You guys? Little House on the Prairie is mostly a bore. She spends 4 pages tediously detailing how the father built a simple door. I was impressed J sat through that because my mouth was getting dry and my brain dead. We did enjoy reading Wizard of Oz, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and Winnie-the-Pooh together this year. House at Pooh Corner had more unusual phrasing and odd plot diversions that was hard for her to follow. I think we have abandoned A.A. Milne for now. Next, I look forward to reading Pippi Longstocking, The Littlest Princess, and Heidi (by Johanna Spyri) aloud to her as these were stories I somehow missed in my own childhood (not including the movies, why would you ever include the movies).
Don't worry. C still gets a stack of picture books read to her everyday and J still enjoys that too, of course. Many people have told me their second-born doesn't like being read to... and then a few minutes later, they mention how much they hate re-reading the baby stuff, if they do at all. I guess if I want to instill a love of reading in each of them, then I can't skimp on age-appropriate books. I hope that's how that works, anyway. Please don't tell me about "personality" or "black sheep" as I have hard enough time relating to adults who hate reading. I can't imagine breeding one of those people amongst us. I will love them anyway... I think.
They have abridged versions of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books called My First Little House series and we probably should have started there. We might try Little House in the Big Woods before we abandon Ingalls Wilder until J is a few years older. I remember enjoying that book but not really loving any of the others. If you have any suggestions for great read-alouds for an average kindergartner, do share with me! Dear Harry Potter will have to wait another year. Farm animals and little girls doing little girl things are excellent for now.