Laughing Out Loud

For some children, humor is the key to hooking them into reading. A silly book allows them to let go and laugh.  

Keep in mind that humor for preschooler may not even seem so funny to you. But appreciate it for what it offers your child. (If you get in a silly mood, you might even have a good time . . .) Some writers for this age group can really zero in on what gets to a preschooler, and their writing strikes the right chord.

Humor is also a good way to engage you child in a discussion about a topic or issue. If your child is dealing with a sibling or school issue, or even a falling-down or food-aversion period, laughing at a character going through something similar can put it in perspective and give your child some release.

What I am Reading Next

The next book on the very the top of my nightstand book stack is Book Love by Melissa Taylor.  It will be published next month, but is already available if you have a Kindle. Check out the link to Amazon at the bottom of this post. Here is a description of the book.

In Book Love: Help Your Child Grow from Reluctant to Enthusiastic Reader award-winning educator and parent Melissa Taylor gives busy parents of kids ages three to ten engaging, playful, out-of-the box ideas for growing a reader, assisting kids who are learning to read, and gently encouraging reluctant readers. Just a few of the many helpful insights and strategies she shares include:

•    The most common reasons why kids find it hard to learn to read or may hate to read (too boring, too tricky, too blurry, too “sitty”)—and what to do about them

•    Activities and product recommendations to facilitate letter recognition, rhyming, sight word skills, phonics, and fluency

•    Approaches for improving word attack and reading comprehension

•    Book lists organized by kids’ interests

•    Printable sight word flashcards and word strategy bookmarks

Packed with practical, bite-sized ideas that get children reading and loving books, Book Love can be your go-to guide for reading help for kids.

Link for Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2CCY1E

Books to Try

I recently came across a book that I want to tell you about, called Cows Can’t Jump. By David Reisman. This is a fun book to read aloud to young children because of the repetitive frames that continue though the book. That type of repetition engages children because of the predictable pattern that appeals to them. (Think of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle.)

What makes this book even more tempting is that it is filled with action verbs—not just jump and swim, but some surprises . . . like slither. The words are enticing and are sure to lead to some lively acting out while reading—always a plus.

Underlying the structure and words is a very positive message. The book shows children that not everyone (or every animal) can do exactly the same thing, but that everyone can do something that is special and unique. So there is a lot talk about here as well despite the seemingly simple format.

And there is even more good news. There is a sequel called Cows Can’t Quack.

Check out this website for some preview pages of the books and information on how to find them.

http://www.jumpingcowpress.com/

Some Halloween Reading

I just wanted to let you know that on one of the blogs I follow there is a list of fun books for Halloween. This blog is written by a former reading teacher and she provides a little synopsis of each book. Take a look! Happy reading!

http://readysetread2me.blogspot.com/

Starting Preschool? Books to the Rescue, part 2

Here are a couple more books that can help you prepare you child for starting preschool. Of course no one book will address all of your individual child’s unique concerns. But reading about how other children or animal characters respond can open the door to a great discussion about what is on your child’s mind. To open the conversation, you can mention a character's concern and talk about how it was resolved and then ask your child what she might be thinking about.

What to Expect at Preschool by Heidi Murkoff

This book predicts some question that children might have before they begin school--and gives good answers.

Tinyflock Nursery School by Suzy-Jane Tanner

This book might be an ideal choice if your child has already expressed some specific fears about starting school.

Starting Preschool? Books to the Rescue, part 1

Many young children need time to get used to new experiences. If your child is about to start in preschool for the first time in September you may want to start talking about the event soon. Here are a few books that might help you prepare your child and start the conversation about the exciting new experience in his future.


Francine's Day by Anna Alter
This book is a nice starting point for addressing any of your child's mixed feelings about starting preschool.


Little Bunny’s Preschool Countdown by Maribeth Boeltz
Reading this story is a good opening for talking about growing up and changes, including starting school.


My First Day at Nursery School by Becky Edwards
Reading this book will give your child an opportunity to talk about the many kinds of feelings that he might have about starting school.

Sharing the Spotlight

If your vacation plans include an extended stay with relatives or friends or having company for awhile, you may be apprehensive about how your preschooler will adjust to giving up the spotlight. There is a perfect book to share for some laughs and lots of insight. Read The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story by Ellen Weiss (published by Abrams Books for Young Readers). This book works on several levels and your young child will enjoy the message about getting along. (Full disclosure: This book is written by a dear friend of mine, who is the author of many books for children. If you haven’t discovered her books yet, here is your chance.) Read about how a stubborn little shrew who is used to having her own way meets her match--and has to live with him. The book has beautiful illustrations by Jerry Smath, and is a perfect vehicle for opening a discussion about getting along with your company or hosts.