Episode 014: Children's Literature

Sheila and Maria share their top reading recommendations for all ages as well as stories from their experiences that demonstrate how literature has helped their family to learn and grow together over the years.

 

"Children's books change lives. Stories pour into the hearts of children and help make them what they become." - Jane Yolen

 

We share a strong belief that literature and storytelling carry with them an amazing power to impart timeless wisdom into the hearts and lives of each generation.  Throughout the years, we have seen time and again that great literature has not only provided fantastic entertainment but more importantly, literature has introduced our children to wonderful archetypal examples and displays of character, problem-solving, generosity, kindness, culture, courage, and bravery, and our families have immensely enjoyed learning together through reading.

 

In this episode, we share with you some of our favorite books and authors as well as stories from our families which demonstrate how literature has impacted our family culture and the lessons we've learned along the way.

 

Resources from this Episode

Top Toddler Board Book Recommendations

Martin Wadell - Owl Babies

Bruce Degen - Jamberry

 

Top Early Childhood Author/Series Recommendations

James Harriet

Jill Barklem - Brambley Hedge

Beatrix Potter - Peter Rabbit

Elsa Beskow

Tasha Tudor

Steven Kellogg

James Marshall - George and Martha

Audrey Wood

Jan Brett

Frank Ashe

 

Top Early Chapter Book Recommendations

Betsy Macdonald - Mrs. Piggle Wiggle

Gertrude Chandler Warner - Box Car Series

A.A. Milne - Winnie the Pooh

Laura Ingalls Wilder - Little House on the Prairie

Arthur Ransone - Swallows and Amazons

Lucy Maud Montgomery - Anne of Green Gables

Elizabeth Enright - Gone Away Lake

E.B. White - Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and Trumpet of the Swan

James Barry - Peter Pan

Emily Rodda - Fairy Realm Series

 

Middle Childhood Book Recommendations

Jules Verne - Around the World in 80 Days and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

William Pêne du Bois - 21 Balloons

Jean Craighead George - My Side of the Mountain

Louisa May Alcott - Little Men

Kate Sheredy - The Good Master

Rachael Field - Calico Bush

Eva Bunting - Journey to the River Sea

Dave Barry - Peter and the Starcatchers

Scott O’Dell - Island of the Blue Dolphins

Lloyd Alexander - Prydain Series

Johann David Wyss - Swiss Family Robinson

Robert Louis Stevenson - Treasure Island

Robert Lawson - Ben and Me, Mr. Revere and I

 

Teen Book Read Aloud Recommendations

Mark Twain - Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn

R. R. Tolkein - The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings

J.K. Rowling - Harry Potter