It’s Friday!!!
We have big plans this weekend…pizza, volleyball, church, Super Bowl. Not bad, right?! Speaking of the Super Bowl, have you seen this post today…
…I’m sharing my favorite Super Bowl Bites. I’m making the Bacon Wrapped Smokies FOR SURE this weekend. Hopefully, you can find a recipe or two there that you want to make too! Click HERE to see them all.
Just like every Friday, I’m linking up with three of my besties, Andrea, Erika and Narci today and sharing my favorite things from this week. Starting with…
Hi, my name is Shay and I’ve jumped on the bandwagon too.
Because the HYPE IS REAL!!!!
Last Friday, I took Ashby, Madeley and Bowen to see The Greatest Showman, and I’ve been listening to the music ever since. #OBSESSED
I know you’ve probably all already seen these two videos, but they’re on YouTube and I’m basically obsessed with them too…
THEY ARE JUST FANTASTIC!!!
As soon as I got home from the movie, my dear friend Sheaffer called me to see if I’d seen them. I told her I would check them out right away…and then, she started texting me…
Bahahahaha! The good news is that Sheaffer and I are still friends. Whew! I’d hate for our friendship to break up over The Greatest Showman. Ha! And please note my profile picture of Sheaffer…
…isn’t that hysterical?!?! Her costume blended right in with my Christmas tree!! We laugh about this pic all the time. Too funny!
Up next…
…I know that so many of you would like to be a part of the Manda Strong Foundation and here’s one way to do it! You can sign up to donate a flat amount each month. You pick the amount and it will automatically be charged to your card every month. This way, you can be a part of the great things they’re doing over there!! Mamas with cancer in the Collin County area of Texas are being blessed because of donations from sweet people like you. Head to their website HERE to sign up and learn more!
Speaking of things you can be a part of…
…our adoption community is growing like crazy over on Facebook! If you or someone you know has a home and heart for adoption, click HERE to learn how to be a part of this FB group. My heart has just been so blessed this week because of it!
I don’t know who you are Dav Pilkey…but you are my favorite this week…
…Smith is OBSESSED with all of his books and that makes this mama heart so happy! Some of the boys in Smith’s class started reading these books and now, Smith can’t stop. Finding books for boys has been hard for me (I find it MUCH easier for Kensington), so this has been a real blessing. What are some other authors like this one we can also try? These books have really grabbed Smith’s attention, and I would love for more recommendations!! And PS: How sweet is his little desk area?! I just love that kid so much 🙂 .
Because I’m obsessed with sweaters…
I showed you guys this one on Wednesday. I love it so much!! It comes in four colors, and I love them all! I also love the necklaces (choker and necklace). They’re so easy to layer! Just like that tank I love so much 🙂 .
And I heart this sweater too 🙂 .
I had A LOT of questions about our trays on Wednesday’s post. These have actually been a Friday Favorite before, but I felt they were worth repeating. Andrea first told me about them. They’re from Amazon and we use them ALL THE TIME! We use them as place mats for dinner, for Play-doh, for coloring/painting/crafting and for decorating our cookies. They come in a pack of four and we are OBSESSED with using them!
And one last little trick for you guys. When Kensington was in kindergarten, she came home and told me that one of her friends leaves out a cup of milk when they lose a tooth and when the Tooth Fairy comes, she dips her wing in the milk and then the next morning, you know what color fairy you had that night. Needless to say, that’s a tradition that has stuck. Ashby lost her first tooth and her fairy was purple!! So, if you have kids this age, file that away. My kids think it is so much fun to do this! Side note, the first time Smith lost a tooth, he was so excited to leave out his milk. Smith’s favorite color is orange, and he just knew that was going to be his Tooth Fairy’s color. Well, when he woke up the next morning, he came downstairs and was so disappointed that his fairy was beige. Beige? What? No, your fairy is orange! Nope. I went to check and sure enough, his was beige. It was at that moment that I decided to start using two cups of milk. This way, I can mix the second cup with the light in the kitchen and just swap them…because clearly adding food coloring in the dark room doesn’t always work out. #momfail #neededmoredrops Ha!
