Not sure what kind of reaction I will get here for this BUT we did "Hooked on Phonics." Both boys love(d) it. My first kid hated BOB books - he thought they were "boring" and "stupid" but he liked the "Hooked on Phonics" books because he thought they were hysterical - even the simple ones. Also because he could reach word in the book - they used each word taught in the lesson in the subsequent book/story.... I highly recommend the series!
And my first one was liked yours - he kept asking to be taught to read because he wanted it so badly but couldn't pick it up on his own. Now he reads several grad levels ahead and will read every night (all night if I let him!)
