Charlotte's Web

We started reading a chapter book to Annabelle this evening. I actually chose "Charlotte's Web" because the Center for Puppetry Arts here in Atlanta has a "Charlotte's Web" puppet show on the schedule from September 30th - October 31st. I snagged an annual membership through Groupon a little over a month ago, so we can get tickets for up to 9 people for $9 (compared to the $16 full price ticket). Of course, the Entertainment book has a coupon for buy one get one, so that is actually cheaper, but I get other perks with the membership, so I'm still very happy with my purchase. We explained to Annabelle that we would attend the "Charlotte's Web" puppet show if we could finish reading the book before the show was no longer in town.


I was pleasantly surprised at how well she listened despite the fact that there are absolutely no pictures! We read two chapters this evening. After each chapter, we discussed the story with her. She joined in on the discussion and even answered most of the questions correctly. She seemed restless after only 2.5 pages into the 2nd chapter (which was only 4 pages long), so I asked her if she wanted to stop reading for the evening or if she wanted to finish the chapter. She wanted to finish the chapter!


Here are some funny things she said in between the first and second chapter.

Mommy: Let's talk a little bit about the story.

Annabelle: I know I like polka dots, but that wasn't part of the story.


This next one was rather random and has nothing to do with the story, but it was rather funny.

Annabelle: I like your beautiful eyes.

Mommy: Oh, thank you, that was sweet.

Annabelle: [whispering] Do you want to say that to me?


Wish us luck with reading our 2nd chapter book ever [to a toddler]! The first and last one I read was "James and the Giant Peach" back in December 2007! It has been a few years. Although, I think it was a lot easier the first time since she couldn't voice her opinion on anything!

"James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl

Friday, December 7, 2007

We finished "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl on Friday! It was a really cute book, and we enjoyed it very much. A big thanks goes out to "Annabelle's Mommy" for introducing us to this book.

The book was actually due back to the library on Friday, but I renewed the book online just so I could take some time to take pictures of Annabelle with the book. She apparently really enjoyed the book too, and ever since I started reading the book to her, she will bring the book to me and she'll point to the characters on the front cover. She enjoys finding James, the Centipede, the Grasshopper and Miss Spider. I think that James has been her favorite character so far though.

When I checked out "James and the Giant Peach" from the library, I also checked out "Matilda" by Roald Dahl just because I was in a hurry, and for some reason, I thought we'd breeze through "James and the Giant Peach" in no time. Apparently not!

But, I am thinking now that I'd like to find a special Christmas book to read to Annabelle over these next few weeks between now and the new year. Does anyone have any recommendations of another short novel to read to a child with a Christmas theme?