That’s it for this Friday! Have a fantastic weekend! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’ve been hearing great things about The Greatest Showman – I feel like I’m the only one who still hasn’t watched it. Better get to the theatres this weekend! 😉
I LOVE the Christmas tree costume. It’s hilarious, haha! ?
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Alexis deZayas says
You’ve got me laughing about Smith’s beige tooth fairy this morning!! Happy Friday!
Susan says
Hi Shay! There is a series for boys by Priscilla Shirer called The Prince Warriors. My son devoured them.
Hannah says
Kiddos that loves those stories also love the Bad Guy series and The Diary of a Not So Wimpy Kid series!
Samantha says
I second Hannah’s suggestions for 8 year old boys. My son also really liked the Mermin graphic novels.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Aww that is a cute idea for the tooth fairy! I’m happy Ashby’s is purple because thats my favorite color lol. Your Super Bowl dishes are always a hit when I bring them to a party. Have a fabulous weekend!
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Alaleh says
A lot of my third grade boys love the magic tree house series and our Roald Dahl unit is the one unit they don’t complain about reading books! 😉 So anything by him is usually a hit (especially Fantastic Mr.Fox and James and the Giant Peach)
Beth Knecht says
That little desk area of Smith’s is the sweetest! Seeing his book collection makes my teacher heart rejoice!
Kelly says
Schaefer is ALL THAT! Such a funny gal! I’m going to see the movie tonight!!! Thanks!
Lora LaRosa says
One boys favorite book series to read is “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”.
Heidi menges says
Seriously the best!
Elspeth Mizner says
Love the sweater and The Greatest Showmna Track is phenomenal
Sheaffer Sims says
I’m dying. I mean, I AM A CHRISTMAS TREE. And now I have to go, because I need to watch the workshops again. Every single time I watch them I find something new to love. So glad we can still be friends.
Cassey says
YASSSSSSS to the guy dancing on the chair!!!!
Erika Slaughter says
Oh!!! I remember Smith’s beige fairy! Thankfully, Kensington told Ebby Lee about this milk thing and my kiddos insist we leave milk out as well. {Could you hear my sarcasm??}. I have a hard enough time remembering the money! ?? But the extra milk glass is genius! I tend to have the reverse effect-their colors are super bold.
Christy says
I can’t wait to try the appetizers! They’re always so good. I would love to see pictures of the kid’s rooms with desks, etc and also the toy room! 🙂
Melissa says
Me too! We haven’t seen the toyroom in years 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
It was in yesterday’s post 😉 .
Lesley McFarland says
Diary of a wimpy kid!! Is a huge hit in our house!! I’m not sure how much Smith like Minecraft but hey also have diary of a Minecraft zombie and other things Minecraft.
Erin says
Jennifer L. Holm writes and her brother illustrates a graphic novel series called Squish. They also do one called Baby Mouse that has pink covers so looks more girly. I also highly recommend the Bad Guys series. Kids love it!
Michelle says
My boy and girl both love the Dog Man books! My son also likes theses series – captain Underpants, the Bad Guys, diary of a wimpy kid, and My Weird School Daze. He also really likes the I Survived series which are based on historical events – those are his favorite. Good luck finding more books for Smith!
Sarah says
I teach Second and I was Going to recommend My Weird School by Dan Gutzman. Hilarious.
Narci says
That picture of Sheaffer is my favorite thing ever! Haha! Have a great weekend, friend!
Jill Shanklin says
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is probably a little too mature for Smith at his age, but file that away for 5th or 6th grade. Just content-wise.
My 9 year old son is OBSESSED with the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi. The books are graphic novels, so kind of comic book style, but the story is very creative and captured him! His librarian at the school said they can hardly keep them on the shelf, so we just bought the series. If he likes graphic novels, they just released A Wrinkle In Time as a graphic novel, which makes it “easier” for younger readers, and the movie is coming out soon – so that’s good incentive to finish it!!
Jill Shanklin says
Oh oh! And The Jedi Academy!! It’s similar to Diary of a Wimpy kid, but it’s about a normal boy who goes to training school to become a Jedi. Has the Star Wars characters. Super super funny
Sheylo says
My third grade boy loves the Wayside School series, Crimebiter series and we just started The Mouse and the Motorcycle and he’s loving it too!
