Calling All Readers!

I re-learned a lesson this past week.  Oh, I knew it, I've said it to many parents, I've read it in magazines, but I didn't apply it to my own children!  Let me back up a little.  A few days ago my nephew, who will be going into 5th grade this year, went with us to the library.  He wanted to get some chapter books off the rack.  Of course since he was getting chapter books Lillian wanted some even though I told her they were to hard for her.  She got 4-5 and I managed to put all but two back on the rack.  When we got home she wanted to read the books.  We did and while we were reading those books I had an "ah-ha" moment.  She loves Scooby Doo so back to the library I went - to get a Scooby Doo chapter book.  While I was there I saw the Junie B. Jones books.  These chapter books have a 5-6 yr old as the central character and the book is written by her.  So I browsed through the titles until I found two Lillian might like.  We finished the Scooby Doo book and have started the Junie B. Jones books now.  I felt so dumb though, telling her they'd be to hard for her.  If a child shows interest, try it.  If THEY want to do it they will be more likely to succeed.  I've always let the kids help choose their own books, its important they have input, but in this case we were also successful because we chose books on topics that interest her.  Just like us adults, if we aren't interested in something we're not going to want to do it!  I know we aren't just going to stick with chapter books now, picture books have a lot to teach too, but its good to explore different types of books too.  This week mom learned a lesson too!