume II...

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