Read on Feb. 22, 2005

Kristen read to Julia tonight:

Heckedy Peg, The Spooky Tail of Prewitt Peacock, and And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.

I read another chapter of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader to Jaymie.

Read to Julia, February 21, 2005

We went to the library today and got some new books:

Heckedy Peg by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood. A mean witch turns a family of children into food, but their mother rescues them by figuring out who is who. A creepy story, well told and beautifully illustrated. This is a family favorite. Borrowed from the library.

First Tomato by Rosemary Wells. I thought this was a Max and Ruby story, but it isn't. Kristen said it's kind of weird. Borrowed from the library.

Doctor DeSoto by William Steig. Another favorite. Doctor DeSoto is a dentist with a fox for a client. He's worried that the fox is planning on eating him at the next visit, but Doctor DeSoto has some tricks up his sleeve. Classic William Steig. A Newbery Honor book. Borrowed from the library.

I read another chapter of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader to Jaymie.

Julia begged for Horton Hatches the Egg but we couldn't find it.

I read I Can Fly and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to Stanley.

Jaymie read a story about a pirate lassoing the moon to some girl while we were at the library. She wants to borrow it when it is available next. The dance teacher at the library recommended it to them.

Read on Feb 20, 2005

To Jaymie and Julia:

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss. In bed this morning. We read Bartholomew and the Oobleck last week. Borrowed from the library.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. We haven't read this for a long time. I don't think Julia knew the story, so it was fun. We own this.

Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel. I really like Lobel's books. Simple, easy-to-read stories, but interesting and with heart. We own this.

To Julia:

That lame Barbie book about self-esteem (her pick).
That lame Dino-fours book (her pick) -- slightly less lame than Barbie.
Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells. Her Max and Ruby books are favorites in our home. Stanley has started requesting these as well.

I started reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis with Jaymie tonight -- we read the first two chapters.

Read to Jaymie and Julia, Feb. 17, 2005

I ended up reading to both Jaymie and Julia together.

Julia picked The Shiny Skates by Elizabeth Koda-Callan. It's another of those Magic Locket/Silver Slippers stories that comes with a little necklace and a story about the importance of believing in yourself. It's a cheap merchandising trick, but better executed than most. I actually don't mind reading these. This was a Christmas present.

I picked Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss. I've noticed that Julia hasn't heard many of the Dr. Seuss books, so I picked up a few at the library this week. I loved this book as a kid, and it retains its charm even now for me.

Jaymie finished reading Stowaway to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron today.

Some books for Stanley

Stanley generally gets whatever books are in his room at bedtime from me (along with others from Kristen during the day -- she'll have to post those). Lately the rotation has been pretty regular:

Goodnight, Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Going to Sleep on the Farm by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton
The Farm Book by Jan Pfloog
Jamberry by Bruce Degen
My First Real Mother Goose
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Ed Martin, Jr.

Stanley's taken to reading these himself, which is pretty cute, but a bit frustrating, as he won't let me read them to him anymore.

Fortunately, today he asked for some new read-alouds:
Toes are to Tickle by Shen Roddie
Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells

We read these several times tonight.

Read to Jaymie and Julia, Feb. 16, 2005

Kristen got a long-distance phone call from her aunt, so I read to both the girls:

The Little Mermaid, a Little Golden Book version of the Disney movie. Julia picked this, despite my attempts to suggest something else. Jaymie hates all of the talk of kissing. We own this book.

Pete's a Pizza by William Steig. It's raining, and Pete can't play outside with his friends, so his dad makes him into a pizza. A really fun, short book about a dad playing with his son. Bought at a Scholastic warehouse sale.

Read to Julia, February 15, 2005

More Bill Peet tonight:

Cock-A-Doodle Dudley by Bill Peet. Dudley the rooster is well-liked by all of the farmyard animals except for Gunther Goose, who is jealous of all the attention that Dudley gets for waking the sun in the morning. Gunther chases Dudley away from the farm, but when Dudley fails to crow in the morning, the sun refuses to come up. Another enjoyable book from one of Julia's favorite authors. Borrowed from the library.

Kristen finished reading Bed-Knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton to Jaymie tonight. I'll have Jaymie report on it sometime this week. Next up: I get to read The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis.

Read to Julia, February 14, 2005

We went to the library today for creative movement class and picked up a few books.

