A Dream Come True
by Jenners • 10/29/2010 • BB/The Little One • 100 Comments
When I became a mother, I had a few simple wishes for the Little One:
- That he would be happy.
- That he would be healthy.
- That he would be a reader.
And, despite my best efforts, the whole reading thing hasn’t been going all that well. Although I model the preferred behavior by having my nose stuck in a book at every opportunity, the Little One has been a reluctant or disinterested reader for most of his life.
But that all changed this week.
This week, he came home from school all fired up about a series of books that he discovered at school. He told me about these books at least 150 times—going out of his way to mention how they were chapter books. Big boy books. With chapters. Some with up to 10 chapters. And he could read them. All by himself.
Unable to resist, I took him to Barnes & Noble and, in a supreme act of sacrifice and motherly love, I gave him my entire $25 Barnes & Noble gift certificate that I’d received as a birthday present. (YES! You read that right. I gave him my entire gift certificate to use to buy these books he was so excited about.) How could I resist this kind of enthusiasm? He found my Achilles heel.
He got his books, and he was over the moon—chattering the entire way home about how excited he was about them. Thanking me over and over again for them. (I swear I’ve never seen him this excited about something before … not even LEGOS!) He woke up early two days in a row to read his books before school. Then he came home and read them. Seeing him curled up on the couch reading his books just melted my heart. I don’t think I’ve ever been so fulfilled or happy as a mother.
Junie B. Jones ... the Little One's new love!
Thank you, Barbara Parks! You are a genius! I love you!
And, as an added bonus, a 9-year-old girl who I gave the first three Harry Potter books to for her birthday finally started reading them this week. She ran over and said: “Miss Jen! Miss Jen! I started Harry Potter. I love them! I can’t wait to read all of them!!!!” Sigh. I think I can die happy now.
That is wonderful news indeed! I’ve been working on getting E interested in books too…though being only 20 months, she finds more joy in ripping them into pieces than actually sitting down with me to read. I just hope that I get lucky one day and she would start reading too!
I’m sure it will come … the Little One was just like E at that age!
Well, that’s pretty cool.
It is isn’t it?
Congratulations! Superior parenting! My hubby and I used to argue over who got to read Junie B. to the kids because they are the best read-aloud books. The voices and the attitude are wonderful. Enjoy!
I’m kind of liking Junie B. myself. She is a kick!
That’s great to hear. And you’re such a wonderful mother to encourage him like that.
It was such a delight. He has read three of the books he got already and is so proud of himself.
Oh, how exciting!! I’m glad he’s getting excited about reading! And what a sacrifice you made!!!!! What a good mother
P.S. I ordered the newest generation Kindle last night to replace my poor outdated one. (Which still works just fine… but the new one holds soooo much more. And it’s prettier. Yeah. I’m vain about my reading. But I still get excited like a little kid when it comes to books. Even electronic ones
Well, I updated my Kindle … and it was more recent than yours so don’t feel bad. I did get the “cheaper” WiFi only version though and we were able to sell my old one.
Aww. Little One has a literary crush. Very sweet. I’ve read to my little guy and he loves to watch my face when I’m reading. Well, for about 10 seconds before he closes his eyes!
I used to do that to my Little One too. I remember being all hormonal and nuts and reading him “The Giving Tree” and just sobbing. He would stare at me like “What the heck are you doing, you weirdo!?”
I was such a major reader as a kid. I remember bringing Island of the Blue Dolphins home from the library, and being really worried that I wouldn’t finish it in time. So I spent 2 days from morning ’til night reading reading reading. I remember sitting in the living room in the semi-darkness with a single lamp, even tho it was summer out, devouring that book. When I finished it, I read it again. Its still one of my favorite books.
My son loves the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. And Captain Underpants but he’s restricted from those because of the potty talk it encourages. Potty talk. UGH.
Glad your Little One has seen the light! Its pretty exciting isn’t it? YAY!
It is marvelously exciting … and thanks for the tip on Captain Underpants! Maybe we’ll steer clear of those unless he needs a real jump start again!
