Diary of an... Engaged Kid!

So, on the heels of the ever popular and always entertaining "Diary of Wimpy Kid" movie and book series, my own son - a rising 3rd grader - is now setting off in creating his own "Diary/Journal" of his own life and times. This got me to thinking...What other books are out there that could create a new world of adventure or stir up a side of his imagination that maybe hadn't been tapped into yet?

Always on the lookout for some new way to engage him - and the rest of our family - in some new activity (other than another PS3 or Wii game), I have set out on a quest. And trust me, it's amazing what you can find. We've gone through the entire Harry Potter set and cast spells around our house on each other to get things done. We've turned our house into the Millenium Falcon and made life size cut outs from our favorite characters of the Star Wars BOOKS (not movies... the books are far more in depth and awesome for a kid to get lost in them - especially on the Boba/Jengo Fett front). We're introducing Big Nate into our family and seeing if he and Greg Heffley (of "Diary" fame) could actually be friends. We've discovered the amazing talents of Matt Christopher and his sports books, and found a way to tie a love of reading into an 8 yr olds love of hockey.

Next on the list...Reading what I consider to be some of my childhood classics - Rohald Dahl books. Imagine what we can do with "James and the Giant Peach", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "The Fantasic Mr.Fox" and "Boy."

The coolest part of all of this? Every adventure is being recorded in my son's "Diary"...all started by a book. He's even titled his version "Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The new wimp." I have to say, I was pretty proud. He's tied in his love of reading, with his love of writing (which we had to really work with him on in 2nd grade), and his love of drawing (not sure where he gets that from!)

Create your adventure with your kids. And make it a family affair...re-read classics with them, or new series for the first time. Make it a family book club. You'll be amazed and thrilled at the fun times and outcomes that you get from each discussion and activity you can create. Plus, you get to read some pretty cool books that as an adult you normally wouldn't get to read!

If you're looking for suggestions on starting some activities or a family book club reading list, let me know! We certainly have lots of them.

Here are some GREAT ideas for Day Trips focused completely around children's books that get you and your kids thinking - and take reading and discussing to an entire new level! Have fun!
Reading Day Trips!