What My Kids Are Reading 5/5/17
The 8-Year-Old
From the publisher: “A vivid retelling of a major historical catastrophe written in an engaging, narrative style with direct speech and speech bubbles. Brings to life the gripping story of the “unsinkable” ship and its doomed maiden voyage. Dramatic illustrations, photos or maps on every page and Internet links to fun websites via the Usborne Quicklinks Website.”
My Titanic-obsessed son has checked this book out from his school library at least 3 times. This year. The writing is simple and interesting, the pictures are great, and I know he’s actually reading it and not just looking at the pictures because he’s constantly teaching me things I didn’t know about the Titanic! If you have a kid who loves history and the Titanic, this is a great choice!
The 6-Year-Old
From the publisher: “When a boy and his dog go for a hike, the boy trips on a fossil, and it comes to life, revealing an ancient plant. The boy is so intrigued that he breaks two more fossils that come to life—a dragonfly and a pteranodon. When these prehistoric creatures collide with present reality, the boy must figure out a way to make things go back to normal. Visually told through art, this “wordless story” will surely spark imagination and creativity.”
Right. I do realize that Fossil is a book without words. But hear me out on this! The illustrations by Bill Thomson are beautiful and done in a way that create tension in this story. As much as writing for children is important, I really believe that the illustrations in picture books are equally important, and Thomson has it down. This type of book also fosters creativity in a way that regular books cannot: whether I’m “reading” it or my son is, the story changes every time. It really allows for a child to create their own story in an easy, fun way. We also love Chalk
What We’re Reading Together
From the publisher: “Last seen flying through the sky in a giant elevator in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket’s back for another adventure. When the giant elevator picks up speed, Charlie, Willy Wonka, and the gang are sent hurtling through space and time. Visiting the world’’ first space hotel, battling the dreaded Vermicious Knids, and saving the world are only a few stops along this remarkable, intergalactic joyride.”
We have been on a Roald Dahl kick this year! We were going to start The Witches