On the tail end of a long day, sometimes exactly what you and your kids need is a good read. And, if you’ve gotten into the habit of reading with your kids, then you’re likely in need of a few quality recommendations, so here are four books we’ve enjoyed recently to add to your list…
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Can’t go wrong with this classic: lovable pig does his best to avoid a smokehouse fate with the help of his barnyard and arachnid friends. This is an easy book to begin the chapter-book phase of reading to your kids. It’s engaging enough to hold attention, has a storyline that avoids being too complex, and there are comedic geese.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Diving into the Harry Potter series is probably best with kids that aren’t too young for a couple reasons: 1. There are some complexities to the story that require more attention; 2. Rowling’s wizarding world could be a touch scary; and 3. Once you begin the series, your kids (and you) won’t want to stop reading. And, they’ll likely be deeply distressed that you’re a family of Muggles.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater
The gist of this delightful story is that in the 1930s, Mr. Popper dreams of the poles (both North and South). And yet, for all his dreaming, he’s a stationary individual who never travels anywhere. This all changes, naturally, when Popper ends up with one penguin (as a result of his letter to a polar explorer) and eventually, as the story unfolds, a whole penguin family. Tough to go wrong with a premise like that. But more than being simply an engaging, easy to follow story, Mr. Popper’s Penguins results in a moral dilemma for Popper: a life of wealth and fame derived from his celebrity penguins or the well-being of his penguin friends. A read that begs for some cocoa to go with it.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, except instead of a candy factory, it’s a library. And instead of Mr. Wonka, it’s Mr. Lemoncello…who’s just as quirky and fun as ol’ Willy. A group of kids are locked into Mr. Lemoncello’s new, state-of-the-art library and have to work together to unravel a series of clues that will allow them to escape and win the game. The book is jammed with trivia, provides enough clues to keep you and your kids guessing, and is a fun read start to finish.
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Books read and looking for a recommendation on some games? Check out four of our favorite card games or a great board game.
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Picture Pexels; Used via Creative Commons license.