Alicia Fedell says
My boys (9 and 7) both love Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. Magic Tree house was good, but Smith be past that reading level. The Who Was/ Who Is non-fiction biography books are a big hit with my boys. They have tons of great subjects (Who was Thomas Jefferson, Where is The Wild West and so forth) They both love them and can find any subject they are interested in. Have you ever read a Captain Underpants book? Curious. I read reviews and haven’t let my boys read them….
Jennibell says
I second Diary of a Wimpy Kid….my 19 yr-old still gets one every year for his birthday from his sister. Total “boy” humor. We also always did books on tape (well now you would download – ha!) in the car rather than movies. That way, we would listen just above some of the kids’ reading levels (I can’t say enough about how fantastic the Harry Potter series is, as is the Narnia books) and if they were *really* into the story they would try to read ahead. I love that your family likes to read as much as mine does!!
Amla says
My Weird School series by Dan Gutman has always been a hit with my second graders. The titles always crack the kids up- lots of fun.
Erin Port says
The beige fairy made me laugh. My son just told me last night that there is a new Dog Man out and all the little guys of the world rejoiced. Seriously though, I had a reluctant reader and Dav Pilkey made my kid want to read and for that I will be forever grateful! xoxo ERIN
Katie Hames says
The Hank the Cowdog books were my boys’ favorites! And…the author reads the books for the audio versions and they are so funny. We went on a road trip with my parents and the boys rode with my dad and he even commented about them being fun to listen to! 🙂
Tara says
Grab some Who Would Win books by Jerry Pallotta. They pair two animals- python vs. crocodile, trex vs. velociraptor- and they detail the animals’ weaknesses and strengths. They give a scenario for which the animals would meet and declare a winner. Great non- fiction books for young kids. It’s a series too, so we love collecting all of them.
JG says
both my daughter and son loved (now in college – where did the time go) Magic Treehouse .and my sports loving son always enjoyed the Mike Lupica sports books
Drew S says
I was going to recommend the Mike Lupica books, too! I couldn’t remember the name, but I know my brother loved them when we were little. I also loved the Dear America books when I was about Kensington’s age – I honestly think it they sparked my interest in history! I still read primarily historical fiction books!
Ilena Varner says
This is a different genre of books than the ones you mentioned but I think he would love the “I survived” book series!
Becca says
We loved hank the cowdog growing up!
Megan H. says
I bet he would LOVE The Hardy Boys series (and Nancy Drew for Kensington!). Bonus, there are SO MANY of these books. They’re a little old school, but they are great!
Leslee says
My boys like…the I Survived series, Baseball Park Mysteries (a different mystery at each real MLB ballpark…ex. Fenway Foul-up), Shel Silverstein poems, Percy Jackson books, Land if Stories series, Battle Bugs series, Beverly Cleary’s Ralph SMouse books, & a series about different sports written by a sports writer Matt Christopher. Third grade would be a good year to start Harry Potter if that’s something he’s in to too.
So much for boys just definitely harder to find it seems than it is for my girls!
Laurie Birt says
Hi Shay
I teach and am a boy mom. My son and kids at school love My Weird School series by Dan Gutnan, same humor as those books, but better in my opinion Gutman also has a baseball series for older readers about old-time players. . Since Smith loves sports, have you seen The a ballpark Mysteries? You’d appreciate that the first in the series is The Fenway Foul- Up. There is also a series called Rhino written by a former ball player. My own son loved the I Suurvived series and the Barnes and Noble Illustrated Classic chapter books. He also loves their entire Who Was and What Was series. For read aloud, have you read The Only and Only Ivan, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh-oldie, but goodie,or The Boys Start the War series? My students BEG for more. I could recommend all day, but I’ll stop now…after this last one! Have you seen the book Throw Your Tooth on the Roof? All about Tooth Fairy traditions around the world. Have a great day. Love your blog!❤️
Tiffany says
My students love Dog Man! Other favorites (w similar reading level) are Bad Guys and Kung Pow chicken. Well loved books w a slightly higher reading level: 13 Story Tree House (many books after it: 26 story, 39 story etc) and Humphrey’s Tiny Tales.
