January 27, 2010

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.

10 comments:

His bondservant said...

Camille,

Thanks so much for sharing these. We have all but the Freddy books. I was not familiar with those. I just love it when like minded people share book ideas. I am going to be doing the same in upcoming posts. I am definitely a bibliophile and am always on the lookout for good books to read. Thanks again.

Heather said...

What a cute story! My husband would have a very difficult time with the kids digging in the yard since he's a gardener but great that YOU did! They need that freedom sometimes. Thanks for the book reviews. We have all but the Freddy ones and I need a new one for Molly.

Wanting What I Have said...

Ditto to what His bondservant said. We're familiar with all but the Freddy books. We laughed and cried over Charlotte's Web, and we're currently reading "On the Banks of Plumb Creek" - and we're devouring it! Such wonderful recommendations!

There's a wonderful resource out there called, "Honey For a Child's Heart" by Gladys Hunt. She recommends books based on age. It's been a fantastic reminder and at times teacher, regarding what is out there and is good, quality reading for our children. Of course, we still use discretion. :)

Thanks for the recs! We'll have to give Freddy a try!

Nadine said...

We have most of the same books in our personal library too!

Blessings!
~Nadine

Greyhaven Pines said...

Freddy is very popular at our house right now, too.

Warm wishes,

Elizabeth

Camille said...

Jackie ~ I will look forward to seeing your list...it is a blessing to share our "finds" with each other. Oh, I do hope you like Freddy ~ he's lots of fun. :)

Heather ~ The hole was dug in the "pre-manicured" lawn days. I often thought we were blessed to not have time to fix it up as it was like a little farm for the boys. They are not allowed to dig holes now. :)

J ~ Oh I'm sure you'll enjoy the Freddy books ~ they're classics. Thanks for sharing that resource ~ it is always great to have someplace to turn for information on good books. There certainly are many books that fall into the "not good" category out there!

Nadine ~ How wonderful to have a library to share with your children! These really are blessings to be thankful for. :)

Have a lovely evening!
Camille

Camille said...

Oh Elizabeth ~ I posted that comment as you were posting yours. Sorry to have missed you out on my reply. :) Oh ~ I am so glad you know "Freddy"! He really is a treasure, isn't he.

Blessings,
Camille

Sharon said...

Hello Camille :)

I am going to have to mention Freddy to my friend in Texas. She and her 2 boys (4 & 7) go to the library every month and take out about 30 books at a time :) I know that they have Little House Books and EB White's too.

Have a blessed day my friend!

Sharon

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Aahh! Gotta love the classics. I wish I had a dollar for every time I read a Little House on the Prairie book!

Camille said...

Sharon ~ I am sure they are available in the library...I hope your friend likes them.

Jackie ~ Oh me too! :)

Blessings,
Camille