I have a reluctant early reader at home. Reading is not exciting to this child, and the likelihood of picking up a book for pleasure is outside his current DNA. It can be discouraging to a mama who taught her kids to read but cannot motivate them to read for pleasure. I get it because that is me. If there is one thing I have learned, not every child will devour books with passion and contentment. The other thing to know is that some will develop that passion at a different time in their lives. No matter which class your child falls into, the good news is that we can do a few things to help them get there.
TIPS FOR YOUR RELUCTANT READER
- Do not give up on them. Find a variety of books and allow them to find what they enjoy. I have brought many chapter book series from the library and placed them in my child’s room so they may explore them on their own time. It is how Mercy Watson became the first book series my child read on his terms.
- Remind them that reading does not have to be a hobby but can be a way to practice keeping up with the skill and gaining knowledge. I will have to write another blog sharing some of the most fun non-fiction books my child stumbled upon and devoured independently.
- Set a time limit for them to read daily, no matter how they feel. Let them pick any book of their choice to begin with; this may include picture books. Remember that there are many incredible, well-written picture books with plenty of text that will benefit your early readers.
RECOMMENDED EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS
With that, let me switch to sharing the five early chapter books that my kid has found to enjoy greatly. I hope your child will enjoy them, too.
1. Mercy Watson
This Book Series is written by Katie DiCamillo, who has also written many beloved middle-grade chapter books. The series is about Mercy, a pig who loves toast and butter but, more importantly, lots of butter on toast. She lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson and gets involved in many exciting experiences. It is a great early chapter book with lots of colorful illustrations to accompany it. The language is simple and easy to read.
2. Nate the Great
Nate the Great is a captivating 30 book series for little kids who love adventure. It is written by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and illustrated by Marc Simont. Nate, a little boy, is a young detective who loves to solve mysterious crimes around his neighborhood, such as the missing stamp, cat, dog, painting, etc. He is accompanied by his loyal dog, Sludge, in many cases. The books are known for their engaging storytelling and simple language. Nate the Great is relatable for children who love playing and using their wild imaginations. The books are also simple illustrated for the child who still needs some pictures to keep them engaged.
3. Frog and Toad
Frog and Toad is four- book series that follows two good friends, a frog, and a toad, anthropomorphized in their simple lives, where they go on adventures, try out new things, look out for one another, and do exactly what best friends do. Each book has 4-5 little chapters with different stories. THey are written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, known for another book called Fables, for which he won a Caldecott Medal for illustration. He has also written a sweet book series on Bear for younger ages, and the illustrations are just the sweetest. The stories have a very gentle undertone and are super easy to read. If you are interested, Apple TV also recently came out with a TV series that is a good depiction of the books.
4. Sydney and Taylor
Sydney and Taylor is newer book series, an excellent anthropomorphized book about a hedgehog and a skunk. It is a series of 3 books, and I hope that the author, Jacqueline Davies, will write more of these. Jaqueline has written the famous and well-read middle-grade series on the Lemonade War, and it is a great next-level read. In this book series, Taylor the Hedgehog is more adventurous and looks for adventures, while Sydney supports his good friend and goes along with him. In one book, Taylor wants to explore the whole world. Their journey doesn’t take them too far, but an adventure they did have. In another book, Taylor wants to find new friends, and lastly, Taylor attempts to be a flying hedgehog. You will have to read it to learn what comes of that. The illustrations are colored and simply captivating. It is what kept my kid reading these simple and well-written books for young and early readers.
4. Mr. Putter and Tabby
Mr. Putter and Tabby is a 25-book series by Cynthia Rylant, who has authored over 100 children’s books. Your early reader will enjoy reading these simple stories that are accompanied by simple illustrations that do not overwhelm or take away from the stories. Mr. Putter is an old gentleman with a cat, Tabby. The story revolves around their lives along with their neighbor’s, gray-haired Mrs. Teaberry and her bulldog, Zeke. It is one of those book series that gives a unique look into and follows the simple, no-frills lives of elderly folks and the fun and adventures they encounter in their everyday retired life. Refrain from being deceived by the age of the characters in the book, as it is irrelevant to the fact that it will still captivate young readers. Don’t give this book a pass.