Laurie Birt says
Okay, last two… the Choose Your Ending books are great fun and The Who Would Win.
Alyssa says
I’m so glad to find another person who loves the workshop sessions as much as I do! I have sent everyone I know links to them and agree with Sheaffer that I can’t be friends with someone who doesn’t absolutely love them. The way they captured the passion of those actors and singers, well, its just pure REVIVAL!
Brooke Richardson says
Shay. Remember at church when we were waiting for Christmas program to start and I told you how amazing the Greatest Showman was? I’m so glad you finally went. Oh and I remember telling Erika too right before she went to see it that if she didn’t like it, not to tell me. Hahaha. Those you tube videos are amazing too!
Jennifer says
The “I Survived” or “What/Who was…” both are great. Go to Mardel bookstore they have a ton and they are very informational chapter books. Sometimes I think some of the books for kids in 3rd grade come in comic style and they just need good chapter books sometimes!! Just my 2 cents 🙂
Natalie says
My 8 year old is obsessed with the Captian underpants series. If your son likes Minecraft there are tons of Minecraft themed novel, several different series, etc. My son can’t put them down! I find them on amazon! Also, dog-man is a huge hit around here as well.
Ashely says
Our boys love boxcar 🙂 as well as magic tree house!
Rachel says
Hahaha who doesn’t love a beige tooth fairy!? too funny! Great favorites 🙂 Happy Friday!!
Rene Wilson says
Those trays are only 7.03 on Amazon today!!! ??
Kate Oman says
Magic Tree House and Diary of a Wimpy Kid are my 2nd graders favorite! Thankfully, our school librarians are amazing and have helped him find both these series!
Michelle says
Stick Dog books and the classic Hardy Boys are in repeat around our house.
Amy says
Love your blog! I have had a hard time finding books for my son too that he really enjoys. He got some of the Baseball Mysteries for Christmas and loves them! I’m enjoying the recommendations!
Amy says
Loved the movie. Thanks for sharing the clips of behind the scenes. Such true, upbeat music.
Can I borrow Smith to come over to give my 19 year old son some organizational tips! ??
Have a great day!
Julie says
Ok, the beige tooth fairy has me laughing out loud :). I have definitely had mom moments like this. And then you have to come up with something really fast on the fly, which is probably the hardest part!
Kristin Tate says
I have to admit….Every time Xander, my 8 year old came home from the book fair with a new Dog Man or Captain Underpants book I secretly cringed. I don’t know why I felt that way about them, I guess because of the set up of the book. This post makes me feel better about him being hooked on these books.
Erin Blum says
Hi Shay! My son loves reading the “I Survived” book series. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=i+survived+book+series&sprefix=I+survived%2Caps%2C922&crid=6LOEROO8VP31&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ai+survived+book+series
Love the tooth fairy/milk idea! Wish I would have heard about that before mine started losing teeth!
Sarah says
Hass Smith checked out The Bad Guys Club series of Notebook of Doom series? Both my 9 and 7-year-old love them.
Ashley says
Just put those trays in my Amazon cart! Thanks Shay!
sydnee says
Smith might like the Geronimo Stilton books. That’s a fave in our house!
x S | Design by Sydnee ?
Jennifer Maynard says
We love Dog Man books at our house. Some other favorites are the Baseball Park Mysteries series, Geronimo Stilton series and our favorite is The 13 Story Treehouse series (this is different from Magic Treehouse). My son can fly through the Treehouse books in a day. Pure boy humor in them!
Rachel says
Half of my 3rd graders are obsessed with Captain Underpants and Dog Man right now, so is my first grade son! I’ve also seen lots of Magic Tree House, The Jedi Academy, Big Nate, The Who Would Win series, Geronimo Stilton series, I Survived…, The Who Was/Is series, and basically any other series that’s written in graphic novel form (like a comic book)!
Sarah says
My kids absolutely love the Geronimo Stilton books–there are a ton! So, so good and entertaining. I highly recommend them. Our elementary school librarian also just told us about Marvin Redpost books and we like them so far. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is great too, as others have mentioned.
