Faith-manor Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 We had done a couple How to Train Your Dragon books, two Bunnicula books, and I am about to start Mr. Poppers Penguins. I am drawing a blank for what to read after that. It has been so many years since I had young ones, and can't seem to remember what all I read to my own kids at that age. They are pretty emotional about mamma and baby brother in the hospital, and daddy coming and going all the time. The three year old will listen to anything since he just likes to be snuggled with me on the couch. A little comedy would be wise. I don't think N can handle super serious or scary situations at the moment even though he normally loves a good intense adventure. He has listened to the first two Harry Potter books on audio, and usually they are favorites. But he has had a rather upset or down cast faces when I have asked about re-reading the first one or listening to them to help him go to sleep. I just think there is too much worry in his little heart to manage something with heavy themes. I have my Kindle so I can just buy books and download since we are staying home and isolated in the hopes of getting the three year old healthy and keeping him that way. I am playing race the clock on that since he needs to be done with this respiratory virus before little T is released. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeAgain Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 I'm trying to remember what ds loved at that age. Mr. Popper's Penguins was a hit, as well as The Phantom Tollbooth. He really liked the imaginative and animal books: Burgess, The Wizard of Oz series, Just So Stories, 13 Story Treehouse..outlandish things. If you can get a book of American tall tales that would probably be pretty entertaining, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barnwife Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 (edited) My Father's Dragon Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Charlotte's Web Mary Poppins Peter Pan Gooseberry Park Dominic Because of Winn-Dixie Crispin Freddy the Detective ETA: Yours are probably a little young for Crispin, but DS9 just added it and it's been a while since I read that one, so who knows... Edited January 26, 2023 by barnwife 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildflowerMom Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 The fudge books by J Blume? amelia bedelia? ginger pye 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted January 26, 2023 Author Share Posted January 26, 2023 He loves a good dragon story. I am going to look up My Father's Dragon since I haven't hears of it. Marry Poppins...kind of don't know why I didn't think of that! My brain is short circuiting. I need to find out about this Freddy Detective, Ginger Pye, and Phantom Tollbooth. Thank you so much!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barnwife Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Five Children and It The Boxcar Children Stuart Little The Chocolate Touch The One and Only Ivan Tiger Rising The Indian in the Cupboard Frindle Dory Fantasmagory 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barnwife Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 9 minutes ago, Faith-manor said: He loves a good dragon story. I am going to look up My Father's Dragon since I haven't hears of it. Marry Poppins...kind of don't know why I didn't think of that! My brain is short circuiting. I need to find out about this Freddy Detective, Ginger Pye, and Phantom Tollbooth. Thank you so much!! OMG! The My Father's Dragon is the first official chapter book RA that I do for ours once they turn four. The chapters are super short, which is great if you have a young one with short attention span. I can't recommend the trilogy enough. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 We are fans of My Father’s Dragon also. Have you been watching any Storytime Online or other picture books read aloud on YouTube? What I love about those channels is that you get the full access to the picture book AND my voice gets a break. Youngest was in 1st in 2020, and we spent much of the early pandemic watching storybooks online since we couldn’t get to the library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted January 26, 2023 Author Share Posted January 26, 2023 5 minutes ago, barnwife said: OMG! The My Father's Dragon is the first official chapter book RA that I do for ours once they turn four. The chapters are super short, which is great if you have a young one with short attention span. I can't recommend the trilogy enough. Thanks. I think I will buy those too. They are easily spending two hours a day snuggled up for read alouds. So it doesn't take long to get through the average chapter book for 1-3 graders. Plus, they are really feeling stressed, so I am keeping schoolwork short and super focused on the 3 R's. N doesn't have the emotional bandwidth right now for history narrations, science, art, and penmanship. Math, reading, Language/Spelling that's it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted January 26, 2023 Author Share Posted January 26, 2023 3 minutes ago, prairiewindmomma said: We are fans of My Father’s Dragon also. Have you been watching any Storytime Online or other picture books read aloud on YouTube? What I love about those channels is that you get the full access to the picture book AND my voice gets a break. Youngest was in 1st in 2020, and we spent much of the early pandemic watching storybooks online since we couldn’t get to the library. LOL, I was not even aware that existed. My youngest is 22 so I am out of the loop with current options. Thanks for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 I, too, was going to suggest the three books in the My Father's Dragon series. My oldest two grandchildren are younger, but they LOVED this series, and it inspired lots of imaginative play, as well. I read the first one to myself around 7yo, and loved it as well. I didn't know about the other two books until I was looking for it for my own children. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet2ndchance Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Ivy by Katherine Coville and Ivy and the Goblins by the same are great stories. Little bit of magic and magical creatures and not too heavy. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White was a favorite of ds10 when he was a little younger. My Father's Dragon has a lovely audiobook versions on Youtube and Librivox in case your voice needs a break lol. