le journal de Ming Ming

Books we have read and love

Magic Tree House Series - Since she started first grade, Ming Ming has been taking one or two of these books home from the school library every week. It was a bit boring for me, but she loves them. The strength of the series is that it introduces lots of culture, history, geography (from ancient Japan, the vikings, depression era New York, etc) through the story of an ordinary pair of kids' magical adventures through time and space.
The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child Vol 1: Ancient Times -- This must be one of the best introduction to history series for kids. I got the books first and then the audio CDs for MM for X'mas in 2014. Even Antoine and I love them, make our car ride (eps the daily commute from the lycee) much more enjoyable. Ask Ming Ming the name of Alexander the great's horse, or who invented silk, or where Asian Minor is, or who built Rome, who are the barbarians who invaded the Roman Empire...
all the Leo Lionni book
All the FROG and TOAD stories -- Ming Ming has loved them for years and now she is picking them up again to read it on her own.
Rainbow Magic series: Isabelle the Ice Dance Fairy -- I don't think it is very good but this is the first chapter book (67 pages) that Ming Ming read all by herself, so I am noting it here. (Feb 2015)
The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett - Ming Ming did not know it but we skipped most of the first chapter (too scary for a young kid)
Classic Fairy Tales told by Berlie Doherty, Candlewick Press
The McElderry Book of Greek Myths, retold by Eric A. Kimmel - the best Greek Mythology for young children
Harry Potter Book 1 to Book 4 - Took us a long time, eps book 4. We are on Book 5 now (Jan 2015)
Ramona Quimby Book 1 to Book 4
Judy Moody Around the World in 8 and 1/2 days
Judy Moody Declares Independence
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Books of Wonder) by L. Frank Baum -- the first chapter book we read, Ming Ming was four. Packed with twist and turns, lots of action, we really enjoyed this one.
Abiyoyo Book and CD by Pete Seeger
The Canary Prince by Eric Jon Nones Ah-ha! it is the princess who saves the prince this time!!
Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months by Maurice Sendak Sendak's text is both amusing and amazing! At 4 year old Ming Ming could chant out most of the text if I remind her the name of each month.