Today I am participating in the National PTA’s Family Reading Challenge! This week the National PTA is encouraging families to keep reading a priority during the summer months to help prevent learning loss. You can find out more about the Family Reading Challenge by clicking HERE.
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Reading is a habit that is HIGHLY encouraged in our home.
You can find books in almost every room!
When the boys were babies I kept books on the changing table for them to look at while I changed their diapers.
There are a ton of books in a bin that sits between the boys’ carseats for them to read while we’re running errands (you can read about that HERE – it’s a lifesaver!).
We keep a basket of books on the floor next to our kitchen table that we will often read during dinner if Daddy has to work late.
Plus they are allowed to choose one book for me to read to them every night before bed alongside our Bible reading.
Most nights I will even find piles of books stacked next to the toilet where the boys have their routine #2 sitting before bath – ha!
Having books around is great not only because there are 100 million reasons why reading helps kids grow academically, but also because reading together as a family is magical and creates memories I know my boys will remember forever.
Today I want to share with you a few of the books that our family has enjoyed over the last couple of years in hopes that maybe your family will love them too.
The End (Almost) by Jim Benton
This book is about a bear named Donut who is told the story is over and he has to leave, but he doesn’t want to. You will laugh at all the antics Donut tries to pull in effort to keep his spot in the story going.
Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter
This is BY FAR Happy Baby’s favorite book EVER. There is a monster named Larry who tells the readers not to push the image of a big red button on each page. But, of course, you eventually push it and some crrrazy things happen.
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Anything by Mo Willems is amazing and hilarious. We love Knuffle Bunny as well as the recent discovery of the Elephant and Piggie books.
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
Our school librarian read this to Happy Baby’s class the week before school let out and he has talked about it ever since. We picked it up at the library yesterday and have already read it 30 times. It is about a mommy dog who asks her puppy to bark, but instead he quacks and meows and even moos. She takes him to the vet and some really funny events unfold.
The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
This book is Happy Buddy’s favorite. Probably because it has the word ‘Boo Boo Butt’ in it that cracks him up EVERY TIME. B.J. Novak really delivers a smart, clever and hysterical story that will have your family rolling on the floor with giggles.
Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham
Finally, this book is about a moose who wants to be a part of his friend Zebra’s alphabet show, but when M comes, the part is given to the mouse and Moose FREAKS out. It is so funny.
What books do YOUR families enjoy?
– Julie 🙂
*Find more ways to make summer reading fun by clicking HERE!
The Monster at the End of This Book: Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover by Jon Stone was one of my favorites, so I shared it with my son and it became one of his favorites. Now he reads it to his little sister. We always do funny voices and sound effects. He also loved Bark, George and I had the pleasure of reading it to his preschool class one time. The kids demanded multiple re-readings!
Tara, that is a GREAT suggestion! We have enjoyed that book too!
I co-chair the book fair at my kids’ school, and I love Z is for Moose! I feel so bad for Moose, but I love the happy ending. And our principal has been sharing videos of herself reading books on the school’s Facebook page, and she read The Book with No Pictures. We had to watch it at least 4 times! I love any book with Pete the Cat! He’s my favorite!
I laughed when I saw the pic of your little guy with Bark, George on his lap. For a second I thought it had been taken in the school library. :o) So fun!