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alysee Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 The Kingdom of Wrenly series James & The Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory The Great Mouse Detective Series Magic Treehouse Nate The Great 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Boy did I have a "senior moment" trying to come up with the title of this one. Came close with "Spindle." I was about to throw myself on the mercy of the hive, when a fortuitous websearch paid off. I recall reading "Frindle" by Andrew Clements with my son when he was in Second Grade. I'm sure my son would not remember it, but I was very touched by this story of a class-clown and his teacher. Bill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 (edited) Ramona books by Beverly Cleary Clementine books by Sara Penny packer Roscoe Riley books by Katherine Applegate Dragons in a bag by Zetta Elliott The Zoey and Sassafras series by Asia Citro (I learned about this here. A girl heals fantasy creatures of various ailments. Discusses the scientific method in figuruing out what works, etc.) Edited January 26, 2023 by vonfirmath 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 If he need lighter, sub The Trumpet of the Swan for Charlotte’s Web. Much cheerier; no main characters die! Also hilarious: Owls in the Family Half Magic Narnia Homer Price/The Centerburg Tales Winnie-the-Pooh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace Hopper Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Andy Buckram’s Tin Men by Carol Ryrie Brink. I love those My Father’s Dragon books. I’ve often sent them as gifts with a crate of clementines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted January 26, 2023 Author Share Posted January 26, 2023 Owls in the Family. That is another one I am not familiar with. Owls are another much loved creature. Off to look it up! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cecropia Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Shel Silverstein poetry collections. It's even more fun to hear him read them. Or Jack Prelutsky. Wayside School books by Louis Sachar -- funny and absurd, but some of the humor is dark. I suppose that goes for my first suggestions, too... it's the kind of humor we like in our household! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeAgain Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 8 minutes ago, Cecropia said: Wayside School books by Louis Sachar -- funny and absurd, but some of the humor is dark. Oh, gosh, yes! We LOVED these. Same with Mrs. Pigglewiggle. I attempted Pippi, but my kids didn't like her at all. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildflowerMom Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Oh, the Mercy Watson books are fun, too! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Funny ones: Amelia Bedelia Half Magic Ben and Me The 21 Balloons, although he might be a little young for that Homer Price Henry Huggins Beezus and Ramona Other good ones: LWW The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace Hopper Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 1 hour ago, Cecropia said: Shel Silverstein poetry collections. It's even more fun to hear him read them. Or Jack Prelutsky. Wayside School books by Louis Sachar -- funny and absurd, but some of the humor is dark. I suppose that goes for my first suggestions, too... it's the kind of humor we like in our household! Oh my goodness yes yes yes to Jack Prelutsky poetry books! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted January 26, 2023 Author Share Posted January 26, 2023 You all are great! I am looking up all the suggestions, and so far have twelve books purchased and downloaded. I really appreciate this! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knitgrl Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Mercy Watson! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 One of my boys laughed himself silly over The Best Christmas Pageant Ever around that age. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 I'm looking at my list of what I read aloud to my kids at that age and thinking about what they loved: Bunnicula series Ginger Pye/ Pinky Pye The Penderwicks series Chronicles of Narnia series Pippi Longstocking The Children of Noisy Village How to Eat Fried Worms Dragons of the Lost Sea series The Great Turkey Walk Owls in the Family Fudge series by Judy Blume Gooney Bird Green series The Oz series Everything by E. Nesbit Half Magic A Tarantula in My Purse The Stories Julian Tells series The Railway Children Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series The Boxcar Children series 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 (edited) 2 hours ago, Faith-manor said: Owls in the Family. That is another one I am not familiar with. Owls are another much loved creature. Off to look it up! The Dog Who Wouldn't Be. Owls in the Family is always one of the first books I read aloud to any class of first grade or older kids. I love Farley Mowatt. We had a cat named Farley after him. Edited January 27, 2023 by Terabith 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emba Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 Haven’t read everyone’s suggestions but my kids loved A Bear Called Paddington. Also Mr. Popper’s Penguins was a hit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kela Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 My kids are 6 and 8. Their absolute favorite book is The World According to Humphrey the Hamster. Other favorites are: My Father's Dragon The Heartwood Hotel series The Trumpet of the Swan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 Just a heads up: I, personally, loved all the Beverly Cleary books when I was seven, but my kids, especially my kid who was severely anxious, absolutely could not handle them AT ALL. They were huge, massive fails for her. My oldest found them dated and boring, but my youngest found them extremely anxiety producing, because there is a lot of interpersonal conflict and they actually are pretty intense. Things like Ramona dropping out of kindergarten because she thinks her teacher hates her. Lots of issues with her parents and Beezus. Beverly Cleary really nails the interior lives of children world, and Ramona's worries are very real and pretty intense. They are very sweet and excellent books, but they might not necessarily be the best choice for a kid who is feeling really anxious. