What Makes a "Repeat Read"?

I'm miffed at my local postal worker. She still hasn't delivered my copy of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue and I'm so eager to read it! My review will have to wait until next week but for today I thought I'd answer one of the writing prompts provided by author Ellie Moss.

What makes a story a “repeat read” in your house?

It's funny how some books just capture your children's attention and make them an endless read. Of course, as parents we sometimes get frustrated by reading the same pages over and over again. But kids love predictability in their lives and that includes their reading lives. Just a few nights ago my daughter informed me that my grandchild is enamored with turtles and reading time has become a treasure hunt of sorts as they try to spy turtles in their extensive kid lit library.

From that tidbit, you can probably guess that's it been quite a while since my children and I had storytime. But I can still remember their favorites.

The older daughter, Beth was a fan of the Berenstein Bears. Why? I'm not sure but maybe she liked seeing our family reflected in the pages of her storybooks. Truthfully, I wasn't a fan of the Bears but she more than made up for it as she got older. I read the first Harry Potter book aloud to her when she was around 8 which led to a lifelong obsession with the series for both of us. In fact, I remember sneaking into her room to "steal" the latest HP book from her so I could get a chance to read it too.

My younger daughter Jeanette was a Winnie the Pooh fan. Maybe she liked the adventures and the friendships. Maybe she liked the funny voices I did. I was a much bigger fan of this bear than the Berensteins.

My son (a reluctant reader) was a sucker for Curious George. He was quite the monkey himself so maybe he recognized a kindred spirit. Once again, I think adventure was the key appeal of these books. That and the fact that every time I went on a school field trip with his older sisters I brought back a Curious George book - Curious George Visits a Museum, Curious George Visits NYC, Curious George Makes Pizza.

I even remember the books I read endlessly to my brother who is one the other side of 50 now. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and I Love a Parade. They might have been his favorites or they might have been the only ones I could successfully manage as a relatively new reader.

The best part about repeat reads is they don't stay in the rotation forever. Children's interests are changing constantly, with each week bringing a new obsession. So it isn't tough to read Ten Little Babies ten times a day if you know that next week you will have moved on to The Monster at the End of This Book, Carl the Dog or The Hungry Caterpillar. My children may not even remember their favorites from decades ago. But I hope they remember that time snuggling together, sharing fun through the pages of books.

What are the repeat reads in your house?

Maybe you'll find a new repeat read in Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue. You can enter to win a copy and read a great interview with author Ellie Moss HERE. And return to Words by Webb on Wednesday, March 25 for my review.

How does a bubble-blowing dragon make his very first friend?

In the magical land of Lickitypop, Dibs the Dragon hears a tiny cry for help from the sticky syrup swamp and discovers Mooch, a marshmallow mole who is very, very stuck.

With a licorice vine, a bit of bravery, and a whole lot of heart, Dibs leaps into action and begins a friendship that will change everything.

This gentle, whimsical picture book is filled with kindness, imagination, and cozy read-aloud moments. This story supports:

• Kindness and empathy

• Bravery in small moments

• Helping others

• Learning what it means to be a good friend

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Perfect for bedtime snuggles, classroom storytime, preschool circle time, and soft-hearted little readers, this magical read-aloud invites children into a warm, safe world where kindness always shines. Whether you are a parent, teacher, librarian, or cozy-color fan, this sweet story is sure to become a favorite on your shelf and a beloved start to the Lickitypop series.