1. The Apple and the Arrow
I feel like I am learning so much right alongside my son. This is the story of how the country of Switzerland was born though the legendary figure William Tell. It was especially meaningful to share this story with Kai, because I spent most of my pregnancy in Switzerland so it's a very special place to me. I actually cried at the end of this book. My kids love it when I cry reading a book! (Have you ever read "I'll Love you Forever"? I cannot get through that one without tearing up!)The courage of the characters was so inspiring, I couldn't help it. It was interesting to me how Switzerland became free from tyranny with so little bloodshed and that even today it remains one of the most peaceful nations.2. My Father's Dragon
What a fun, silly, imaginative story this is. Just the type of thing my boys love! This was book was meant to last several weeks, reading a chapter a day. Well, we couldn't help ourselves and read the whole thing in two days!!! We just couldn't put it down. This one even Ezra, (4 1/2) enjoyed.3. The Hundred Dresses
We just started reading this today and could barely put it down. I know we'll finish it fast. It may sound like a book for girls, and though the characters are mostly girls, it completely holds my 7 and 4 year old boy's attention. It has such a great lesson about kindness and teasing. It helps them to think about how it feels to be teased as well as some thoughts about poverty and immigration and sparks compassion. I can't wait to finish it!I think there are a lot of benefits to reading these books aloud with my children. Quality time, character lessons, increased vocabulary and increased attention to name a few. One thing I'm finding is that it highly increases motivation for reading. My children are discovering through this amazing literature what a treasure books are. It makes them want to be able to discover that treasure themselves and so increases their desire to learn to read and improve their reading.
If you're interested in any of these books - click my little sonlight button on the left and you can find these books and many more (at below Amazon prices, too).
Happy Reading!
Leslie
This post is linked to Steady Mom's 30-minute blog challenge.
