It is hard for me to believe that my baby has already turned five. This September, JSL will be heading to kindergarten. He loves to learn. I believe that with a little help from his big brother, he may be ready to try reading this summer. JSL adores being read to, but I can tell he wants to take off with a book and try to do it on his own.

The summer before NHL started kindergarten, we spent a lot of time at the library. It was a place to explore, keep cool, and find books to read with both of the boys. This was also the time that we first read The Magic Tree House book series by Mary Pope Osborne. Although I began reading these early chapter books to NHL, TechyDad eventually took over since I was busy with the little guy. It was sad not hearing the stories, but in the back of my mind I knew I would have another chance.

By the time NHL was almost finished with kindergarten, he had read the 40 Magic Tree House books that were already published! The first book was published in 1992 and the 48th book with Jack and Annie will be coming out this July for the 20th Anniversary of the series. It only seems right that JSL and I started reading these books now.

JSL and I sat down over two nights and read Dinosaurs Before Dark and he loved it. He already has demanded to keep reading more about Jack and Annie. I am certainly not going to say no. As a parent and educator, I love the positives in the book. The characters do not give up, they help each other, they think about their surroundings, and they are chock full of educational items. From dinosaurs, to knights, to pirates, and onward he will be learning about literature, people, places, and things from history and the world of science.

Although the books are made up of ten chapters, they are the perfect length to introduce children to longer stories. They are filled with just the right amount of writing and pictures to keep the attention of younger children. In addition to that, the stories connect with one another and will allow kids to really get to know characters and their adventures.

I know that JSL and I will continue reading these books. Even NHL has joined in to listen since it has been a while since he enjoyed them. Before I know it, the little guy will probably be reading the books to me. For now, I will enjoy our time together as we see where Jack and Annie are off to next. Who knows, maybe we will even be able to check out the Magic Tree House play one of these days.

Are you a Magic Tree House fan? I would love to know what other books you like to read with your preschoolers that are getting ready for school. What have you read recently? Please 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. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.