Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House #1)

by Mary Pope Osborne

I wish these books had existed when I was young.  I love the mix of magic and science, wonder and learning.  My daughter and I just started this book a few days ago, and she is already half-way through.  This is our first attempt at a true chapter book that she is reading to me, instead of me reading to her.  She needs me to be with her while she is reading, there are words that she isn't familiar with and concepts that she needs help understanding.  The further we get into the book, the more invested she becomes.  She is excited by the story and feels extremely proud of herself for tackling this "on her own."

I have already requested the next book in the series from the library for her to read.  She is an active seven year old that has a difficult time sitting still long enough to read outside the classroom.  I was hesitant to introduce longer chapter books to her, I wondered if she could stick with it long enough to get interested in the plot.  I wish I would have given this book to her long ago!