DG says
The Nathan Hale series are fantastic—for Smith and Kensington. They are graphic novels and tell wonderful stories about American history in a fun way. We’ve met Nathan Hale at the Texas Book Festival, and he was like a sports star to a lot of the kids who love to read—he is funny and smart! I would start with One Dead Spy, but he also has Alamo All-Stars which is great for 4th grade Texas history!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgn5lpU-nVU
Karen says
For boy books try Captain Awesome by Stan Kirby. My son absolutely loved them at that age!
Melody Byrd says
My son Rosson loves those books too….he’s read them all several times! A few other series he likes (actually my daughter has read them too!) is The Notebook of Doom series by Troy Cummings. It’s about a boy who moves to a new town and uncovers all sorts of monsters (not scary monsters) as well as the notebook that contains secrets information about them. It’s a really fun series! My 5 year old loves to have them read to him. Also, the Eerie Elementary series by Jack Chabert. It doesn’t have that many books but they are fun too….about a school that comes alive and the kids have to save their friends! Hope he tries those & likes them! Happy weekend!!
Rebecca @ Every Piece Fits says
The tooth fairy milk idea is so magical! I love the idea. And that made me laugh about the beige milk.
Shavon says
1. I’m obsessed with The Greatest Showman! I can’t get enough! And I love the my 11 year old son is obsessed with it as well.
2. My son really enjoyed the Mike Lupica books as well as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. It might not be Smith’s reading level just yet, but the James Patterson kids books were a big hit in our house, too. National Geographic Kids was a fun break from fiction as well.
Tracie says
My son loved the “How to Train a Dragon” series. Lots of boy humor and nothing like the movies.
DeannaB says
Matt Christopher books are all sports related and probably a good reading level for Smith. Dan Gutman also has a series of sports related books that have been popular with boys in my classroom. And the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is pretty great too.
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Releasing those YouTube videos of their rehearsals was a genius marketing move on their part!! I think I’ve watched them 20 times each over the past couple of weeks! And I laughed so hard at Smith’s beige fairy!!! Poor guy!! Please tell him NOT to mention that he gets a fairy to Mason though… Haha! That Inspired Chick
Gail says
Hank the Cowdog by John R. Ericson is the best series! My boys both loved these books (& their little sister did too)!
Kristin says
The books that really got my son into reading were the Bones books…he loved those and it started off his insatiable love of reading.
https://www.amazon.com/Bone-Boxed-Set-Books-1-3/dp/043990823X
Diane Selman says
My son loved http://www.mattchristopher.com/ when he was Smith’s age. All sports related stories from ball to snowboarding!
Abbey says
Please do a closet tour!! I would love to see more of your closet.
Emma Luongo says
Lol! The beige thing cracked me up! Kids are so funny 🙂
Stephanie Jensen says
Our kids are the same ages and I totally agree that it’s hard to find good books for boys. My son’s teacher had them read a book from the I Survived series and now my son is obsessed and wants to read all of them. I love it! Plus, it teaches them history, so it’s a win-win. He also likes the Ranger in Time series. And I love the Stink books by Megan McDonald.
Deb Small says
My son loved all the I Survived books, too! A few years later he was all about the “Dog Tags” series: historical fiction connecting dogs and various wars in history: The Civil War, WWI and WWII, and most are set in different countries. Another great historical fiction book he loved was Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan (WWII from the perspectives of character in Germany, two characters in the midwest and characters in central California.) Can you tell I encourage the historical fiction? But by 6th grade he was obsessed with the history channel, so it seemd like a good fit.
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
That is the cutest idea about the tooth fairy! We have a first grader who should be losing a tooth any day now so I will have to remember that one!
amy says
Matt Christopher books are great books for boys. They are all about sports.
Paige Rodriguez says
Did Smith ever read the My Weird School series?
Allie Sovie says
I have a 6-year old (1st Grade) and he loves all things Dav Pilkey! (I noticed you don’t have the Super Diaper Baby series yet, but mine loves those too!) The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books have been a huge hit with mine! They aren’t as quick of a read but are silly and generally easy to read! He also enjoys the Magic Treehouse series (we read these together and take turns with the pages) and just started the Boxcar Children series! (These are a little more challenging, but we choose to read these together before bed!)
