Anonymous wrote:Never. By the time they're ready for chapter books they can read themselves.

We learn so much by being read to by an adult. It is also a very special bonding time. Most people who love to read were read to by their parents at a young age, even when they could already read. Together, you can read more challenging books and discuss, which really gives kids an advantage when it comes to vocabulary and thinking skills.

We started chapter books at 3 years old. After tuckin time it was a bonus time.

Anonymous wrote:Never. By the time they're ready for chapter books they can read themselves.

Just because a child can read themselves doesn't mean they don't like being read to. How many adults listen to books on tape?

Anonymous wrote:I started chapter books at age 4 for my son. They had to be the right kind of chapter books, though, short chapters and some illustrations.

Same here.

Never. By the time they're ready for chapter books they can read themselves.

Age 3-5

Anonymous wrote:For those doing chapter book with 4-5 yr olds - do you find that your child is able to recall what happened in the book the night before? My almost 5 yr old will sit and listen all night long but the next time we pick up the book he doesn't always remember the last thing we read.

When we pick up the book the next night, we do a quick review of what happened the chapter before. Sometimes he won't remember right away, but with a little prompting it will come back to him.

For those doing chapter book with 4-5 yr olds - do you find that your child is able to recall what happened in the book the night before? My almost 5 yr old will sit and listen all night long but the next time we pick up the book he doesn't always remember the last thing we read.

Yes, really depends on kid. 3-4 for some, a little later for others. Our older can sit still for longer, so we started around 4 with a lot of chapter books. The younger likes the stories but can't sit as long, so we're still doing mostly picture books at 4. Get a book, try it, and if it's too complicated or long, stick it on the shelf for six months and try again.

Anonymous wrote:We started at age 4, though we also continued to read picture books (there are so many wonderful picture books out there). The biggest hits with the 4YO were Little House in the Big Woods, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, and Mr. Popper's Penguins.

OP here. Thanks PPs.

I'm glad you mentioned Little House. I've been meaning to get set.

I started at about 5. I also have a 4 year old who listens, he is somewhat interested in the story, but not nearly as much as the 5 year old. Even for the 5 year old I do a lot of explaining. Reading Mouse and the Motorcycle now. It's fun. Try it and see if interest is held. If not, you are starting on building your book collection early.

We started at age 4, though we also continued to read picture books (there are so many wonderful picture books out there). The biggest hits with the 4YO were Little House in the Big Woods, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, and Mr. Popper's Penguins.

really depends on the kid. Try them and see how your kid responds. If kid isnt into it put them aside and try again later.

I started chapter books at age 4 for my son. They had to be the right kind of chapter books, though, short chapters and some illustrations.

FTM here. My DD (2) loves books and reading. I'm really looking forward to start reading chapter books to her before bedtime. (Btw...Costco has the world of beverly cleary collection and roal dahl collection)

at what age was your child ready for chapter books?