5 novels my kids are loving right now

Whatever gets your kids excited for reading - that's what you need to be providing them. Whether that's comic books, picture books, early chapter books, or simply books that pertain to their interests, be it sports, animals, machines, characters - or even simply offering fiction AND non-fiction titles.

My kids have always loved books; even at chaotic birthday parties, you could find them in the book corner taking a moment. If they saw me reading, they'd choose a book and join in, calling it "Book Club". Getting them interested in books was not difficult, but we still have a wide array of books, covering all kinds of topics. These are five novels they are really into right now:

1) The Fabled Stables by Jonathan Auxier: There are three novels out in this series so far and it's magical and beautiful, whimsical and funny! Auggie is a compassionate and problem-solving kind of kid who has the best job of all: caring for enchanted animals! He maintains the stables, with the help of his hilarious sidekick, Fen, the stick (he's a grumpy stick-in-the-mud and he's hilarious and can turn into all kinds of useful things). There are a couple of side characters that enhance the story by being Auggie's support system. Of course, the illustrations are incredible, but we're always waiting to see what kind of creature will come into the picture next and what problem will need to be solved.

2) 5 Worlds by Mark Siegel

This incredible journey is more for my eldest because of the reading involved, but it is a beautiful and powerful graphic novel, with illustrations that have an anime vibe. This magical story reminds me of the Airbender series, and has lots of magical elements and charismatic characters, like our dear Oona Lee, who has an incredible journey ahead of her. Amazing series that absorbs my eldest from the first page to the last.

3) The Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale

This charming series is about a princess with a secret identity - and lots of princess friends with their own secret identities that they all wittingly and charmingly keep secret from another over and over again. And we can't forget our trusted sidekicks, Duff, the goat boy, and Frimplepants who really likes brunch. This funny and cute series poses numerous gentle threats to the kingdoms, and adds more superheroes and princesses throughout. My kids love picking up on the unique phrases of each princess hero, and they quote it whenever it fits. Truly a charming series, easy to read on their own, and they're always waiting for the next one.

4) Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew by Carolyn Keene

Clearly this series has nostalgia for me, so I loved it before I even read it with the kids. Who didn't read Nancy Drew as a kid?! Or the Hardy Boys? We love it! This new series follows Nancy and her friends as they solve kid-friendly mysteries, and it's so funny watching my eldest learn about "cliff-hangers" that occur at the end of the chapters. This series has really encouraged her independent reading, and it's relevant because the character is close to her age. It has also encouraged her journal-writing, as Nancy keeps a Clues Book and consistently writes in it!

5) Narwhal and Jelly series by Ben Clanton

I don't know who enjoys this series more... the kids or their parents. This series is HILARIOUS as a read-aloud; my eldest likes to be the voice of one character, and whoever she is reading with is the voice of the other character, and then let the chaos ensue. These adventures are whacky and wonderful, endearing and hilarious. There are numerous novels in this series, and my kid can't get enough of these wonderful creatures doing their wonderfully silly things. And they really like their waffles. We have been eating a lot more waffles at home...

What are YOU reading with your kids right now? Have you read any of these titles? What others would you add to the list?

In love and literature,

Nadine