Oh The Books That We Read ~ Vol.1

It's our very first...

 Last Winter, Ben was having a very hard time settling down and falling to sleep. He has always had difficulty with transitions but this was becoming a huge problem and interfering with his daily life. After a few weeks of 1am bedtimes and terrible mornings, I went looking for help. I found the answer in a little girls magic finger. No really! I happened to have The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl on the book shelf. So one night Ben and I cuddled up on his bed and read the entire thing. This wonderful little book is only 64 pages long but it solved our transition problem! The simple and time tested act of reading a (mostly) picture less book that required my restless child to listen and picture the story in his own little mind also quieted and calmed him. He fell asleep within minutes. This may seem like a "well... duh" moment for some but it made a huge difference for our family.

Since then Ben and I have read several chapter books together. Bed time has become really a special time for both of us. I'd really like to keep a record of the splendid books that we read and what books the little ones are enjoying as well. So here it is! Oh The Books That We Read!

For our very first entry, I'd like to recap a few of the books that we have read over the spring and summer.

The Magic Finger

by Roald Dahl

(you're going to be seeing this name a lot! He's my FAVORITE!)

Ben and I have read this twice now. It is a pretty quick and easy read. If I recall correctly it is one long story, not a chapter book. This charming story is not for the faint of heart! It is about a little girl that has had enough of her hunting obsessed neighbors. After trying several creative ways to make them change their 'wicked ways', she is forced to put 'the magic finger' on them. As with all Roald Dahl stories, The Magic Finger is filled with wit, danger, action and important life lessons.

Danny Champion of the World

by Roald Dahl

(see, I told you!)

"My father, without the slightest doubt, was the most marvelous and exciting father any boy ever had."

Danny Champion of the World

This is by far my favorite book by Roald Dahl! Maybe my favorite book ever! Danny Champion of the World is best read by a daddy (or in our case, a Papa) to his son. But don't miss out on the wonderfully adventurous book, moms! Danny and his father live in a gypsy caravan, they tend their little gas station on the edge of town and occasionally take off to fly home-built gas balloons. Their beautiful relationship and stunning adventures make this book a treasure! BUT... there is hunting involved. Very much so involved! Check it out for yourself first, then enjoy it! Now I want to read it again...

There are so many other wonderful books the the kids and I have been reading. I can't wait to share them!