And I love hearing about your reading memory. How wonderful!
Oh Jenners, that was a lovely story and as a voracious reader, it made me very happy also. Nothing floats my boat like seeing my daughter (6 and just starting to read) with her nose in a book. Reading saved me when I was a nerdy kid and I hope she’ll feel the same way. Not that she’s nerdy. Well, you know what I mean.
I do know what you mean … I was that same nerdy bookish girl. I do think if you’re a reader, you’ll never be lonely.
That is beyond awesome. I think that’s one of my biggest fears about one day becoming a parent. I’m scared I will have a preppy cheerleader who hates reading.
I would fear that too!!
Yay! for the little one–I’m sure he and Junie B. Jones will be very happy together.
It is a beautiful relationship so far!
My daughter loves Junie B. Jones! She just did a book report on one of the books. They are fun and easy to read. She often laughs out loud over them. I’m glad the boy loves them and doesn’t have a problem with her being a girl. I know my son did.
I was surprised a bit too that he would be so taken with a “girl” book … but she is so bad that she seems almost boyish in a way!
This is just the most awesome thing I have heard all week! You must be so happy and excited about this, and I can imagine that you are wracking your brains trying to come up with more reads that will entice him in the way that these new books do. I am so happy for you, and hope that he continues on with the love of reading!
I hope he continues to be excited too. You know I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
That is so awesome! I got goosebumps reading this post.
And “Goosebumps” is a series he’ll probably get to at some point!
That is the very best feeling, I just love it when a reluctant reader finds something they adore and just can’t put down. Congratulations!
It is the very best feeling. It was one of my greatest mothering moments so far.
Wonderful!!! I never did transfer the love I hoped to my kids but my daughter has been reading lately, and my youngest boy did finally find a couple of series he liked. Yay! Oh, my daughter is reading Room now. :0)
Well, it sounds like they aren’t totally opposed to reading.
My next post is about this, just an earlier stage of the process but until recently my daughter showed little to no interest in books and yes, it did make me sad to think she might not be a book worm like me. So I totally understand the joy you got from seeing your son find the books to inspire his interest and enthusiasm
Beautifully written post.
I love that we are writing about the same journey … just different spots.
That is by far the best feeling. My 9 yo daughter is in the midst of Harry Potter. Makes me so happy. Found the cutest little bookstore out on the road the other day and brought home like 4 more books that were recommended to her by the kindly lady who worked there.
My son really got into the Magic TreeHouse series. I bet your little one will too.
Reading opens so many doors. So glad he has found his key!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
I love the idea of him finding his key to unlock reading! And hope your daughter enjoys her Harry Potter journey!
That is fantastic! Yay for you and the Little One! When I have kids, I hope and pray they will be readers too. I work at the library and it makes me smile to see kids checking out books and getting really happy about them.
Aww…talk about getting warm fuzzies at work.
Recently I took my niece to B&N with a $20 gift certificate her mother got. She ended up grabbing $80 worth of books, but I was so pleased she was excited by the books that I paid for the balance (while informing her she was using up ALL THE REST OF THE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR HER ENTIRE LIFE). I’m telling you, those B&N gift certificates are a slippery slope! :–)
Jeez .. you are the best aunt ever!!!!! They are a slippery slope for sure!
Aww that is so sweet…maybe he just needed big boy chapter books
He is so wildly proud of himself reading chapter books. It is ridiculously cute.
Hooray! The trick is to help the find something they can relate to. I think the school ruins everything by making them read boring, outdated crap.
I agree! They need to find something that speaks to them … and the Junie B. Jones books are definitely written from a child’s point of view.
Those Junie B. Jones books are so cute! Very exciting that your son is so enthusiastic about reading now!
Let’s just hope it lasts!
You are so blessed.I had one chance to create a reader. I tried. I failed. He’s 16 and will only read the sports page.
At least one of us can die happy.
Awww…I feel your pain. I figured I had a 50/50 shot. I’m a reader and my husband is not. If reading is genetic, I hoped he got my reading genes.
