Boogers and Burps Book Picks, Vol. 1
Every night since my boys were old enough to focus their eyes on the pages of a book, I’ve read to them before bed. And don’t go getting all jealous thinking I’m mother of the year or anything because, trust me, it’s about the only thing I do right.
But this routine of reading every night (And I do mean EVERY night, no matter if we pulled in the driveway at midnight and climbed up the stairs with our eyes closed. “Mom? Aren’t you gonna read to me?”) has generated 10+ years of reading experience in the kiddie lit genre for me Oh, did I mention that each boy wants me to read a book just to him? So that means each night I’m reading at least three books (many times more if they’re not chapter books).
It’s safe to say, then, that I’ve read some fabulous books, and I’ve read some books that I immediately threw into the garage sale pile when we finally reached the final page. So I thought I’d share with you some of the books on my recommended reading list.
- The Harry Potter series. Please tell me you’ve read them, or at least one of them. If you haven’t, you really need to. I managed to perform the feat of reading all seven of them aloud, which took several years but was totally worth the hoarseness and dry mouth. I admit that there were times when Boy #1 would fall asleep and I would just keep on reading. I had to know what happened to m’boy Harry!
- Any of the Junie B. Jones books by Barbara Parks. Junie B. Jones is the funniest kindergartner/first grader (depending on which book you read) that I’ve ever “met.” Although I’d probably pull my hair out if I had to live with her or be her teacher, I love, love, love taking on her voice when I read these books to the boys. The writing is incredibly clever, and Parks truly brings her characters to life. Kids can definitely relate to some of the issues Junie B. faces, from losing a tooth to going to her first sleepover to getting in trouble for not being able to keep her thoughts to herself. And even though Junie B. is obviously a girl, my boys all love reading her stories.
- All of the Pigeon books by Mo Willems. I know I’ve told you before that I’m obsessed with Pigeon. I love him. I really do. I want to cover my unpainted walls with pictures of Pigeon eating a hot dog or driving a bus or opening his eyes REAL WIDE while he tries to stay awake. Or backing away in terror when he finally sees the puppy he’s been coveting. If Mo Willems would make me a wardrobe of Pigeon T-shirts and flannel Pigeon pants, I’d wear them every day. (I hope you read this blog, Mo.)
- The Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix is the first book in the “Missing” series. This one was a page-turner all the way. Part sci-fi, part action and suspense, it set up a storyline that neither Boy #1 nor I could enough of! I’ll just tell you that it starts out with a passenger jet appearing out of nowhere at an airport and upon investigating the seemingly abandoned flight, an airport worker discovers a plane full of babies…and it gets even crazier from there! We can’t wait until Sent comes out in late August!
These are just a few of our favorites…check back later for the highly anticipated Vol. 2 of Boogers and Burps Book Picks!
Reading outloud to my students was my favorite time of the day. In 4th grade My favorite was the BFG by Roald Dahl. I’m sure I permanently strained by vocal cords speaking giant talk…but I loved it. The last couple of years I also read Canyons by Gary Paulsen…it was very deep..and I used different voices to help differinate between the two time eras thin which the story was simultaneously happening (the 2 different eras were represented by different fonts in the book)
And, of course, I loved reading the Pippy Longstocking books outloud when I taught 2nd grade.
When I was in elem. school my very favorite time of the day was when the teacher read to us.
Funny your blog is about reading today. I am feeling a little angry and it is because I have been lead to believe I am not capable of doing just that to my Sped kids. You know I don’t have all those pieces of paper to prove how smart I am. So I must not be smart enough. Now, I know we are reading Huck Fynn and it is a little challenging but I can hold my own. I think it is time to retire when I am made to feel so inferior. Sorry, I just had this happen so I am blowing off steam. I am happy you read to our boys and that they love it. Reading is so important. So so many of my kids can’t read above 3 or 4 grade level ( I am at the high school). I really think I can but maybe I am kidding myself. I need those papers to prove I am capable!
gmawheezy
You are MORE than capable. You make a real difference in the lives of special kids and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Someone who knows! 🙂
I love reading to the kids. And they are both huge book hounds.
Hunter loves the Harry Potter books, and Mike Lupica books too. They are about sports, what more could a boy want!
Boo loves Judy Moody (not as much attitude as Junie B.) and the Ramony Quimby books too.
My own little twisted favortie for Boo is the Babysitter Club. I have bought a few (or maybe more…)for her in the coming years. I also got her Pippi Longstocking and a few other “classic” books.
I do the same thing. I started reading The Chronicles of Narnia to my daughter when she was weeks old! I figured she didn’t know what I was saying so I might as well read something interesting!
LOVE Harry. And I know my daughter would love Junie B. Jones…I need to pick those up.
Looking for you tomorrow at Blissdom…I’ll be the one with the baby strapped to me…oh wait, one of the 10 mamas with babies strapped to them! 😉