Great Novels for Kids

These are some books from our personal library that I can highly recommend. Links have been provided for the ones I could find for purchasing online. Another place to look would be your local library ~ which in fact may be the best place to begin!




Freddy the Pig is the feature character in a series of books which are full of fun and a sense of humour. The animals all converse with one another and have incredible adventures. My children have really enjoyed Freddy!

Little House on the Prairie is a classic series of nine books which feature the life story of Laura Ingalls Wilder as told to children. She lived the life of a Pioneer Girl in the late 1800's of America. I devoured them all as a girl and have since revisited them as an adult. Every little person enjoys being read to, and these are delightful "read-aloud" books.

After reading the account of Pa digging a well in "Little House on the Prairie" to my two oldest boys (they were 3 and 5 years old at the time) I discovered them outside digging ~ with man-sized shovels!

"What are you doing?" I inquired.

"Digging a well," came the reply.

"Do you think you will get water?"

In a man-sized voice, the oldest answered, "We're hopin' to ~ might take a couple days."

Oh. Dear. Me. It really was too funny!

They worked peacefully together in their free outdoor time for two days and that hole got deep enough to climb into. Oh the inspiration that comes from a book! :)

**Mary Poppins is another enjoyable read-aloud. The adventures in this book are unbelievable ~ Mary Poppins is a nanny and from the perspective of the children in her charge, she always has a new trick up her sleeve. My little girl begs for more and listens intently while I read.

**Update (January 29, 2010) ~ We are currently nearing the end of this book, and I just came across a chapter that I was not entirely comfortable with. The setting for this particular chapter was the zoo, and the creatures were apparently "moving as one" and told the children that they and the animals and the objects of the earth are all one ~ a new age and evolutionary thought. I explained the error in this way of thinking to Emma and continued to read. It is for this very reason that I have given a word of caution at the bottom of this post. Always read with your "antennae" up and be on the lookout for erroneous teachings ~ however subtle they may be.

Heidi is a classic novel which was included in my childhood reading adventures. The inside cover of my copy reveals that it was my Mom's Christmas gift in 1951 when she was a young girl of seven. Heidi is a sweet orphan who is cared for by her Grandfather in the Alps and transforms his life ~ one of a hermit ~ to one of joy and fulfillment. It's a lovely story that will capture the hearts of all who venture in.

Anne of Green Gables is the first in a series of eight books ~ many are unaware of the set that goes with the title volume. They are full of wit and insight and humorous moments centering around red-headed Anne, a very loveable orphan. They are beautifully written by Canadian author Lucy Maude Montgomery. :)

Pollyanna features another orphan (much like the previously mentioned Anne), who goes to live with her Aunt. The similarities of the stories end there and one finds that Pollyanna is worthy of any young girl's friendship. I still have very fond memories of the summer I became aquainted with Pollyanna and she made such an impression on me. The combination of warm summer days and the quiet solitude of reading outdoors added to my fond memory of reading this wonderful novel.

Charlotte's Web is one of those books that many school children read during their elementary classroom days ~ often by grade four. If your children have not read this book, get your hands on a copy and enjoy! It is the story of a girl and her pig which are befriended by a kind spider who tirelessly works to prevent his falling prey to the fate of all pigs!

Ann Voskamp has recommended a number of books for girls on her blog ~ you will find the list here. I have not heard of all the books she recommends ~ but many of them are in our own library. I plan to search out some of the unknown titles for our own little girl. As with anything, you must feel comfortable with what you bring into your home ~ use both Ann's list and mine with discretion.

Happy Reading!

**I am not compensated in any way for these recommendations ~
they reflect our personal choices for our family.