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 12 minutes ago, Terabith said: Just a heads up: I, personally, loved all the Beverly Cleary books when I was seven, but my kids, especially my kid who was severely anxious, absolutely could not handle them AT ALL. They were huge, massive fails for her. My oldest found them dated and boring, but my youngest found them extremely anxiety producing, because there is a lot of interpersonal conflict and they actually are pretty intense. Things like Ramona dropping out of kindergarten because she thinks her teacher hates her. Lots of issues with her parents and Beezus. Beverly Cleary really nails the interior lives of children world, and Ramona's worries are very real and pretty intense. They are very sweet and excellent books, but they might not necessarily be the best choice for a kid who is feeling really anxious. Same experience here.....all of the Roald Dahl books were also huge fails. The adults in all of the Roald Dahl books all failed to care for their children and hated them. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 4 minutes ago, prairiewindmomma said: Same experience here.....all of the Roald Dahl books were also huge fails. The adults in all of the Roald Dahl books all failed to care for their children and hated them. I have no idea why, but my anxious kid loved Roald Dahl books. She does have a dark and sarcastic sense of humor. I guess the adults were just so completely written off as to be irrelevant? She also loved The Series of Unfortunate Events. But could not handle Little Bear. Kids are weird. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidlit Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 My boys especially have loved the Henry Huggins and Ramona books by Beverly Cleary at that age. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted January 27, 2023 Author Share Posted January 27, 2023 39 minutes ago, Terabith said: Just a heads up: I, personally, loved all the Beverly Cleary books when I was seven, but my kids, especially my kid who was severely anxious, absolutely could not handle them AT ALL. They were huge, massive fails for her. My oldest found them dated and boring, but my youngest found them extremely anxiety producing, because there is a lot of interpersonal conflict and they actually are pretty intense. Things like Ramona dropping out of kindergarten because she thinks her teacher hates her. Lots of issues with her parents and Beezus. Beverly Cleary really nails the interior lives of children world, and Ramona's worries are very real and pretty intense. They are very sweet and excellent books, but they might not necessarily be the best choice for a kid who is feeling really anxious. Thanks. I really think that while they have so much separation from mom and dad, and also have to be isolated from their homeschool group friends, that I want to keep things fairly cheery. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted January 27, 2023 Author Share Posted January 27, 2023 27 minutes ago, prairiewindmomma said: Same experience here.....all of the Roald Dahl books were also huge fails. The adults in all of the Roald Dahl books all failed to care for their children and hated them. I have to say that sometimes I really wonder about Roald Dahl's childhood. He didn't seem to have a sense of adults who love children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 20 minutes ago, Faith-manor said: I have to say that sometimes I really wonder about Roald Dahl's childhood. He didn't seem to have a sense of adults who love children. His father and sister died when he was young, and he had a horrible time of things in various boarding schools. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted January 27, 2023 Author Share Posted January 27, 2023 2 minutes ago, prairiewindmomma said: His father and sister died when he was young, and he had a horrible time of things in various boarding schools. Ahhh, that explains it. I really didn't know anything about him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 44 minutes ago, Kidlit said: My boys especially have loved the Henry Huggins and Ramona books by Beverly Cleary at that age. I recall the Henry Huggins series being overall lighter than the Ramona books. I love, love, love the Ramona books but some parts of them are really quite sad. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 Henry and Ribsy was a favorite here, especially two chapters: one where Ribsy pulls Henry's tooth because it is a canine, and one where Henry's mom buys hair clippers on sale and cuts his hair with rather disastrous results. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 Oh, and my grandkids also love Beverly Cleary's Ralph series: The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Runaway Ralph, and Ralph S. Mouse. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhioMomof3 Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 Hank the Cowdog series might be a fun read-aloud option. I remember my boys enjoying them when they were younger, but I can't remember what their ages were. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wathe Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 FYI, My Father's Dragon is public domain Also, there is a free audio version on librivox read by a child, which is really very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 I like Winnie the Pooh as a first chapter book because the illustrations are so nice and it’s just so sweet and cozy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth86 Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 Not set up as chapters, but w have the Beatrix Potter treasury, and my 7 year old is loving that. Also, the Thornton Burgess Books. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth86 Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 10 hours ago, Emba said: Haven’t read everyone’s suggestions but my kids loved A Bear Called Paddington. Also Mr. Popper’s Penguins was a hit. Also, there are many more Paddington Books after this one. A Bear Called Paddington is all I have read, but my 9 year old is enjoying the other books himself. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidlit Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 I thought of another older title: Jenny and the Cat Club by Esther Averill (& other Jenny Linsky titles) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wisdomandtreasures Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 18 hours ago, Terabith said: The Children of Noisy Village Fun fact: Their "A piece of bologna sausage" chant fits perfectly in with Vivaldi's "Spring" from "The Four Seasons." 😄 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 I was reminded of the book Snowflake Bentley today— 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.