The young boy I nanny for recently asked me to read him the same book three times in a row.  Usually when kids ask you to read the same thing over and over, it's because they happen to really like that particular book, but in this case, it's just because we were waiting for the water to boil so we could make his macaroni and cheese.

Apparently a small pot full of water boils in 3.2 picture books.

I usually don't have too much trouble reading the same thing multiple times, but then again, usually it's a pretty good book if the kids want me to read it more than once.  Not the case with this one, I'm afraid.  It was an extremely boring book, the kind with only a short sentence on each page, and not much going on as far as the story.  Those sorts of books get monotonous very fast -- especially when you're asked to read it three times in a row.

There are ways to keep oneself from getting bored while reading the same book over and over.  First of all, make sure you're reading the story with enthusiasm -- do the voices, sound surprised or angry or happy (whatever is required), and so on.  Do it a little different or a little better every time, and you won't get bored as easily.

Also, you can create your own commentary, especially as your child gets to know the story a little better.  Ask questions about the illustrations -- ask your child to count something, or what color something is, or what they would do next if they were the main character.

Another way to prevent yourself from getting bored is to engage your child in the reading a little bit more.  Most parents and teachers have had a child correct them when they read something wrong.  Whether your child can actually read the words or has just memorized the story, put that to use!  Let them fill in the last word in a rhyming verse, for instance, or ask him or her to read something on the page -- even younger children can "read" things like the word "stop" on a stop sign.

Remember, the key to surviving multiple readings of the same story is making it interesting and different each time.  What's more, your child will probably like it better that way, too!