I'm looking for suggestions of novels that would be suitable to read to my 5-year old son who is currently in kindergarten. He is beginning to learn to read in school, but is not reading independently yet. He's always loved being read to by his parents, though. Here are some books he's enjoyed us reading to him over the past ~9 months:
- E. B. White: Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web, and The Trumpet of the Swan
- Beverly Cleary: Ramona the Pest
- Judy Blume: Fudge-A-Mania, Ralph S. Mouse
Reflecting on common themes in these books, perhaps the biggest is that they are relatable to everyday life (living in a family, growing up, going to school). In other words, they are relatively realistic (as opposed to having primarily fantastic settings), even if some feature anthropomorphic or talking animals. They also all have some funny elements. (We've been asked to read the chapter of Charlotte's Web where Avery Arable tries to capture Charlotte but instead steps on a rotten egg many, many times.)
Knowing these things, do you have suggestions for novels my son would enjoy? We will probably read more Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume, but I'd be interested in suggestions for other authors or books to explore. Books that would broaden his horizons (in terms of awareness of other peoples, times, and/or cultures) would be particularly welcome. Thanks in advance!
by Ginger-Tea-8591
3 Comments
I would recommend anything by Kate DiCamillo. Our child liked the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Flora and Ulysses, The Tale of Desperaux, and The Magicians Elephant best.
They are all a bit in the style of E.B. White.
Additionally, Katherine Applegate’s One and Only Ivan and sequels are all good, and perhaps a little easier for a kindergartner, though if you’re doing the reading you won’t find either author bad at all.
Pretty much anything by Daniel Pinkwater
The Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books!
And I’ll always remember my father reading The Jungle Book and Winnie-the-Pooh to us.