Danielle says
Her toothless smile is SO precious!
Amy Davis says
My son loved Hank the Cowdog. There are dozens of books in that series. 🙂
Terri says
My boys loved Matt Christopher’s books. Sports!!!
Kelly Wolf says
Shay! So I just watched both of The Greatest Showman workshops you posted, the trailer, and a couple other items and I really want to go see it. How did Madeley do? My daughter is 2.5 and I’m curious how she did with the darkness, fire, and if there are any “scary” parts? As of recently she has only scene full on Disney type movies. – – I LOVE the tooth fairy and milk idea. That is going to be in the back of my mind until that day. Thank you for sharing your little mom tips and tricks for keeping our kiddos excited and happy about all the new adventures in life.
Mix and Match Mama says
She LOVED it!!!
Shelly says
I’m cracking up about the beige milk! So funny. What a fun idea…almost makes me wish I was still in the tooth fairy business! Happy Friday Shay!
MICHELLE O says
I was in tears watching the “this is me” video. OMGosh!!! I have to see this movie. Do I need to bring kleenex? Have a great weekend!
Megan says
My son loves the “Warriors” series by Erin Hunter, he is ten and has been reading them for a couple years, my daughter has also read them, the “I survived” books were also a big hit with my kids, and a adult series I love reading is Janet Evanovich the Stephanie Plum series, so laugh out loud funny, sorry had to throw that in, I just ready her latest book 🙂
Diana says
My son loved Hank the Cowdog books. I’m the mother of three boys (now grown). I love reading stories about Smith because he reminds me of my son Sean. Smith is growing into such a “fine young man”. He has such a wonderful personality.
Stephanie says
Bahahaha – i’m laughing at my desk at work reading about Smith’s tooth fairy story. I love your traditions – thanks for sharing so we can pass these along to our kiddos. 🙂
MJ says
My 10 year old son and i are currently reading the Mysterious Benedict Society series and we love them!
https://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Benedict-Society-Collection/dp/0316368873/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1517613140&sr=8-4-fkmr0&keywords=nicholas+benedict+series
Ann Reedy says
I second recommendations for the 13 Story Treehouse (and all the books in that series), Amulet and Nathan Hale mentioned above. My son is in 3rd grade so only a little older than Smith. He also loves How to Train Your Dragon, The Impossible Quest and Mythical 9th. The last two series are from Usborne Books & More so you will need to get those through a consultant. Let me know if you don’t have one – I used to be one so can put you in contact with someone. They have the most amazing books for kids of all ages. I would also suggest non-fiction books. Both of my boys LOVE non-fiction.
Tiffany says
My 8yo girl (almost 9) has read all the chronicles of narnia books and as a reward we saw the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe movie last week. Books are good for boys too. She loved them!
Amy says
Smith might enjoy Geronimo Stilton books or Stick Dog books!
Lauren says
Smith might love the Geronimo Stilton series! I agree on it being easier to find series for girls. I’m a 4th grade teacher and struggle a bit more with the boy books. He can also try Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid in another year. Those are more 3rd/4th grade books.
Ashley says
Derek Jeter has written a series of chapter books. My son is a 2nd grader and loves them, we read them outlaid together. The first is The Contract.
Nicole says
My son loves those books too! He was hooked on the Lemony Snicket series last summer and loves Diary of a Wimpy kid as well.
Detroit Duchess says
Since you liked The Greatest Showman I wonder if you would like watching this little show that used to be on NBC called Smash. That workshop in the Youtube videos reminds me of it. It’s a musical drama that follows the making of a Broadway show. It was a great show and it had great music. It would be a good one to put on your binge watch list. Debra Messing is one of the stars.
Jennifer says
My son (9) loves The Magic Treehouse books and Just finished The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe with he loved
Ashley Patterson says
Great book series moving forward for Smith would be the “I survived” series, the “who was” series, and maybe diary of a wimpy kid books. My two boys wouldvlich for these!
Kelly says
My son, who turns 22 on Monday, had zero interest in reading until we discovered the Captain Underpants books. I credit them, as well as Calvin and Hobbs, with completely changing his attitude about reading.
