Books Kids Love!

Following are the book reviews from Diana M's kids that were in the February newsletter:

Our family loves to read and the best thing about it for me is rediscovering so many of the books that I loved when I was young. It is so great to see that my kids also love them. We also love books that are a series, Froggy, Berenstein Bears, Curious George. It is fun to try to read them all and the kids love the familiarity of the characters.

Aidan is five and loves to read. His perfect day would be picking every book at the library and spending the rest of the day reading.

His latest favorite is when Dinosaurs came with everything by Elise Broach. A little boy runs errands with his mom and discovers that instead of a lollipop at the barber, a sticker at the doctor, you get a DINOSAUR! Very silly fun for little kids who love dinosaurs. Aidan’s comments: This book is really funny and I like to read it over and over again. Lots of great pictures. My comments: I would recommend this book for ages four and up. I thought it was original and funny for adults too. I like the mom’s solution at the end! I could actually enjoy it after reading it four or five times, which is important in a children’s book.

Aidan also wanted to recommend The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule by Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain. This book is part of the Living Lights books and was just published in 2008. Other titles include Say Their Prayers, Go to Sunday School and God Loves You! Sister Bear learns an important lesson about being kind when a new girl arrives at school. Aidan’s comments: I love this book, but little kids might not like part with the name calling. I think Sister Bear makes a good choice. My comments: This book follows all other Berenstain Books in which there is a conflict with the cubs and Mama and Papa help to resolve it. I love these new books in that they incorporate a biblical theme within the story. They are easy for kids to understand, especially if they like the Berenstain Bears. It also includes some questions at the end. They are long books, so you may have to make sure your child has the attention span to enjoy it.

Lauren is three and a half. She also loves to read, but it took her longer to develop a love of reading. She wanted to eat books instead of read them as a baby. So, don’t give up on reading to your children if they don’t like it immediately!

Lauren recommends The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond. A cute Valentine’s Day book, it rains hearts and a little girl makes valentines for her friends. Lauren’s comments: I like the pictures in this book and think the little animals are cute. My comments: I like Felicia Bond’s books for their cute pictures and simple storylines. I think it is a good book for ages 2 to 4 and particularly girls.

Lauren also loves Tumble Bumble, which is also by Felicia Bond. A bunch of animals meet up on a walk. Lauren’s comments: My favorite part is when the animals all eat. It is a cute book that I like to read all the time. My comments: This book’s illustrations are also very cute and by the fifth time you read it, you will have it memorized. My kids enjoy the cute rhyming verse and it is a good bedtime book. I would recommend it for birth and up.