Book Basket: Four Favorite Read Alouds for Boys

I have had readers and friends ask specifically about good books for little boys, so I'm super-excited to bring you this guest post by my friend Terri.  Now, these books aren't *just* for boys, but they come recommended by a teacher, former librarian, and mom of two boys!

Guest Post by Terri:

I almost hesitate to say that these books are for boys, really.  I’m sure girls would love them, too; I just don’t have any girls around here to try them out on!  These are just a few books my four-year-old son really gets a kick out of right now:

1)  Robot Zot by Jon Scieszka

We love so many of Jon Scieszka's books, but this is the latest one to make it into our library bag.  David Shannon contributes fabulous illustrations to this tale of adventure and excitement starring Robot Zot.  We both can’t help but giggle as Robot Zot conquers such harrowing foes as a toaster and a vacuum cleaner hose.  Will Robot Zot save the queen from the commander general?  Will “Robot Zot conquer all”? 

2)  Dirt Boy by Erik Jon Slangerup

Boys and dirt just go together; just ask my washing machine.  Dirt Boy is the story of Fister Farnello, a boy who loves dirt so much that he goes to great lengths to avoid a bath.  He meets up with one very grungy giant and a whole lot of filth along his way back home.

3)  Dragon Stew by Steven Smallman

This author was new to me but I will be looking for more of his books.  The rhyming text is fun to read aloud, and the story has plenty of humor just right for little boys.  (Be warned that there is a “steaming pile of dragon poo” lurking near the end.)  Bumbling Vikings and tea-sipping dragons are a winning combination.

4)  Parts by Tedd Arnold

Parts is the clever tail of a little boy who is convinced he is falling to pieces.  Arnold’s silly illustrations highlight the horrors of belly button lint and peeling skin.  Of course, Goober’s favorite part is when “a little piece of brain” falls right out of the poor little boy’s nose.  Great fun for all!

The Kissing Hand: A Simple Idea After Reading the Book

If your child is heading off to school, The Kissing Hand is a wonderful book to share with them.  I remember reading this sweet story to my kindergarteners. 

There are so many wonderful activities to do with this book, but my favorite happens to be the simplest!  Read this book to your child before she goes to school (or to any kind of new activity), kiss her little hand and draw a heart on her palm to remind her you love her.  She can look at it and remember you'll be back together soon!

If you'd like another activity, you can make Kissing Hand Cookies.

Book Basket: My Great Aunt Arizona

Just so you know what's coming up (since I'm not starting the new posting schedule until September), I'll be sharing two of my favorite back-to-school books, a simple name activity, and a Saturday Savings post this week!

I recently picked up the book My Great Aunt Arizona because of a recommendation in Sarah Clarkson's Read for the Heart, and I have to tell you, I adore this book.

It is a beautifully-written and illustrated story about a tiny girl named Arizona and her life journey.  She loves books and dreams of adventure and traveling the world, but life doesn't allow her the opportunity.  Instead, she becomes a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse and spends 57 years of her life inspiring her young pupils to love learning and dream big.  I still haven't been able to read to the end without crying (my daughter has to read the last pages, because I get so choked up)!

This book would make a wonderful gift for a teacher, but it's also a delightful book to read to your child and explore the themes of passion, sacrifice, and love.