The Spooky Tail of Prewitt Peacock by Bill Peet. Julia picked this out herself. I actually tried to put it back, because it looked like it might be scary, but Julia insisted. I'm glad she did. Classic Bill Peet. Prewitt is a peacock with a small, unimpressive tail with only two eyes. His tail grows into an image of a monstrous face, causing him to be ostracized from his flock. They're chasing him away when they come face to face with a tiger, who is scared off by Prewitt's monster-faced tail. Completely predictable, and completely enjoyable. Borrowed from library.

Fox in Love by Edward Marshall, pictures by James Marshall. An easy reader -- I'm starting to introduce these as Julia is learning to read so she can look forward to reading books on her own. I like the Fox books. They're not syrupy sweet -- he's a bit irresponsible and foolish, but overall a nice guy.

Read to Julia, February 13, 2005

Everyone is still sick, so another short night. Julia grabbed some junk off the shelves -- some Barbie book, and something else I don't remember. Bleck.

Read to Jaymie and Julia, Feb. 11, 2005

The kids were all sick, and Jaymie had to get up at 6:00 for a swim meet, so only one short book tonight:

The Toy Circus by Jan Wahl, illustrated by Tim Bowers. The toys come out at night and stage a circus. Not awful, but nothing special either. Very short.

Chapter books read by Jaymie at age 6

Here is a (more or less complete) list of chapter books read by Jaymie at age 6 (list does not include picture books)

Dolphin Adventure: by Wayne Grover
The Cricket in Times Square: by George Selden
The Littles and Their Amazing New Friend: by John Peterson
Ralph S. Mouse: by Beverly Cleary
Half Magic by Edward Eager
Poppy: by Avi
Poppy and Rye: by Avi
The Castle in the Attic: by Elizabeth Winthrop
Balto and the great race: by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Stone Fox: by John Reynolds Gardiner
Lady Lollipop: by Dick King Smith
Clever Lollipop: by Dick King Smith
The Furious Flycycle: by Jan Wahl
The Whipping Boy: by Sid Fleischman
Amber Brown is not a Crayon: by Paula Danzinger
A Mouse Called Wolf: by Dick King Smith
Pretty Polly: by Dick King Smith
Tucker’s Countryside: by George Selden
Sarah, Plain and Tall: by Patricia MacLachlan
Ramona and Her Father: by Beverly Cleary
Squanto:Friend of the Pilgrims: by Clyde Robert Bulla
Homer Price: by Robert McCloskey
Ramona Quimby, Age 8: by Beverly Cleary
Socks: by Beverly Cleary
More All-Of-A-Kind Family: by Sydney Taylor
Bunnicula: by Deborah and James Howe
Beezus and Ramona: by Beverly Cleary
Pocahontas and the Strangers: by Clyde Robert Bulla
Forever Amber Brown: by Paula Danziger
The Littles and the Big Storm: by John Peterson
Tom Little’s Great Halloween Scare: by John Peterson
Dolphin Adventure: by Wayne Grover
Dolphin Freedom: by Wayne Grover
The Mouse and the Motorcycle: by Beverly Cleary
Junie B., First Grader (at last!) by Barbara Park
Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones is a Party Animal by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones has a Monster Under Her Bed by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones is (Almost) a Flower Girl by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket by Barbara Park

Chpater books read by Jaymie at age 5

For the record, here's a list (more or less complete) of the chapter books read by Jaymie at age 5 (list does not include picture books).

Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne
Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne
Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne
Night of the Ninjas by Mary Pope Osborne
Afternoon on the Amazon by Mary Pope Osborne
Sunset of the Sabertooth by Mary Pope Osborne
Midnight on the Moon by Mary Pope Osborne
Dolphins at Daybreak by Mary Pope Osborne
Ghost Town at Sundown by Mary Pope Osborne
Lions at Lunchtime by Mary Pope Osborne
Polar Bears Past Bedtime by Mary Pope Osborne
Vacation on the Volcano by Mary Pope Osborne
Day of the Dragon King by Mary Pope Osborne
Viking Ships at Sunrise by Mary Pope Osborne
Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne
Tonight on the Titanic by Mary Pope Osborne
Buffalo Before Breakfast by Mary Pope Osborne
Tigers at Twilight by Mary Pope Osborne
Dingoes at Dinnertime by Mary Pope Osborne
Civil War on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne
Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne
Twister on Tuesday by Mary Pope Osborne
Earthquake in the Early Morning by Mary Pope Osborne
Stage Fright on a Summer Night by Mary Pope Osborne
Good Morning, Gorillas by Mary Pope Osborne
Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osborne
High Tide in Hawaii by Mary Pope Osborne
Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne
Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve by Mary Pope Osborne
Summer of the Sea Serpent by Mary Pope Osborne
My Father’s Dragon: By Ruth Stiles Gannett
Elmer and the Dragon: By Ruth Stiles Gannett
The Dragons of Blueland By Ruth Stiles Gannett
The Courage of Sarah Noble By Alice Dalgleish
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones and a little Monkey Business by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones and that Meanie Jim’s Birthday by Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren by Barbara Park
The Littles and the Big Storm by John Peterson
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

