Sunday, February 25, 2007

Books, books, books

One of the greatest challenges I've encountered as a parent of an early reader is trying to find appropriate books. The ones that appeal to him topically are often too easy. The ones that are at the right level are often too far beyond him subject-wise. Just because he's reading at a level of older children doesn't mean he wants to read about them. He's still five. The resident book reviewer here at AJ's Clubhouse, Freshhell, and I have been trying to come up with a list of our favorite books for early readers under age 9. They could be read alone books, or read together books. We're working on our lists separately but will edit them together for a joint entry at some point in the future. We'd like your input: what are your favorite books to read to your kids? What were your favorite books when you were a kid? What are your favorite kid-friendly books to read right now? Which ones have the best staying power? When is it important to have just the right book at the right moment? What are your favorites to read aloud?

If you have any thoughts on any of these questions or if you have some related questions of your own, please comment below or email me at harri3tspyATgmailDOTcom. And thanks for helping us!

1 comment:

lemming said...

Oz books. The first two are the hardest - get to be much more fun afterward.

Narnia - needs adult context, but wonderful. Read to me for the first time when I was four.

Rats of Nimh. E.B. White.

Look into the "Dear America" series. Preread, as some are more appropriate for young (advanced) readers than others. There's a younger version of the series,also very reccomended.

Laura Ingalls Wilder - use Farmer Boy for AJ.

For the very brave: John Bellairs. Again, pre-read, depending upon the child and their temperment.