Aww, that is fantastic!! I worry that my kids (if/when I have them) won’t be readers. I won’t know what to do! I’m happy your guy has found that series that gets him excited. I think that’s a hugely important step!
It is a huge first step. And I realize he needed to come to it all by himself … not with me pushing him. It is a glorious thing to see.
Your sacrifice will come back to you as blessings over and over again! How exciting that he is as enthused about reading as you are.
It is truly exciting. I’m sure you get to have this thrill as a teacher and seeing your students get excited about books.
A reading Moms dream come true indeed. How great and so generous of you to use your gift card (I would have as well). Congrats and continued book love with your little one.
It was impossible not to give all the gift card to him. I’m powerless before a child craving books!
I always say there is a book/author out there for everyone – it looks like Jenners Jnr has found his.
He has indeed. Let’s hope he isn’t a one author reader though!
Ah, Junie. Both of my kids started their reading lives with her. I wish I’d saved all the books I bought for them (happily, I might add) and I’d give them to you. The thing is, Junie is funny as hell. I enjoyed reading them. Next stop for you…Magic Tree House.
I’m finding Junie pretty darn amusing! And it seems she is a gateway book to Magic Tree House and Captain Underpants!
How exciting! I know the feeling. I was so worried about my oldest because he would only read the minimum required for school. Being excited about reading didn’t kick in for him until he discovered the Magic Tree House series and read all 40 something books in a month. I bet the little one would love those as well.
I tried to get him to consider the Magic Tree House books but he thought they looked too scary!
Z was exposed to Junie B. in the past few weeks too. I’m not a huge fan of her antics but if that’s what got him reading, I would suck it up and let it go. They are some of the most popular books at his school library. Right now, Z spends most of his time with his nose tucked into graphic novels and comics. We’ll have to see if we can add in some “real” books too!
It doesn’t sound like you have a problem getting Z to read though. My Little One was basically indifferent to reading (such pain for his mom!!) until Junie B. waltzed into his life.
I think many kids are indifferent to reading until the right book or books come along. It’s important for parents and teachers (and librarians!) to keep trying with every child!
I second that. It is a matter of finding something that resonates with them. And I believe there is a book out there for everyone. It just might take a while to find.
What bliss! My son is only just starting to read. My daughter’s passion comes and goes. One day she reads three books, and then nothing more for weeks and weeks…
Well, we’ll see how long this lasts. We’re at four days and counting so far.
I love Junie B.!! She’s a great character and the stories are always appropriate for the age group. It was so nice of you to hand over your certificate (especially with your book buying ban). What a great mom!
I was going to just give him part but his excitement was so immense that I just melted and handed it all over.
that’s fantastic! my kids loved those funny books, too.
aren’t you grateful for intelligent, humorous stories
to salt that desire to read?
I am so grateful!! I feel like writing a thank you not to the author of Junie B. Jones!
That is so awesome that your son found a book that makes him want to read! I can still remember how happy I was when my son was reading the Harry Potter books!
I am just salivating for him to be ready for Harry Potter. We’ll definitely do a readalong together!
How how great! Junie B. Jones? I don’t think I have ever heard of that. I will have to check it out for my niece. I am so happy for you and your little reader.
Junie B. is hilarious. Keep her in mind for when your kids get a bit older too!
Hi You! Haven’t been by in a while! How great that your munchkin is a reader!! I know how you feel! Ironically my 28 yr old Writer Son is NOT a big reader, but my 24 yr old Rocker Son always has a book with him! Crazy!
Hi!!!
Seems funny that the Writer would not be a Reader. Usually the two go hand in hand!
When I taught first grade she was my favorite read aloud for the beginning of the year. Be ready for the Magic Treehouse series; those usually follow next. So exciting!
I tried to get him to cnosider a Magic Treehouse book but he said “They look way too scary.”
The Junie B. books are really cute — I remember reading them with my oldest many years ago! I am so excited for you and your son.
