[LuckyMommaToo]

Hi, I'm looking for a novel to give DS for Christmas for read-aloud purposes. Reading mixed things about this one as far as appropriate-ness. For comparison purposes, we've loved The Mouse and the Motorcycle (and sequels), Mr. Popper's Penguins, James and the Giant Peach.

Any thoughts?

thanks,
-e

 

[bu's mama]

I think it would be fine - especially if you've been doing read alouds along the lines of what you've mentioned. Just curious as to why it wouldn't be appropriate - what have you read?

Also - if he liked James & the Giant Peach (dd was totally freaked out by the first few pages - sigh) you should try some of the other Roald Dahl books.

 

[bu's mama]

Also - if he liked the 'mouse' theme, what about Stuart Little?

 

[LuckyMommaToo]

Thanks. Common Sense Media rates it a 9 (meaning, you should be 9 to read it), which is high, and several Amazon reviews mention how dark it is (dungeons, mouse being sentenced to death?).

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is definitely on the list, too! We did read Stuart Little, and it was fine. Much weirder than I remember, though!

-e

 

[mamasgirls]

I'm currently reading it to my almost 7 y/o and my 4 y/o listens in a lot of the time. It is intense at times, and a bit scary. There is a death, and a lot of darkness, and a little girl who gets sold, and yes, a mouse gets sentenced to death. My 7 y/o has done okay- sometimes I wonder if it is too much for her but overall she loves the story. I try to not read any of the scarier parts if my 4 y/o is around. It is overall a cute story, though.

 

[ArtsyHeartsy]

I think I would probably not read this to a 5 yo. I think there is a lot that they wouldn't understand...I think it would be more appropriate for older kids, it's also kind of confusing because it jumps around alot. There is some strange stuff in it, like the girl with cauliflower ear from being clobbered by her "owner."

Roald Dahl has some dark twists too though, so it may not be too bad. (we love Matilda and BFG) I just finished reading this to dss who is 9. We loved it, and the vocabulary was better than that of the Twilight book I just read in my book club! lol! (and it was much better all around

)

One book, that is probably a totally different genre, is the book Clementine. I was laughing outloud much of the time. It's sort of a Ramona type book about a girl with an artist mommy (a book after my own

and a very spirited personality. We both loved that one and I will probably read it to my 4yo next year.

Another book that was really fun, with talking animals and such, was Igraine the Brave, by Cornelia Funke (Inkheart) probably a little advanced, but without the dark themes.

 

[LuckyMommaToo]

Artsy Heartsy -- thanks! I did decide against Despereaux and got a nice boxed set of Charlie and the Choc Factory and Charlie and the G.G. Elevator instead. I will definitely check out your other suggestions -- I've never heard of them!
-e