I think that sometimes when we can’t get through a book it’s the way it’s delivered. For example, I couldn’t READ Pride and Prejudice — I just could NOT do it! But, I borrowed it on CD and listened to it – what a difference! I thoroughly enjoyed it…..and I had the same experience with the Scarlet Letter.
With my girls, I tried to read aloud Anne of Green GAbles – I never even finished the first chapter! And yet, I had read and re-read all the Anne series. I loved them as a 5th, 6th, 7th grader. So, we found Anne of Green Gables on Librivox and listened to it — again, that was the ticket.
I have tried to read Wind in the Willows out loud, but my girls must not be ready for it – they begged me to stop. So I did. And I’ve heard that several times about Wind in the Willows – to not read it too soon.
If I were you, I wouldn’t give up! If, when you’re pre-reading, you think your children won’t enjoy you reading it aloud, then get a dramatized version (Little Princess, Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, etc. are all done by Focus on the Family Radio Theater. Others are well-done by Lamplighter Theater.). And then, after they know the story line, you could have them read it to themselves or read it aloud or listen to it.
We’ve also watched the movie first and then read the book (and had a discussion on which we liked better; what the similarities and differences were, that type of thing.) We’ve also compared and contrasted Anne of Green Gables by FotF Radio Theatre and the audio from Librivox – – I think Radio Theatre adds some things. (I hate it when they do that!!)
Good luck!