As proof that the universe has a perverse sense of humor, none of my kids are big readers. Occasionally, my 12-year-old hits on something that makes his heart sing. His biggest compliments have been “This book is BAD ASS” and my favorite: “I ALMOST like this as much as video games!” (I think both comments were about Leviathan by Scott Westerfield.)
I think you should contact Scott Westerfield and suggest your son’s reactions as some blurbs for the cover!!!
That’s wonderful! I’m so excited for you and Little One. Soon he’ll be doing his own book reviews too
I love that book series.
Oh … what a good idea! I’ll have to have him do a book review!
Yip, Junie B would do it to just about any kid. Love them, loved when my kids discovered them and yes it’ll be on to Captain Underpants.
Seems like Junie B is the gateway drug to Captain Underpants!!!
My neighbor’s son LOVED Junie B. Jones…my older girls were before Junie B’s time. My oldest daughter reads anything and everything, but my middle daugher will only read magazines and comics (when she was younger). I bought her every comic book she asked for.
She read To Kill a Mockingbird last year in school and LOVED it. I kept my fingers crossed that would be the beginning of her belated love of reading…but it was not. I let her subscribe to as many magazines as she wants just so she’s reading something. I try not to encourage too much…books are kindof like clothes…if I suggest a blouse or a book title, it’s like a death wish!
My little one is still in love with books, enjoys hearing books aloud and reading as many as she can by herself. I’m keeping my fingers crossed
Yay!!! for your little one!
I hear you about not being able to “recommend” stuff. I had the same problem so I was so relieved that my little one found Junie B on his own. She isn’t “contaminated.”
It took Harry Potter to finally get hold of my “little one”–who’s not so little any more (6 ft and 18 yrs old!). I was beginning to think he’d never read anything that he didn’t “have” to read for school. I don’t think he’ll ever be the reader his mom is…but he does get grabbed by books every so often. It made me glow when he discovered Ray Bradbury and i could talk about The Martian Chronicles with him!
Hope your Little One keeps growing into a big reader!
Thank goodness for Harry Potter, right? He could break down even the most reluctant reader.
We love Junie B. in our house too!
She’s hilarious. I was actually enjoying the one book I was permitted to read quite a bit. (I can’t read beyond my boy … he has to “the first reader.”)
My kids used to love Junie B Jones but eventually I had to stop them from reading because they started using her bad excuses at school to try to excuse bad behavior – whoops! My boys take things WAY too literally!
Uh oh. Thanks for the head up on possible consquences of Junie B Jones!
Ahh, Junie B. Jones! She rocks! He should also like Amelia Bedelia. And in a year or so, Captain Underpants. And joke books that you’ll wish he never brought home, because you’ll have to do ‘Knock-knock’ jokes until you want to scream.
Not fine literature, but books, nonetheless.
The kids always became more enthusiastic when it was Scholastic Book Fair time, too.
Be prepared to frequently give up your book money for The Little One.
I did pick up an Amelia Bedelia book for him to try too. Glad to hear she fits in with Junie B. Jones! : )
And I’ll just pretend I have no money when it comes to the joke books.
There’s nothing better than seeing your child reading for pleasure! I think this is the start of something big for your little one.
I think so too!
I honestly got all teary-eyed reading your post! I am so excited for The Little One that he has discovered reading. That happened for my daughter a couple years ago and I was just so happy for her
I felt a little teary watching him reading the other day. I was just so happy.
Awwwww……what an unselfish, loving mother you are!!!
Mine always knew I’d fork out money on books. One of them became such an avid reader that I had to hold back on my generosity! She was breaking me!!
I’m glad he found a series to spark his interest. May it continue!!
It only takes a spark to get a fire burning! May his love for reading turn into an out of control wildfire!
I’m so glad your little one is becoming a reader!! Sometimes it just takes something special to click and I am willing to bet that this is going to be a life long love.
I hope it is the start of a long journey. For whatever reason, these Junie B. books really tickled him. I started reading one and I can totally see the attraction. They are very very funny and capture a point of view of a child perfectly.