Kids are funny when it comes to reading. JSL just finished first grade and was not interested in reading chapter books alone until just over a week ago. I would read chapter books to him, but he was not really fond of reading them to me. As a teacher, I knew many books and series to recommend. When I would make suggestions to my own son, I would get a very advanced eye roll and told he could not read them yet. Then, something clicked the other day. A friend had a bike on sale and we went to pick it up. While there, she asked JSL if he wanted any of the books that were being given away. He was hesitant, but took two of them. On the ride home, he cracked open the book below.

Yes, Stink and the Ultimate Thumb Wrestling Smackdown by Megan McDonald inspired JSL to overcome his fear of reading chapter books alone. The reality is the books have become reading addiction for my kiddo. He loves the characters and their quirks. The writing keeps him actively engaged and the illustrations from Peter H. Reynolds take the experience to another level.

Since JSL received that book, we have read the first book of the series together. We also put the book onto JSL’s Kindle App so it could head with us to the doctor’s office on his Galaxy Tab 2. Rather than play with toys, JSL kept devouring his book. This was not only the first time he was reading a chapter book mostly on his own, but his introduction to the beauty of e-books on the go.

When we moved into the room to wait for the doctor, we both laughed together while reading Stink and the Incredible Shrinking Kid. It was fun meeting Stink and recognizing his big sister Judy Moody. Yes, Stinks real name is James Moody and you learn much more about him in the first book of the series. I adore that Stink has perked JSL’s interest in checking out more of Judy’s books later on.

I have a feeling JSL will continue to read many more Stink books over the next few weeks. In just over a week, he has started his third book and has many others waiting to begin when the latest is complete. As you can see above, we have a few from the library and others on our Kindle to read while out and about.

Are you or your children fans of Stink books or Judy Moody? As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.