These books are great to read aloud to a younger reader, and is an especially fun time for grandparents. It’s never too early to start!
Published: 2006 Theme: Learning to Love Best for: 7 and older "If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless." The quote above is worth the entire journey of tears that this little children's book takes you on, as you move from the self-centered heart of a china rabbit to one that has been broken open with love and hope...
Published: 1958 Theme: Coping with Circumstances Best for: age 5 and up "You know, Henry," said Mrs. Brown as they watched Paddington go up the stairs to bed, looking rather sticky and more than a little sleepy, "it's nice having a bear about the house." This is a real chapter book, perfect for young readers who have just learned to read, with a few choice illustrations to keep it moving.
Published: 1865 (est.) Theme: Fairies, Bravery, Kindness Best for: everyone Five Stars "What will people say?" is the name of this formidable ghost; and it does much harm, for few of us have the courage to live up to what we know to be right in all things." What young person does not need to be reminded about being true to themselves? Or being brave, or being compassionate, or being fearless?
Published: 2005 Theme: Wisdom and Foolishness Best for: 5 and older Five Stars "In the forbidden City of the Celestial Emperor Kwan-Yu lived a white cat with such beautiful green eyes that she was called Dream-of-Jade." Lloyd Alexander, perhaps best known for his fantasy children's books for older readers, has completely captured the genre of classical Chinese folk tales in an impeccable style...
Published: 1948 Theme: Fairyworld Best for: 5-9 "It is autumn in Moomin Valley, for how else can spring come back again?" This quirky little children's book captured my interest right away because I'm in the midst of teaching phonetic skills to second and third graders...
Published: 1923 Theme: The Unseen World Best for: All ages "The Being passed very near her mountaintop, moving slowly, as to unheard holy music. But as he passed, he turned his face and looked down at Gentian, standing still and small on the mountain top. She ...was lost in awe." This unusual book defies categories. It isn't fantasy, the way most people understand fantasy. The closest word I can use to describe it is mystical. There is something very true about the book...
Published: 1944 Theme: Power of Thoughts Best for: 5- 8 "I am Quillow, the teller of tales," said the toymaker, but unlike the others he did not bow to the giant. This is a funny children's book, but you must be attentive! The humor sneaks up on you. That's James Thurber. ...
Published: 1972 Theme: Meeting Life with Joy Best for: 5-8 How did the world ever manage without me before I was born," he wondered. "Didn't they feel something was missing?". In this simple children's book, William Steig brings his imaginative power into the written word with great feeling...
Published: 1900 Theme: Good Always Wins Best for: Read-aloud, 5-8 The Book of Dragons is one of Nesbit's earliest children's books, written as a collection of short stories, eight to be exact, each about a different kind of dragon. Each tale is...
Published: 1902 Theme: Be Careful What You Wish for! Suitable for: all ages Five Stars From the very opening pages, Nesbit has us, the reader, firmly in her grip. Right away, you picture the children so eager to be free of the confines of their city life, and you know something interesting will happen...
Litkidz 