I can’t think of anything I’d rather celebrate more than books. Okay, there’s faith, family, and special holidays…But you know what I mean! And there’s nobody I’d rather celebrate books with than kids. Don’t you just love the way a kid gets quiet when you read them their favorite book? My grandkids lean into me as I wrap one arm around them and hold the book in my other hand. It’s a precious time.
Book lovers know that there is nothing more magical than being transported to another dimension. Children need imaginary worlds as much as adults do. Whether they climb through a wardrobe to venture to the land of Narnia or whether they hang out with a group of monsters in Where the Wild Things Are, children love adventure. And they love being understood, which is what the best books do for all of us–make us feel understood, give us a sense of belonging and acceptance for who we are.
I thought I’d share some of my favorite children’s books and introduce you to a few I’m tempted to buy for Christmas gifts for the kiddos in my life.
Classics for Kiddos
My husband read The Chronicles of Narnia to our boys when they were young and now they read them to their kids. The magic continues! You can’t beat the classics, and there are plenty to choose from. Of course, what you choose will depend what age your children or grandchildren are. There are some great sites that categorize books according to kids’ ages, like this one curated by Book Riot.
Here are a (very) few of my favorites, according to age:
0-1: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
2-4: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
5-8: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
9-12: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Thanksgiving Reading
There are plenty of great books out there geared toward Thanksgiving. It’s always a good time to teach our kids about the super power of being thankful!
So Many More
I’m cringing a little because there are so many more books I ADORE that I didn’t list. But I could be sitting at my desk for a week typing away and still not list them all.
AND I’m cringing a little because I’m getting ready to link you to some books I haven’t actually read. They’re on my radar for Christmas presents, but I need to investigate them further.
Not for Only a Week
As far as I’m concerned Children’s Book Week is every week. Books meant so much to me as a child (and still do!) and I have wonderful memories of roaming the library shelves, picking out intriguing stories, and putting back the ones that tipped me over my limit. (I got ’em next time.)
So, how do you celebrate Children’s Book Week? You buy a book for the kids in your life, of course!
What were your favorite books as a kid? What do you like to read to the kids in your life now? Please share!
Leslie Watkins
I love children’s books! Kobe Yamada’s are among my favorites! The Napping House, 10 in the Bed and Caroline Church’s books are among my favorite ones to read to the littles in my life! Thanks for sharing yours.
Tracey D. Buchanan
Great additions to my ever-growing list! I took a Children’s Literature course when I was at Texas A&M and it was one of my favorite courses ever!!