What We've Been Reading

 I've been waiting for this time to come since Lincoln was born...the time when we could read chapter books out loud as a family. That was one of my favorite memories growing up. My first clue that Lincoln was ready was that he could sit and listen to a story on CD for over an hour, and tell me some of the things that happened. So I knew he had the attention span, and the comprehension, at least enough to make me want to give it a try.

 We started with Mr. Popper Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. I'd never read it before, but had found the recommendation on a book list somewhere. I decided we'd start with it, because I didn't want to start with any of my favorites, just in case he wasn't ready yet. I want him to be able to remember the really good ones. :) Well, he listened really well, and everyday he asked if we could read a chapter. But I don't think any of us were really into the story all that much. I think the plot is a little over the kids' heads. But they listened. So when we were done with it we tried again.

 I busted out one of my big guns next. I remember loving The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary as a kid. My boys ate it up. Especially Lincoln. And, the best part, he could tell me what was going on this time when I asked. And sometimes I'd catch him playing with his motorcycle pretending to be Ralph. So I know the book was a hit. 

 Next we read My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. I was going to read the other Mouse and the Motorcycle books, but they were checked out when I went to the library, so we got this instead. I'd never read it before, again, I got it off a book list. The kids really liked this one too, and since it was a short, easy read, we continued with the series.

We read Elmer and the Dragon, which is just as silly as the first one, but the kids listened well, and we read it fast.  Then we started The Dragons of Blueland. We are just a couple chapters away from being finished with it as well. 

The next thing on our list is James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. I remember reading this in 1st or 2nd grade and really liking it. And for the boys you can't go wrong with giant bugs right? I can't remember how hard of a read it is. It still has some pictures spread through out, like the above mentioned books do, so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

What I'm looking for are suggestions of where to go after this? I don't think their quite ready for the Chronicles of Narnia yet. We'll probably go back and read the other Mouse and the Motorcycle books. But I don't know after that. What are your favorite chapter book read-a-louds for preschool/kindergarten aged kids?