Over the past 10+ years we’ve been collecting books that we love and making a library I hope to one day share with my grandkids. Books are like photographs– you never regret the investment when they are good. 😉 The books in our library are books that stand the test of time, that inspire, delight, and educate not just on the topic but on language use as well. The youngest of minds are sponges looking to soak up goodness, heroes, and a way to see the world– and when we give them quality literature that recognizes they are intelligent and tells them a story and not an agenda, they become readers who love to read. Yes, I know some kids don’t like to read, but sometimes it is just finding a book they will like to read, and maybe, one of these here will help. The books here have a little of everything and I’ll compile as a list below. All I did was tell them to pick a few of their favorite books they wanted to share and this is what they chose. You can listen to why on the video review. Each book is linked to Amazon and I made them affiliate links which doesn’t change anything for you but allows my kids to earn a small percentage to find more books to love and to share. We will aim to do another list and review in September. And let me know in the comments if any of these are your favorites too!
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS
Delightful children’s picture books that also inspire: And Lentil is by the renowned children’s author Robert McCloskey with really great charcoal drawings.
A classic folk tale with a beautiful message about sharing:
Historical Non-Fiction picture book: A historical beautifully illustrated book about the Underground Railroad and the ingenuity and immense courage of a young girl to save many. Based on true events!
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
Historical Fiction picture book: Set in the early 19th century and shows how one family makes goods in the different seasons and then sells them in town for the things they need. Another bonus is it is illustrated by Barbara Cooney!
Fun to read and make you laugh picture books:
Holiday must-have book that you will fall in love with:
COLLECTIONS
Favorite of all with wonderful stories and illustrations:
Favorites from the time they were young:
READ ALOUD CHAPTER BOOKS
Classic:
Anne of Green Gables, illustrated version
Historical, set in the Civil War:
OLDER KID/TEEN BOOKS
Historical Fiction: Also Avi is a great author for many books too.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Fun and entertaining book:
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics
READ ALOUD CLASSIC SERIES
Historical The story telling is top-notch by Laura Ingalls Wilder and will keep you turning the pages as you read about the resolve and perseverance that was required of those who ventured West in the pioneer days. You will see the good and the bad and gain a greater understanding of times gone by.
Little House on the Prairie (get all 7 books!)
Classic We used Narnia as a land they could enter when they were double digits, almost as a rite of passage, which they both looked forward to. I felt 10 years old was the best age for my kids to be able to absorb, discern, and appreciate all that Lewis puts in, and to still be able to fall asleep at night even if something was more intense. We followed the books with a movie night for the first 2 of the 3 movies in the trilogy. The book set here is not the movie illustrations, which I think helps with adding a bit more imagination and whimsy to this wonderful series.