Read to Jaymie and Julia, Feb. 10, 2005

Kristen went to Enrichment meeting tonight at the church, so I read to Jaymie and Julia together.

The Silver Slippers by Elizabeth Koda-Callan. A little girl wants to become a prima ballerina, but she's far from the best dancer in her class. Her mother gives her a necklace with silver slippers hanging from it to inspire her as she works long and hard to fulfill her dream. Julia picked this one. It's a companion to Koda-Callan's The Magic Locket.

We also read "Ramona and the Apples" from Beezus and Ramona. Jaymie picked this one. Julia seemed to like it fine. Jaymie has read this book before, so she's familiar with the story.

Read to Julia, February 9, 2005

Three library books tonight:

Aurora: A Tale of the Northern Lights by Mindy Dwyer. An original tale about the origin of the Northern Lights. Aurora is a young girl longing for adventure. She follows the caribou over the horizon, collecting colors along the way until she finds a land of darkness, where she releases the lights in her pocket.

Julia has never seen the Northern Lights, so I don’t know if this makes much sense to her. She liked the illustrations a lot, though.

Sleepy Bears by Mem Fox, illustrated by Kerry Argent. Mama Bear puts each of her six cubs to sleep with a rhyme about their fondest dreams. A nice bedtime book. We own Koala Lou by the same author.

”I Remember!” Cried Grandma Pinky by Jan Wahl, pictures by Arden Johnson. Grandma Pinky comes to visit Nutmeg and her family for the week. Each day she tells a tale of her long-ago youth, beginning each one by crying “I remember!” Each day she also manages to forget something in the recent past – where she put her glasses, when she should take the pie out of the oven. Sweetly written, and makes its point without beating you over the head with it. The illustrations leave something to be desired, however. We own The Furious Flycycle by the same author, which is a wonderful story for slightly older readers (a little longer than Magic Treehouse, a little shorter than Stone Fox).

Kristen and Jaymie continue to read Bed-knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton.

Read to Julia, February 7, 2005

Not much time tonight, so a couple of quick books from off the shelf.

Walt Disney's Cinderella, a Little Golden Book. Illustrated by Ron Dias and Bill Lorencz. Just about what you would expect. Interesting that the artwork is attributed but the text is not. Who knows where this came from?

Moose in the Garden by Nancy While Carlstrom, paintings by Lisa Desimini. A short, short poem/story about a moose who comes and eats all of the cruciferous vegetables in the garden, to the dismay of the parents and the delight of the child. "Next time you visit, zucchini -- don't miss it!" the child implores. We discovered Carlstrom through her well-known Jesse Bear books, but have grown to appreciate her other works, which often have Alaskan themes (she lives (lived?) in Fairbanks) -- Kristen's family all live in the Anchorage area. Bought at a library book sale.

Kristen is continuing to read Bed-knob and Broomstick to Jaymie.

Books read to Jaymie and Julia, Feb. 6, 2005

Kristen was tired tonight, so I read to both Jaymie and Julia.

Julia alone:

Pooh's Fall Harvest by Isabel Gaines, illustrated by Marderosian & Enik. This is a "First Reader" book. I tried to hide it, but she found it. Oh well. Julia's learning to read, so perhaps it's worthwhile to expose her to the kinds of books she'll start out reading. Bought at a Scholastic warehouse sale.

Animalogies: A Collection of Animal Analogies Written and illustrated by fourth-grade students of Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet school. The first page is "Squawk is to crow as squeak is to...." Turn the page to find "mouse." Colorful paper-cut illustrations. All done by kids. Julia and Jaymie like this book -- I think Julia's starting to get the idea. Bought at a Scholastic warehouse sale.

