Tuesday, October 21, 2014

calling all readers


We are readers. Like for reals- we read a lot. 

It's been my favorite pastime since I was a wee lass. I have an obsession some might say. I prefer a more romantic term-like a passion for the written word, or a literary carnivore. Anyway, that's beside the point. . . if I were to start a book, I become enraptured, fully overtaken and I must finish. There is no casual, one chapter a day, read in my spare time, going on here. 

So, for the sake and well-being of my family, I have banned myself. For at least the past year I have not so much as dained to crack open the cover of a deliciously enchanting mystery, or even flipped thru the pages of a charming beach read. No, there has been no young adult dramas, no Christian fiction set on blissful Amish countryside. No thrillers, no autobiographies, nothing ( of course, I've taken up blogging which has more than consumed me- but that's neither here nor there).



Yet, I stumbled upon a bit of a loophole. Like any addict looking for a fix, I found a way. Except this time, I have accomplices- my kiddos. 

They love to be read to, and we've finally hit the stage where we can all enjoy a good chapter book together. No more Hungry Caterpillar, or Brown Bear Brown Bear. Gone are the days of Goodnight Moon, and Guess How Much I Love You. It's one of the few changes I have accepted graciously, even joyfully.




I have taken this new path very seriously, for I want them to grasp the full power of reading. How words can transport, enlighten and foster change. I want them to understand the mysterious and fantastical worlds only reading can take you to, and let's be totally honest- I want to read a good book too!

Finding something age appropriate that has appeal to both boys and girls, and is enthralling from the get go-has been tricky, and I am at a loss. We've read the Little House series. We've read Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Tale of Despereaux, near all the Roald Dahl classics. Our favorite has been Summer of the Monkeys, (seriously one of the best books around), but now I find myself stumped. I need help, advice, suggestions. What were some of your favorites growing up? What are you reading to your wild ones? Favorite authors, favorite series? Guide me on oh fearless readers.

25 comments :

  1. I immediately grinned when I saw the first pic! I in truth was never much of a reader because it always felt like a chore. While in school there was always so much required reading that I wanted to veg in front of the TV instead. But somewhere in this last few years that's changed and I can't stop! Such a great gift you are giving your children! A book I remember as I child that I don't see out very much is "Bootsie Barker Bites" I LOVED it! Happy Tuesday lady!

    xo

    Michaela

    http://michaelajeanblog.com

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  2. Grab a Sonlight Homeschool catalog-they have wonderful choices that appeal to everyone-including me!

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    1. ps-Historical fiction is my favorite now :)

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  3. Ooh I'm curious to see what other people suggest! I love to read and hope that our future kiddos will be big readers too. I'm not sure what I'll read to them so your suggestions and your reader's suggestions will be so helpful! Thanks! :)

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  4. Beautiful photo, so beautiful, the one of you reading to your children. Just beautiful.

    Book recommendations...we've been reading the Cam Jansen mysteries recently (some better than others but all kept their attention).The Magic Tree House series are good (again, quality varies across the series and the repetition of the concept at the beginning of each book drove me mad after a while). The Borrowers (my son ADORED it). Anything by Brian Selznick (incredible, incredible pictures). Or Phillip Pullman. Or Michael Morpurgo (*brilliant* writing, especially for boys). A favourite one, that had us all laughing out loud, was 'Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf' (just brilliant). I've been pinning books for my son (aged 8) here: http://www.pinterest.com/iwillbloom/books-for-son-son/ (mainly so my Mum can send him books as he devours books!).

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  5. ooh i can't wait to see what suggestions you get--hope you do a roundup!

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  6. My mom read us the hobbit, the whole Narnia series, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer!

