Read aloud chapter books for sensitive 4-year-old?

I second the Winnie the Pooh books and My Father’s Dragon series. Trumpet of the Swan would probably be good too (same author as Charlotte’s Web). The Moffat’s is about a family of 4 kids and their adventures-my kids really enjoyed those (it has sequels). Little House on the Prairie is another series.

Definitely save Chronicles of Narnia. It can be rather intense.

I read Mr. Popper’s Penguins to my family – and the 3 yr old loved it too. 

We also enjoyed the Pooh books, Stuart Little, Trumpet of the Swan, and Mr. Popper’s  Penguins. They’re wonderful reads without being too full of emotion or intensity. All beautifully written, especially Trumpet of the Swan. The Little House series is also fantastic.

With respect, I think Narnia is a little too much for that age. I am still considering whether to read it to my kids next year, who will be 6 and almost 8. Have you taken a look at the SCM Curriculum or Early Years Book List? Those might give you a few more helpful suggestions.

Blessings,

Lindsey

It is important to remember that children mature in different areas of their lives at different rates, and generally not all at once.  Just because my 12yo daughter is an amazing reader with a large active vocabulary does not mean that she is ready for the themes of most books written for older teens or adults.  In fact, we have had to encourage her to branch out in other areas of her life at this time and limit her reading time in order to keep her from becoming bored with her choices or reaching out to overly mature books that are in the house for others to read.  And likewise, just because my 4yo son can sit still for 10 minutes does not mean that he is ready for many of the themes in chapter books written for older children.  There are some longer picture books, such as the ones written by Robert McCloskey, that work well with a longer attention span and still remain appropriate for a 4yo.  There are also many little-one friendly chapter books such as the Little House Series that not only make great reading but open up exciting possibilities for activities to try.  I would start with Farmer Boy since he is a boy.

I am often amazed at the number of homeschoolers who love Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  If I remember correctly, at the end Mr Popper leaves his family for an extended trip to the north pole to be with his penguins.  I do not imagine that most of us would be thrilled if our husbands left us to provide and care for our families while they made a trip such as that.  I would far rather my family read Little Britches, coarse cowboy language and all!!  I can explain that language, and explain why we do not use it, far better than I can explain a father who runs off from his family for selfish reasons and is praised for doing so; likely they have already heard some language out and about town anyway and it needs to be explained.  When choosing books for my family, I have not shied away from real life or real life situations, but rather glorified sin or poor choices that do not reap the appropriate consequences.  I am especially wary of books (or movies, on those rare occasions where we watch one) with children who run off and have great adventures or blatantly disregard their parent’s authority and are rewarded for it.

Of even greater concern to me in reading the original post would be an overly sensitive 4yo boy with a mom who loves that about him and wants to protect it.  I would arrange for him to have a whole lot of one-on-one dad time doing the things that men do at this point: mowing the lawn, changing the oil, washing the car, chopping firewood, painting the walls, building a bookshelf, laying tile, fishing, hunting, whatever.  Preferably without mom along to make the activities sterile.  As my neighbor used to tell me, they need to get a little dirt in their craw!  If dad is not able or willing to do those things, maybe Grandpa or some other trustworthy male could have him tag along.  Our eight boys spend as much time with their dad – and now their grown married brothers – as they can when they are growing up in order to learn the things that are best taught by men. Its one of the advantages of home schooling!  (And yes, at one point long ago it meant a career change for my husband as he realized his career path was taking him further and further from his family.  That was his realization and his decision, not mine.  In fact, he told me about the decision after he resigned his corporate position:-)  You see, my husband grew up without a dad, even spending many years in a children’s home, and he wasn’t real sure what a dad did when he became a father.  Now that I have grown married sons with children of their own, I can see the benefits that those long-aso decisions have reaped.

Sorry for the long post.  I am a tad passionate about the subject.