Be careful what you wish for
As I mentioned a couple posts back, James has had issues with picking out chapter books; nothing was quite right and we had come to an uneasy compromise with the book jar solution. However, I longed for him to breeze through chapter books the way he did picture books. To be eager to read them instead of slog through a couple of chapters at a time, occasionally finding that diamond that he loved.
For his birthday, I took him to the bookstore and announced he could pick out whatever chapter books he wanted. The last time he had been allowed in a bookstore to pick out to his own material, my friend had given him a gift card, he was perhaps 3 1/2, and we went home with a My Little Pony book that I then had to read, over and over. At the library, you bring books like that back. However, I reasoned, he was long past that point. It was safe to return.
Enter the Disney Fairy series, chapter books to be sure. So well loved by him that he has even said, “Mom, you have got to read this book. I’m sure you could do it in a couple hours.” You think? It took you a couple hours, maybe I could manage it.
Additionally, somehow Captain Underpants has re-emerged, Geronimo Stilton, and even a couple Goosebumps (not yet started, but I’m sure he’ll read them and complain of nightmares).
I did manage to slip in a couple of gems, but I’m not really sure how to handle the series mania, except to be glad for his love of reading, know that each stage passes, and to continue to read quality literature to him.
How do you handle books with your kids?
*snickers* we read that series to Becca! In fact I purchased one for her birthday! I have no advice except that reading is better than not reading. Have you tried the Star Wars books? I know series again but it may hold his interest? Hobbit?
Both my kids went through all sorts of what I’d call trash novels. Goosebumps was a big favorite… both kids went through the entire series. Remember, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys were considered trash, too.
At that age, let me think… Lyssa loved Hank the Cowdog. A little later, she loved the whole Bunnicula series.
I was allowed to read whatever I wanted to read as a kid.
I still am.
Think about it. Don’t you read mostly only things you’re interested in?
I posted about being allowed to read what I wanted to awhile back (and I just took like 20 minutes hunting for the damn post, lol)
http://amimental.blogspot.com/2007/11/mrs-g-at-derfwad-manor-talked-bit-about.html
I just don’t see it does any harm if they’re READING. Whether it’s Lego catalogs or comic books or animae or Goosebumps…
BTW both my kids are voracious readers now, at 16 and 22.
I agree with all of your other commentors. Reading is just such a joyful thing for me as a mom to see my daughter doing–right now I just couldn’t be happier.
A girlfriend of mine has a theory that some of us are just hardwired to be readers of fiction, or fiction-like stories–like historical fiction–that there is just something about the extrordinary that captures us more than non-fiction can. Maybe this is your son! Never fear, there’s a lot out there that is very entertaining as well as educational!
Well, if Baby Boy reads anything, I call it success. When he was about James’ age, Captain Underpants was a regular staple. I hate them, they are so gross . . . and silly . . . “But before I can tell you that story, I have to tell you this story” or something like that. I cringe just thinking about it. Shoot! As much as I hate to admit it, Baby Boy is 16 and I caught him laying on the floor laughing while reading a Captain Underpants book earlier this week. We still have the whole darn set because he can’t bear to part with them, LOL. I’m not kidding!
I don’t buy into the whole “twaddle” mindset. I think reading is good. If he’s reading it, it’s good.
So . . . over here . . . Captain Underpants counts, Hank the Cowdog counts, Some book about Jedi Mind Tricks counts, computer techi magazines count . . . miscellaneous ninja graphic novels count . . . you get the picture. Reading is good. If he’s reading, it’s good.
I LOVE the sound of Baby Boy laughing, so when he reads those silly books that make him laugh right out loud, it makes me SO HAPPY.
Thanks to everyone who replied. I’m much more comfortable just enjoying James reading his fairy books, although i still say he’ll be embarrassed by the whole thing in a few years
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