Kid Reads | Graphic Novels

Do your kids like graphic novels? L loves the BabyMouse series written and drawn by a sister & brother team for the early reader set.  BabyMouse is a daydreamer and is constantly dreaming of all the cool things she would like to do.   Hence, BabyMouse Queen of the World, BabyMouse Skatergirl, BabyMouse for President ....

Z is currently into the Amulet series.  Written by Kazu Kibuishi about two siblings - Emily and Nevin and their adventures.  This definitely is for the older set since there is an element of fear as Emily fights her way through uncharted territories without guidance or support.

What are some other good graphic novels for young readers? 

Kid Reads | Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

It's been awhile since I did a post on a kid book but with summer approaching, I've been trying to find some good books to take with us as we go overseas.  We've recently discovered Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle.  These were written in the '50s and remain a timeless classic.  She lives in an upside-down house, smells like cookies, has magic in her hump, and can cure any ailment.  In the vein of Pippi Longstocking - its definitely an enjoyable read.  I'm still looking for books to take with us on our travels?  What are some of your favorite reads for 4 and 8 year olds?  I'm also curious, would you recommend letting your kids use kindle or ipad to read?

Kid Reads | Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss books are a favorite in our family and is often one of the selected bedtime stories.  L has been on a Dr. Seuss binge lately.  We have been reading The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Yertle the Turtle, and The Sneetches - our current fave.  L really likes the zany illustrations, the nonsensical characters, and the rhyming scheme that Dr. Seuss stories have.  I like them for all of the above but also enjoy how they touch on moral issues in a fun and engaging way.  In particular, I love the message in The Sneetches  -  about how discrimination and prejudice is just plain silly.   There are some other stories in this book with great lessons about compromise, individuality, and overcoming the fear of the unknown.   All in all, a captivating read and definitely one that will remain in our repertoire of bedtime stories.

Kid Reads | Magic of a good book

I love finding good books and introducing them to my 2nd grader.  Z is a voracious reader and now as part of her homework, she needs to read 20 minutes a night so she goes through books like there's no tomorrow.  The other day, I was in the library so was asking the children's librarian for her suggestions.  She recommended quite a few which I had checked out and while Z loved all the books, the clear winner was The Boxcar Children.  She finished the book in just a couple of hours and quickly asked me to get more since it was a series.  These books are about the Alden siblings and their adventures. 

 

These are definitely our current fave and I love that there are 19 books written by the original author - Gertrude Warner.

Kid Reads | The Gruffalo

My usual book recommendations are for beginner readers since I was on the look out for challenging yet age appropriate books for Z.  This time; however, I'm recommending a book for the younger set (3 -5 year olds).  I had forgotten about this book since my younger daughter was only interested in books with princesses, mermaids, or fairies.  But one day, she came home asking me whether gruffalo's were real @!#?!!  Apparently, they had just read The Gruffalo at school and she loved it.  We loved this book and the sequel (Gruffalo's Child) so had gotten them to read to Z when she was about this age.  So, just imagine L's excitement when we told her that we had the books at home. 

Needless to say, both became her favorites and was read many times over in the last few weeks.  Its a fun, easy read about a how a mouse outsmarted other creatures intent on making a meal of the mouse in the woods.

Kid Reads | Pippi

Who doesn't like the quirky and spunky Pippi Longstocking?  I loved these stories as a child and was looking forward to introducing Pippi and her many misadventures to my 7 year old.  This 2007 edition received a makeover from Lauren Child (creator of Charlie and Lola) - with her trademark collage of photography and illustration, she somehow made Pippi even more fun and lovable than I remembered.  Both my daughter and I got a kick reading it.

Kid Reads | Dorrie's Back!!

On Mondays my daughter's class goes to the school library for a little bit of story time and to check out their books for the week.  This week she came home with "Dorrie and the Blue Witch".   Seeing that book brought back a lot of memories.  I loved the Dorrie books as a child!!  It makes me smile seeing my daughter pore through the book with the same delight I did growing up.  I had forgotten all about Dorrie and Gink but am thrilled that through my daughter they are now back.