I think I would have been bogged down by Boys in The Boat on paper but Ed Herman’s voice carried me along in the audio version and made it feel like it was moving along nicely.
Any recommendations for a non picture book read aloud for a five year old? Maybe we’re not quite there yet which is okay, too. We’re doing a digital fast for the summer and I’d love to start reading aloud something we can chip away at. But maybe that’s a me thing.
The read-aloud possibilities are endless! What does your 5yo like?
Without knowing the answer right away, I'd say The Wild Robot is a great starting point. The chapters are super short (1-3 pages), so you can read one if that's all you get through, or more if the wiggles aren't too bad that reading session. There's also a picture every few pages or so. My kids also do well with something for their hands to do -- a coloring sheet or finger-knitting while I read aloud. Even LEGOs or Hot Wheels or MagnaTiles would fit the bill if that's more your kid's style.
If you haven't read Mercy Watson, grab that series from the library! The Mercy Watson books are really early chapter books, but then the follow-up companion books are all under the series title "Tales from Deckawoo Drive" and are true chapter books featuring some images + the same characters from Mercy.
Charlotte's Web is perfect for age 5! I have a love-hate relationship with Ramona. The stories are so funny... but I'm pretty sure Arthur starts acting a biiit more like Ramona when he listens. EEK!
Seabiscuit has a very similar vibe to The Boys in the Boat (which I LOVED). Chloe and I listening to Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing after laughing our way through the Fudge books. Judy Blume reads the audiobook and does a great job.
HOW is Arthur seven and looking so grown up already?! Time is a flat circle, as Pantsuit Politics would say.
Ironically, I just watched the movie adaptation of Boys in the Boat a few weeks ago. It was good, but nothing that made me think I need to read the book. My latest historical nonfiction was Killers of the Flower Moon. I found it riveting, although the middle did drag a bit. It's got a bit of a mystery vibe that kept me interested.
He's been wanting a suit for a couple of months, so our friend Penny tracked one down for him. He's THRILLED. haha!
My book club read Killers of the Flower Moon a few years ago, and I think I skipped it entirely because I was freshly postpartum and not at all in the mood for a mega-long nonfiction read. Maybe I'll give it a shot this year?
Re read aloud chapter books for 5 year old, in addition to Abigail’s recs we have enjoyed Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Misty of Chincoteague, and the early Betsy Tacy stories.
Yes! Mr. Popper's Penguins is so fun. I have never read Betsy Tacy, but I have Misty of Chincoteague on my shelf from my childhood, and I don't know why I've never though to read it to the kids yet! Great suggestions!
I think I would have been bogged down by Boys in The Boat on paper but Ed Herman’s voice carried me along in the audio version and made it feel like it was moving along nicely.
Any recommendations for a non picture book read aloud for a five year old? Maybe we’re not quite there yet which is okay, too. We’re doing a digital fast for the summer and I’d love to start reading aloud something we can chip away at. But maybe that’s a me thing.
The read-aloud possibilities are endless! What does your 5yo like?
Without knowing the answer right away, I'd say The Wild Robot is a great starting point. The chapters are super short (1-3 pages), so you can read one if that's all you get through, or more if the wiggles aren't too bad that reading session. There's also a picture every few pages or so. My kids also do well with something for their hands to do -- a coloring sheet or finger-knitting while I read aloud. Even LEGOs or Hot Wheels or MagnaTiles would fit the bill if that's more your kid's style.
If you haven't read Mercy Watson, grab that series from the library! The Mercy Watson books are really early chapter books, but then the follow-up companion books are all under the series title "Tales from Deckawoo Drive" and are true chapter books featuring some images + the same characters from Mercy.
Let me know if you need more ideas than that!
A digital fast for the summer! I love it! I recommend Amelia Bedelia books. I’m pretty sure we did Charlotte’s Web at 5. And Ramona Quimby.
Charlotte's Web is perfect for age 5! I have a love-hate relationship with Ramona. The stories are so funny... but I'm pretty sure Arthur starts acting a biiit more like Ramona when he listens. EEK!
Seabiscuit has a very similar vibe to The Boys in the Boat (which I LOVED). Chloe and I listening to Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing after laughing our way through the Fudge books. Judy Blume reads the audiobook and does a great job.
I’m reading The Ensemble by Aja Gabel.
I loved The Ensemble! Give me a novel that follows a friend group for a decade+ any time.
HOW is Arthur seven and looking so grown up already?! Time is a flat circle, as Pantsuit Politics would say.
Ironically, I just watched the movie adaptation of Boys in the Boat a few weeks ago. It was good, but nothing that made me think I need to read the book. My latest historical nonfiction was Killers of the Flower Moon. I found it riveting, although the middle did drag a bit. It's got a bit of a mystery vibe that kept me interested.
He's been wanting a suit for a couple of months, so our friend Penny tracked one down for him. He's THRILLED. haha!
My book club read Killers of the Flower Moon a few years ago, and I think I skipped it entirely because I was freshly postpartum and not at all in the mood for a mega-long nonfiction read. Maybe I'll give it a shot this year?
Re read aloud chapter books for 5 year old, in addition to Abigail’s recs we have enjoyed Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Misty of Chincoteague, and the early Betsy Tacy stories.
Yes! Mr. Popper's Penguins is so fun. I have never read Betsy Tacy, but I have Misty of Chincoteague on my shelf from my childhood, and I don't know why I've never though to read it to the kids yet! Great suggestions!