Raising Book Lovers

Reading is one of my favorite pastimes...if only I had more time for it....
I'm trying to instill the same kind of love for reading in my kids. 

Since I am a teacher and I have been doing it for so long, I have a HUGE collection of children's books, not to mention my sister gets my kids books for Christmas every year.  

Each night at bedtime, I sit with my kids, and when my husband is in town we sit as a family to read stories.  Both boys get to choose a title that they want to read.  Many nights we have "repeat offenders," but there are nights that I will look on the shelf to introduce a new title.  My oldest is a beginning reader, so at times we have him join in and "show off" his new found skills.


Here are some books that we enjoy reading:

First Grade Jitters by Robert Quackenbush

This story is about a boy who is nervous to start first grade.  We are reading this more recently because my son is going into first grade.  Although he doesn't have quite the same issues with first grade since I teach first grade, he is still a little nervous.

A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein

We LOVE this book!  There are many things that happen to this boy and a giraffe.  The story is very repetitive.  This helps even the youngest of readers to "read" the book with you.  My 4 year old is a BIG fan!

Scaredy Cat, Splat by Rob Scotton

This is a Halloween themed Splat the Cat book.  Yes, we are still reading it now...I told you, "repeat offenders." Splat wants to win the scariest costume contest at school.  There are many misadventures when Splat is around.  I enjoy the illustrations in this book.

Olivia by Ian Falconer

Olivia is an overly dramatic and imaginative pig.  In all of her adventures, you get lost in how Olivia sees the world, even if it's not necessarily what is really taking place.  I think my kids like this because they too are pretty dramatic and imaginative.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly is a mouse who worries about everything.  What if no one comes to her party?  What if people come, but there isn't enough food?  What if I don't have enough money to buy the new shoes that I want?  (Oh wait, that's my worry!)  Her major worry is what will happen at school.  This is also a great beginning of the school year read with your little ones.


What are your favorite stories to share with your kids?





Alexis