I’ve always been a very hands-on Dad and spending as much time as possible with my kids is something that’s very important to me. Since I’m often on the road or commuting into the city, my priority when I get home is enjoying quality time with my three sons. I usually end up taking over the bedtime routine (after A LOT of play!) and that includes answering the “Read me a bedtime story Dad” from the 3 boys when it’s time to hit the sack!
My oldest is a bookworm and will read anything that isn’t tied down! Our middle son is into reading non-fiction– especially books on nature and jokes. Our youngest will read just about anything!
We recently received a selection of books from Candlewick Press, an independent publisher, located in Somerville, Massachusetts. Candlewick has published children’s books for all ages for over 25 years and their publications include books from award-winning authors and illustrators including Kate DiCamillo, M.T. Anderson, Meg Medina, Jon Klassen, Laura Amy Schlitz, Judy Moody, Mercy Watson and Martin Handford (of Where’s Waldo?).
The three books we received matched up perfectly with the boys’ ages: 5, 9 and 11! Without further ado, here’s what we’re reading:
Malamander
Malamander is great for kids ages 8-13. It’s a fantasy novel about a young boy, Herbert Lemon and girl, Violet Parma, and their adventures in the town of Eerie-by-the-Sea. Herbert is the Lost and Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Violet arrives at the hotel seeking his help in finding her parents, whom she lost at the hotel when she was a baby. The namesake of the book, the malamander, is the town’s legendary part-fish, part-human monster currently pursuing Violet. Can Herbert and Violet find her parents and avoid the grip of the malamander? Find out in the first installment of this trilogy!
P.S. If your kids are fans of the Lemony Snicket or Greenglass House series, they will love Malamander! Go read an excerpt from the book Malamander!
Just Because – A Great Bedtime Story
This book is perfect for those of us with young ones who are curious and constantly asking questions–sound familiar?! In Just Because, a father provides his child with creative and fun responses to his many questions. It’s a great bedtime story and a book to which we can all relate, and the fun retro-art style illustrations will spark their imagination. The book’s author, Mac Barnett, is a best-selling AND award-winning author of children’s books including Extra Yarn and Sam & Dave Dig a Hole (both Caldecott Honor runners-up).
Where’s Waldo? Double Trouble at the Museum
Who doesn’t love Waldo?! If you’ve also grown up with Waldo (the first book was published in 1987!), you will really enjoy reading this bedtime story with your children. This book is different than the traditional Where’s Waldo? books in that you have two side-by-side scenes that have small differences for kids (and adults) to find. The next time your kids tell you they’re bored– hand them Where’s Waldo? Double Trouble! You’ll get them away from the screen and get them to start using their powers of observation.
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