Night House, Bright House by Monica Wellington. "I Spy" type illustrations with text that invites the reader to find objects in the picture. Our favorite: "Tickle-tickle," said the pickle. The kids get tickled until they find the pickle. Julia loves this book -- we're a bit sick of it, but it's hard to turn her down. Included as a part of a Brighter Vision Learning Adventures shipment.

Read to Jaymie and Julia:

Rufferella by Vanessa Gill-Brown, illustrated by Mandy Stanley. Diamante wants to be a fairy godmother. She decides to make over her dog into a human girl, to great success, until a fancy dinner party with the Queen turns disastrous. This is an old favorite at our house. A gift from my Aunt Shauna, who has wonderful taste in children's books.

We also read a chapter of Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary and a chapter of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne. Julia balks a bit when I offer to read these, but she seems to like them once I start reading, and seems to understand them well enough.

Read to Julia, Feb. 5, 2005

The Whingdingdilly by Bill Peet. Scamp is a farm dog who dreams of being a show horse. He meets Zildy, a witch who could grant his desire, but convinces him instead to become a Whingdingdilly -- a bizarre mixture of rhinoceros, reindeer, elephant, giraffe, and zebra. The Whingdingdilly scares everyone in town, and Scamp learns that his best friend Orvie loved him just as he was.

Bill Peet is a good author for Julia right now. His stories are fairly long for a picture book (think William Steig), but there's still plenty of interesting illustrations to look at. Bought at a library book sale.

I also read the first chapter of Winnie-the-Pooh to Jaymie and Julia. Julia wasn't very excited at first, but when she realized that she knew the story from the Disney movies, she warmed right up to the idea.

Read to Julia, February 3, 2005

Julia doesn't seem to be ready for episodic novels like the Ramona books, but many of our favorite picture books don't seem to be quite enough for her either. I'm trying to figure out where the sweet spot is.

Tonight we read:

Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss. I like the Bartholomew Cubbins books. It's slightly creepy, like all of the best Seuss. I remember having bad dreams about oobleck. Julia seemed to enjoy it, but at the end asked me not to read it again. Perhaps she was scared? Borrowed from the library.

Goggles by Ezra Jack Keats. I don't think Julia gets this book, even though it's much shorter. The urban environment and the threat of physical violence are things she doesn't have much conception of. I remember not really getting into Keats as a kid, but as an adult I really like his books. Borrowed from the library.

Pierre by Maurice Sendak. We sang this book using Carole King's music. It was fun -- Julia did all of the "I don't care"s. I loved this book as a kid, perhaps because it has "Chapters" despite the fact that it's a very short story. We own this book.

I promised Julia I would read Bill Peet's The Whingdingdilly tomorrow.

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis

I finished reading Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis to Jaymie a couple of weeks ago. We actually got almost through the whole book before Christmas, but then the holidays messed up our reading schedule, so we restarted the book.

I always worry that books will be too scary or violent for Jaymie, who tends to be a bit sensitive to perilous situations. She seems to be able to handle action in books a lot better than on screen.

Currently reading: Bedknob and Broomstick, by Mary Norton.

Read to Julia, February 1, 2005

I really should include Julia's reading here too, even if they're picture books. It can take us a couple of weeks to finish a good-sized book with Jaymie. During that time Julia might hear fifty books.

Last night we read:

I am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed by Lauren Child. I really like Lauren Child's style. Little Lola will not go to bed without taking care of a bunch of imaginary animals in the way. Library book.

Sometimes I Wonder if Poodles Like Noodles, written by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Tim Bowers. A book of fun poems. This was notable because all three children -- Jaymie, Julia, and Stanley -- sat through the entire book, which has never happened before. Stanley just listened and looked at the pictures for a good ten minutes. Julia has been liking this book. The illustrations are well executed, and the poems, while not especially memorable, have some nice moments. We bought this book at a Scholastic warehouse sale, I think.

Tilly and the Rhinoceros by Sheila White Samton. One of our favorite random library picks. One of the kids grabbed this book off the shelf at the library and we fell in love with it, to the point where we purchased our own copy (off the Internet -- it's out of print). The story of a mean rhinoceros whose heart is softened by the kind actions of a generous goose. My favorite line: "Now there is something magical about a goose and a rhinoceros singing together."
Isabella's Bed by Alison Lester. Anna and Luis discover something of their family's history on an imaginative journey on a bed from their grandmother's house. I really liked this book, perhaps because it includes a song in the middle, complete with a manuscript version of the song. Books nowadays have buttons to push or CDs to play music -- I like making it myself. Borrowed from the library.