Reading aloud with the kids

I suspected the kids would be too young to patiently sit through a chapter a night of a longer book, as much as I loved the thought of ending our nights that way. Yet here we sit now, each night, with our first selection~~and the kids keep asking for more.

[caption id="attachment_11" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Our first book selection"][/caption]

The book right now is CS Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. We have made it to chapter 6 at this point and I am delighted at the level of interest and retention held even by our four (almost five) year olds.

Lewis does a fine job describing the thought process of young Edmund who is "spiteful at times." His decision-making process gives us the chance to discuss those key moments in relationships when we have the opportunity to foster it or damage it. Altogether, this book has proven a delightful first selection.

Zoya's enthusiasm has waned slightly and she is hoping for a more feminine book. Her tastes lean toward anything princessy, dainty, and pink, and the white witch is not impressing her with her "proud" and "stern" countenance. Anyone have any ideas? I'm interested in reading "The Little Prince" next time around, but perhaps "A Little Princess" is in order. :)