For many young emerging readers, the longer and more complicated classics are not the best starting point to develop the love of reading. The following books have been much-loved by my girls as they began moving away from the “Frog and Toad” easy readers to slightly more complex plots. Sophie Mouse – Poppy Green Princess […]

THere are so many good adventure, fantasy good vs. evil plots for our children. These stories are best for 7+ as they have some stronger themes and potentially frightening scenes (battles scenes, scary adventures.) Redwall – Wilderking Series Wingfeather Saga Green Ember Mistmantle Series The Wizard of Oz Series The Chronicles of Narnia The Hobbit […]

Yes, all books have families but these are particularly lovely and often showcase larger families and many close sibling relationships. Many of these books make for great read alouds! All of a Kind Family – Sydney Taylor (7+) The Moffats – Eleanor Estes (4+) The Saturdays (and the Melendy Quartet) – Elizabeth Enright (6+) The […]

Alexander – Harold Littledale. We were tired of living in a house Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No good very bad day The Snowy Day

Sometimes you just need silly books! Giant John – Arnold Lobel The Story About Ping The Five Chinese Brothers Angus the Dog Series I Broke my Trunk (The Piggie and Elephant Books) While the Shepherd Slept There’s a Mouse about the House! Caps for Sale Strega Nona Mr Popper’s Penguins Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Nibbles the […]

The Adventures of Nick and Sam – Laura Ingalls Wilder Series Grandma’s Attic All of a Kind Family Betsy- Tacy – Narnia Series (start with the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) American Girl Books – especially the original historical girls (Molly, Samantha, Felicity, Kit, Addy, Kirsten, Kaya) Beverly Cleary’s “Ramona” Series Sarah, Plain and […]

Below is my on-going list of good books and series for boys age 8-10/11. in no particular order, and obviously they can be good for girls too!) Homer price– Robert McCloskey. A feel good novel about a boy and his small town adventures. Anything by McCloskey is a win, picture books included! On the wings […]

I remember walking to school with my mom; she walked so fast! I had to do a double step to keep up with her! And somewhere along the line of life, I kept this pace of walking too fast, and rushing everyone around me. In a recent podcast by Kim John Payne, he describes his […]

Childhood is such a sweet time for books, and there are so many lovely titles for young girls. Here are our favorites series: Ramona Quimby Series “B” is for Betsy Up and down the River – The Fairchild Family Series Milly Mandy Molly

The hill was just the right level of difficulty for my 10 year old self. Steep enough to be a thrilling coast down, but not so terrifying to worry about skinned-knees. My sisters and I would ride down this hill again and again over the next few days. Our favorite campsite was just a less […]