Until I was a teenager my dad tucked me in every night and read to me. Bed time stories are one of my most fond and vivid memories of childhood.
Some nights he would read to both Lizzie and me together, but as we got older we occasionally got our own stories.
When I was pregnant with Jack I had a melt down after imagining my baby at age five saying, "Dad, can you tell mom not to read to me anymore?" Oh I cried!
Luckily, Jack loves being read to. Brown Bear, Brown Bear is still on the top of his fav list, as is a book with fuzzy dogs that he often will kiss. He now licks any pages that have food pictures and holds pictures of soft animals, such as kittens and ducklings, to his chest with a sweet, loving expression on his face.
As I have been moving furniture and rearranging the last month or so, I stumbled across one of my childhood favorites: "Sideways Stories From Wayside School."
Anyone? Anyone?
If you didn't get to enjoy this literary masterpiece in first grade, go out and get a copy from the library and as you read it, imagine how funny you would have thought it was.
I just finished reading nine chapters to Ellery (she's spending the night) and my throat is so scratchy. Not only was it a lot of chapters, she also requested the fan blow right on her so the whole time I was reading I was breathing in dry air.
Cough, cough.
But do you remember the books you loved in your childhood?
The Chronicles of Narnia
Encyclopedia Brown (I used to think that my dad made these up just for Liz and me, but then discovered that there are many E.B. books out there)
Stewart Little
The Littles
The Boxcar Children
Nancy Drew
...
We won't even go into Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley High...
Oh happy memories.
I wonder what the book of the year will be when Jack is ready for chapter books.
If he's still letting me read to him at that time.
Keep your fingers crossed people. If he isn't, one of my dreams of motherhood will be dashed.
Let's not even talk about it.
So if any of you have even the slightest inkling to write chapter books for elementary school kids, especially ones that appeal to boys, get started now! Jack and I will be looking in a few years.
What books did you devour as a kid? Which would be worth stock-piling now (when I see them at yard sales)?
In other book news, I received a windfall of loaned literature yesterday and can't wait to get started. You can expect a full report when I have finished. And since reading is about all that I have energy for now, I would appreciate any other recommendations. Nothing too serious please.
Happy Reading!
