There are a lot of changes happening in our household this next month. One big one is the kids starting school. Part of me is excited, though it is going to be the biggest amount of time I’ve been separated from them. We’ve decided to put them both in a Montessori School this year. I’ve really found myself drawn to this style of teaching, especially for Noah. I think it will really connect with him and the way he learns. They will be going together and because of the style of Montessori schooling, they’ll interact quite a bit during the day even though Cami’s in a class of “1st and 2nd graders” and Noah is preschool. There is a large room where the kids come together for etiquette during the day, lunch and story time. I love the connected family feeling that you get when you enter this school.
In other random news, recently on one relaxed weekend night, we all sat down together with pizza and watched Pippi Longstocking. Cami had already read the first book, and loved it. I bought her a couple extra and now she can’t get enough and giggles at all the silly things Pippi says. Chris is pretty much a stickler for reading Cami stories. If I read to Cami, it has to be a completely different chapter book than Chris. If I read something to her cause she’s dying to hear what happens in the next chapter, Chris will insist that they re-read it. I’m looking to expand Cami’s chapter book collection. Any suggestions? We’ve read several Little House Books, Apple Street Church Kids, Nancy Clancy, Pippi Longstocking and some of Junie B. Jones. She loves mysteries. The kid kind where they are trying to solve who took their favorite rabbit notebook or something like that. 
KT
Aug 28, 2012 -
I think that she might like Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. We are reading those to our kids right now, and they are a big hit. Also maybe Ramona – we have them all.
Peggy
Aug 28, 2012 -
What about Encyclopedia Brown? I absolutely loved them when I was a girl… but I was a few years older. I think I was smitten with Madeleine and all the Winnie the Pooh stories at that age though…. When our boys were around her age I read them all the Brer Rabbit and Uncle Remus stories (read with the appropriate voice/accent.)
What about Amelia Bedelia? Can you tell I loved reading as a child? Or that I still get lost in a book to this very day?
Have fun!!
Lilia
Aug 28, 2012 -
I read The Golden Acorn a while back b/c it was free on kindle. The book is written by Catherin Cooper. It has talking animals, potions, mystery, nymphs, etc… It’s an all around wonderful book. I don’t have kids, but I enjoyed it and can’t wait till the day I can share it with my future children. You and your husband AND your kids will enjoy it. It is part of the Jack Brennan series. http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Acorn-Adventures-Brenin-ebook/dp/B004EHZDBQ
Chantel
Aug 28, 2012 -
That last photo is so sweet! I can’t wait to read books like those to Raeca. I hope the transition to school goes well for you (and the kids)!
Maria
Aug 28, 2012 -
Ahhh, books. I can’t help myself.
Peggy Parrish wrote a really great series with little puzzles to solve along the way- I think the first book is A Clue in the Woods. They have Jed, Liza and Bill (not Amelia Bedelia).
Boxcar Children
Lois Lowry’s newer book, Gooney Bird Greene (also teaches some good writing and story telling skills)
Encyclopedia Brown
Anything by Andrew Clements (I LOVED A Week in the Woods)
If you like Junie B., Araminta Spookie might be another “active” little girl you’d like. by Angie Sage (the series sort of hints around that her uncle is a vampire, but she never catches on… not like Twilight, just like, he sleeps all day and has bats in the attic)
Keith Robertson’s Henry Reed series
Patricia C. Wrede’s Enchanted Forest Chronicle (first is Dealing With Dragons), but there’s magic, if that’s a problem…
Also, other magic-y books we love: E.D. Baker’s Frog Princess books, and Gail Carson Levine’s retelling of fairy tales. These books aren’t violent, just princess-y magic.
Aimee
Aug 28, 2012 -
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle for sure, Cami will love it! Owen also loved “The House at Pooh Corner”. He LOVES the Magic Tree House books. He also really seems to like biographies. We are reading about the Wright brothers currently and he is really into it. Love those sweet kids and praying school is an amazing experience for them this year!
Liz
Aug 28, 2012 -
I loved the Alula-Belle books. I think I have them in a box in the basement; if I do I’ll send them your way.
Alice
Aug 28, 2012 -
My 9 and 6 yr old love The Boxcar Children and The Hardy Boys. I read The Boxcar Children growing up and my husband read The Hardy Boys… both are still excellent! Plus you can often find them at a goodwill or Value Village for cheap
Kate
Aug 28, 2012 -
Is it the Montessori school next to our neighborhood? Cause then you could come over and chat and hang out all the time. I would love that!
Also by the same lady who wrote Pipi Longstocking- ‘Children of the Noisy Village’ My girls love that. I downloaded the audio file on my kindle for a road trip a while back (it was under 5$) and they LOVE listening to it.
Rachel Booth
Aug 28, 2012 -
Check out…
1. The Boxcar Children!!! It’s an awesome series, kids solving mysteries!
2. The Bobbsey Twins. It’s an older series but it’s great fun. Two sets of twins solving mysteries.
3. Nancy Drew (the older ones are better for younger kids)
erin
Aug 28, 2012 -
Thanks everyone for all these suggestions, love it! Looking forward to getting some of these for Cami and I to start reading.
AG Ambroult
Aug 30, 2012 -
I’m excited to hear all about the kids’ new school. And Noah *going* to school! Did they start yet?
My girls loves the Magic Tree House series — I’ve even read a few and they’re great. the kids learn so much history.
Nicola
Sep 4, 2012 -
I am so excited and eager to hear how the new school goes, Erin! I am excited for them.
We are reading Mrs. Piggle Wiggle right now and Lala loves the stories!
I appreciate reading everyone else’s lists!
Nicola