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  7. very well done, reading is a very good custom, it strengthen communication, brain, imagination...

    xx

    isa

    www.un-likely.com

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  8. I just love reading! And photos are just too cute!
    Would you like to follow each other?Let me know!
    PS I would appreciate it if you check out/CLIck sheinside link in my latest post:)
    Thank you <3

    fashion-babel.blogspot.com

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  9. Reading to your children is such an amazing thing! My boyfriend and I always talk about how we want to raise our future children and giving them a strong foundation and appreciation of the arts & literature is one thing we both agree on. I'm taking note of all of these recommendations.

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  10. Reading to your children is one of the best things you can do. I always remember my family reading to me and I'm sure that's why I'm an editor today. On the recommendations front though, I'm stumped. It's hard to beat Roald Dahl, although I know you've already read all of them :-)

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  11. I adore this. I can't wait until we have our own kiddos and can introduce them to our favorite childhood reads. Lately, I've been scrambling to find time to read -- even without the children yet! I need to make it more of a priority when I have the opportunity to. Because I know one day the sound of little feet pattering around our home will replace the sound of the pages turning, and I'm okay with that.
    xo
    littleladychangblog

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  12. love this. i love to read also. can't wait to get back home where all my books are (had a family emergency and have been out of town for a couple of months). my mom and neighbor use to take us to the local library. we would pick out so many books, bring them home and read them. i loved it. we didn't have barnes and nobles back then. hahaha they have an entire section just for children. i don't have kids, so i'm out the loop when it comes to children's books but i always love madeleine and such.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  13. Hi there,
    Enjoy your blog!.....we have "bookworms" and "non-bookworms" in our house....we all like books by a fellow named RM Ballentyne....... "The Dog Crusoe"is a favorite....

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  14. What a fun post! I grew up being an avid reader, as well. My kids are a little bit young still for chapter books- my daughter, 2, and my son 4, so I'm still enjoying Goodnight Moon, Madeline, and even The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but I did just start reading some of the Roald Dahl classics with my son. We just finished The Enormous Crocodile and started George's Marvelous Medicine. He thinks they're hilarious, haha! It's really a joy to see him enjoying books that I enjoyed when I was little. It's kind of magical. It's nice to be able to read them again, myself, too. Something I probably wouldn't do if I didn't have kids!

    I'm really looking forward to reading them series books in a couple years... A series of Unfortunate Events, The Narnia Series, and most definitely the Redwall series! Maybe your children would enjoy those?

    Lovely blog. That photo of your little one solo with the book is adorable!

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  15. Oooh that's actually quite difficult, I loved the Road Dahl books too and yes found they totally transported me to a word where my imagination really came true…..I'm not too sure how I can help other than Harry Potter but again not too sure if it's what you're looking for……

    Now that I'm thinking about it there was a book that I loved when I was younger but I cannot remember the name - it was about a little boy who was ungrateful about everything in his life and he was suddenly stranded on an island and had to deal with everything himself and how he grew and became mature when re-united with his family…..will have to find that one out as it's good reading and makes a good point about life in general! :)

    Lovely photos yet again - such a gorgeous family!!!

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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    1. That sounds good- if you think of the title, definitely let me know!

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  16. I can't remember many of my favorite childrens books (besides peter rabbit!) but I am a huge reader, I just can't get enough. Also, can't get enough of the gorgeous waves in your hair!

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  17. How sweet! What a great loophole, haha!! Growing up, I loved Corduroy, The Little Engine That Could, and any book about the Bernstein Bears!

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  18. oh goodness, that last photograph of your daughter reading (holding) a book is precious/frame-worthy. also of note? you had me laughing about the need for readers to call themselves something more eloquent -- they have the vocabulary to elevate their title to literary carnivore or something else more intriguing than 'reader', right? but speaking of children's books - i'd love to know your favorites :)

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    1. that's a good idea, I'll do a post with some of my favorite for the itty bits! I love having reading time with the babes and it helps to have some you enjoy to!

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  19. You know, I've never read Mary Poppins, I will definitely give it a go!

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  20. I can relate. You have a unique blog....way of thinking.

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