A rare victory in parenthood

La Nina has never been much of a reader. Oh, she reads like a champ, it's just never been pleasurable activity for her. I love to read, so I've always been a little bummed that she didn't just love books.

Recently the whole book thing has gotten worse. I'd pick up a chapter book to read and she'd leave the room. The Magster and I have read probably a dozen chapter books and La Nina has never listened to a single word. I've tried different books, I tried letting her read, I tried letting her pick the book and I got nowhere.

About 2 weeks ago, I started reading Charlotte's Web to Maggie. I didn't push it on La Nina, but slowly she started hanging around the doorway while I was reading. Then a couple of nights later, she was laying on the floor playing with a toy while I was reading. Then, slowly she climbed onto the bed to listen. I never mentioned her new attitude, but every night I was sure to tell both girls I was about to start reading.

Tonight we finished the last two chapters. I didn't want to read the sad chapter and not the happy ending. So, we started early. La Nina was into the ending from the moment I started the chapter. And when Charlotte was left alone in the barn, La Nina wept for her. To the point where the Magster leaned over and said, "It's only a book." (Magster had tears in her eyes too, it's just not her style to get weepy.)

Anyway, we finished the book and I asked the girls what the book was really about. And La Nina answered, "It's about friends, Mom. Charlotte and Wilbur were friends." Inside I gave a little cheer....La Nina got the book, she really got the book.

Then, La Nina asked if she could take the book to her room and read it again, by herself. Needless to say, I handed her the book and I let her read as late as she wanted. I credit Charlotte's Web as the book that made me fall in love with reading. I'm thrilled it hasn't lost the magic.