Bookshelf

Here are a few favorites from my bookshelf that I have found seem to resonate with every child (young or old):

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

This was the first chapter book I ventured to read to my two oldest children when they were small. I was a little hesitant at first to begin what seemed like a book that was far over their heads. Would they be bored? Would they be afraid? (Because let’s face it, those flying monkeys in the movie kind of scarred me for life) Would it squash their love for reading and put an end to our read aloud time forever? Of course the answer to all of the those questions is a resounding NO. They loved it. They truly did. And what a pleasure it was to share a book with my children that I had actually never read before!

And did it go over their heads? Absolutely not. They were 6 and 4 years old at the time, and I will never forget the wonder on my 4 year old’s face when he recognized the irony in the story. He grinned up at me and said, “The lion says he wants to be brave, but he fought those bear-tigers and he wasn’t afraid. That’s funny.” He had no idea what the word irony means, but he totally got it.

Little House in the Big Woods

There is a reason this has been a favorite for just about every generation since it was written. Aren’t we all curious and fascinated about how people lived long ago? Wilder’s books are such sweet pictures into our past. And if you think these stories are just for girls, think again. My boys loved this book as much as my daughter did. They are full of action: hunting, the wild west, wolves, and even some bears! Boys will be captivated every bit as the girls.

The Boxcar Children

This one is a true timeless treasure. After reading it to my own children and telling my mom how much they loved it, she excitedly remarked about how much she had loved reading it as a child. While four orphans living on their own in a boxcar may seem like a hefty subject for young children, this story is told so sweetly and gently that it was never an issue for my own kids. Read it for yourself first to be sure, but I am fairly certain you will agree. It evokes feelings of love and appreciation for family, while giving young minds a taste of independence and the adventure of living off what you can find and create on your own. This one is a gem. And the best part is, it’s a series!

This is just a taste! Check back soon for more literary loves of mine.