specialist, library volunteer, and author of more than 50
award-winning books for children. Visit her website for more
information about her and fun.
him to the table for the Summer Reading Program.
"Betcha I can find a book you like," I said to Mark. I was in
charge of signing children up that day, and I was armed and
ready. "And if I can't . . . I'll . . . I'll . . ."
"Balance a banana on your nose?" joked Mark. We both
laughed. This boy had a sense of humor. I knew just the book for
him.
Five minutes later, Mark and his mother were giggling over
Daniel Pinkwater's The Magic Pretzel.
Getting boys interested in books can be a challenge. Studies
show that boys are less likely than girls to find reading an
enjoyable activity. Educators have noted that boys as a group
score lower than girls on standardized tests that measure
reading and writing skills. Boys are also more likely to be placed
in remedial classes or held back a grade. One problem is that,
in the past, many books written for young children didn't interest
boys.
But in recent years, writers have changed direction and have
started creating works filled with action, adventure, and humor
that delight both boys and girls. Here are some action-oriented
picture books that appeal to both genders but may be of
particular interest to boys.
Dig Dig Digging
by Margaret Mayo
This bright, noise-filled book has appealing pictures of tractors,
fire engines, trucks, and helicopters. The text describes pulling,
crunching, squashing, and digging as each does its work. Ages
2-6.
This Train
by Paul Collicutt
Trains in different settings fill each page of this brightly illustrated
book. Easy enough for beginning readers and packed with
many different kinds of trains. Ages 3-7.
Tooth-Gnasher Superflash
by Danilel Pinkwater
Mr. Popsmorkle and his family go looking for a new car. Who
wouldn't wat a car that can turn into a dinosaur. A zany story with
bright, engaging illustrations. Ages 3-8.
Edward and the Pirates
by David McPhail
One night, when reading a book about pirates, Edward finds
himself surrounded by real pirates who want to know where their
treasure is buried. Children will love the dramatic paintings.
Ages 4-8.
How Big Were The Dinosaurs?
by Bernard Most
Kid-friendly comparisons help children visualize the size of these
ancient animals. One example: A Mamenchisaurus's neck is
compred to a school flagpole. A book everyone will salute! Ages
4-8.
Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon
by Pat Cummings
Harvy Moon has to spend Saturday cleaning his very messy
room -- or else. Messy children will relate to Harvey's dilemma
and the bright pictures showing his impossible task. Ages 3-7
Slugs
by David Greenberg
Not for the squeamish, but this hilarious rhyming book with a
surprising twist celebrates the joys of slugs. Did you know there
are slugs that do karate? Wonderful illustrations by Victoria
Chess. Ages 4-8.
Harry the Dirty Dog
by Gene Zion
Harry, a black and white dog, hates getting a bath. On bath day,
Harry runs away. A perennial favorite that has entertained
generations of children. Ages 3-5.
Raise the Roof
by Anastasia Suen
This book shoses all the things people do when they build a
house. Humorous illustrations capture all the action going on
around a construction site. Ages 3-8.
Two Bad Ants
by Chris Van Allsburg
Two ants desert their fellow workers and stay in the kitchen
eating sugar. The ants have a series of dangerous adventures.
Amazing illustrations show common objects from an ant's
perspective. Ages 3-8.
The Book Nuts would like to thank Ms. Jackson for
allowing us to publish her articles on our website. For
more information about Ms. Jackson and her books visit
her website at http://www.ellenjackson.net.
Other articles by Ms. Jackson on the Book Nuts site are:
Cuddling Up With Your Child and a Good Book -- 10 Great
Reasons to Read Together
10 Picture Books That Help Children Deal With Life's
Challenges.
For more information about boys and reading, check out Jon
Scieszka's Guys Read website.
Back to Book Nuts Parents Page
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Articles for Parents
Choosing Books For and With
Young Readers
Cuddling Up WIth Your Child and
a Good Book: 10 Great Reasons
to Read Together
10 Picture Books That Help
Children Deal WIth Life's
Challenges
10 Great Picture Books That
Appeal To Boys