Once or twice a month we stop by our local new and used book seller. They have an awesome, close-knit staff who are friendly and knowledgeable and passionate about books and reading. They’ll make you think twice about saving money at Amazon, especially on the used stuff, which is usually cheaper in-store, if you factor in shipping.
Anyway, today we stopped by to look for A.A. Milne (Naiah’s new favorite author), some bios for the girls, and easy reading for the boy. We checked out with quite a stack. At the counter. . .
Sarah (age 7): Mommy, why are we getting so many books?
Clerk: Because you guys read a TON!
Sarah: Oh.
Me: Plus, you guys keep asking for more nonfiction, so I picked up a bunch of that.
Anna and Sarah: EEEeeek!!! YES!! NONFICTION!!!
Clerk: Dude.
You ROCK, Mom.
Okay, only slightly jealous about the Kingfisher encyclopedias. =) Looks like some fun days ahead for the Kerr family. I scored the complete works of Beatrix Potter from the thrift store for two dollars! I love getting books at reasonable prices. Although, I lent out my copy of Hind’s Feet on High Places and never got it back. I recently found it at a used book store. I think it was $4.50, or maybe $7.50, I can’t remember. Anyway, the point is, I didn’t buy it because it is quite possibly my favorite book ever, and so that one, I think I will buy new. =)
Awesome! I love that kind of enthusiasm!
I remember a few years ago, Z was 7 I think, and one of his friends had just returned from a big family vacation that included Disneyland. He seemed sort of unimpressed. I asked, “So, do you also want to go to Disneyland sometime?” Without hesitating, his reply was purposeful. “Is there a Barnes & Noble at Disneyland?”
Priorities, man.
Dude is right! I’m trying to figure out ways to encourage Drew to keep reading. He’s been rather resistant for the most part, and I can’t quite figure out why. So far, we’ve had a little bit of success with a rewards system (aka bribing!) which honestly, makes me feel a little guilty. Any tips?
Jonah is the SAME WAY. It drives me to consternation sometimes. The two things that have interested him the most so far weren’t early readers at all– they were Spiderman or Star Wars comic magazines, and Captain Underpants books. They’re super hard for him to read, but he would rather struggle with those than fly through a kindergarten reader. I think it’s the boredom factor.
Depending on how old a boys is (maybe 8+) the Bone series by Jeff Smith has really captivated Z. They are a graphic novel type book, Scholastic publishes them.
Also the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are fun for kids who don’t really have the reading bug (yet.)