Angela Ellingson says
Well now I can’t wait to see The Greatest Showman!! I’ve always loved Hugh Jackman, but after watching those videos I’m in love with him. 😉 Sheaffer is so so funny and that Christmas tree picture is so perfect! Hilarious!!
Kmartin says
My son was a Captain Underpants fan too and he also liked th Choose Your Own Adventure Books. Smith looks like he loves collecting so maybe a Series of Unfortunate Adventure books are another option. Also the Wimpy Kid Books.
Krista says
Our tooth fairy leaves a sparkly dollar for your first lost tooth (courtesy of a little glitter glue kept in my sock drawer ha!). Tooth fairy also will make you wait an extra day if you are not sleeping when she arrives or if your room is too messy/dangerous for small fairy people.
We have a huge Dogman fan here. Also love wimpy kid books and Treasure Hunters series for a longer adventure.
Kelly says
Big Nate books, 13 story treehouse and sequels, How to Train Your Dragon series.
Lauren Ecklof says
My son loves the Here’s Hank series and surprisingly the Box Car Children.
Cyndie says
Dav Pilkey’s web site is a lot of fun. You should let Smith check it out. It is hilarious. I taught second grade for many years and my students, especially my boys loved, loved Captain Underpants. I couldn’t keep enough copies of the books in our classroom library. Dav Pilkey’s Dumb Bunny series is so funny. Your littles would really like these books read aloud to them and even though they would be easy reads for the big kids, they would enjoy them too. As a retired teacher my heart still warms when I know kids love to read. Thanks for your blog Shay. I miss you on the weekends!
Christine Jandorf says
My sons are quite a bit older than yours but it was always a struggle to find books for them. School required they read on their Lexile level which didn’t leave boys age appropriate material. They liked the R.L. Stone books, the Goosebumps series, and the Lemmony Snicket books. They are a little darker but at least they were reading. Captain underpants and a Diary of a Wimpy kid were great too but they would read them too fast. When they got to 3rd or 4th grade and wanted to see the Hunger games movies I said they could only go if they read the book first. Some teachers tried to give them a hard time but I let them read them at home. They wound up being just like their mom and thought the book was so much better than the movie. Now that their in high school and almost college it’s rare for them to pick up a book in unless it’s an assigned read. I just hope one day when they have free time their love for reading returns.
Molly says
Another vote for Hank the Cowdog and the audiobooks for family road trips. Everyone gets into it.
CSL says
My 8 year old son loves the Dav Pilkey books too…but I personally can’t stand them! As if elementary aged boys need encouragement to use potty humor even MORE than they do?!?! Gah! Obnoxious!!! He reads a ton and has a wide variety of interests, so gratefully I assume this “phase” will end soon. He’s read the first three Harry Potter books (and I’m making him wait til at least 10 years old to finish the rest because they get really dark!) and he is LOVING Wonder right now too. I’d highly recommend reading it with your kids because it sparks some very meaningful conversations.
Carly says
I have a 2nd grade boy also and struggle to find things. I check out tons of books from our local Library and let him test them out to see if he likes them. I’m excited to try all the options listed above!
He loves all Dav Pilkey, Big Nate, I Survived…, Nick and Tesla, Creature From My Closet, Harry Potter (I only let him read 1-4), Charlie Bone…
Carly says
I also want to add, if you are ever curious about what reading level a book is, you can use http://www.arbookfind.com to find out. It’s super helpful for me!
Jennifer says
Have you (or anyone else) have issues with the trays being warped?!? I ordered a set based on the recommendation from you and Andrea and when they arrived they were warped. I tucked them away for a while and just recently got them out again but using them as place mats for my kid’s meal is counter productive when they think its funny to push the middle of the tray down and watch their milk glasses jump (and sometimes spill). I ordered a second set thinking the first was just a fluke but when they arrived today they were warped too!
Mix and Match Mama says
That is so weird!! I still have my original set and they lay flat.
Heather says
I devoured Harry Potter as a kid!!
Cordelia Jane says
The Free People sweater in the second sweater pic is on sale at Nordstrom right now as well as lots of other FP sweaters/cardigans! I snatched mine up!
JH says
Hank Zipzer books are great!