Chapter Books We Read Aloud And My Kids Enjoyed

(by Mom, with help from Grace, age 11, and Emily, age 8)
"Please, just one more chapter!" Those words never fail to bring a smile to my face. I always have fun hiding the book so no one reads ahead. Here are some chapter books that I've loved reading to my children over the years.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roald Dahl is a master of wacky plots and lovable characters. My 11-year-old, 8-year-old and 5-year-old were all begging for more.

Emily (8): Great book!









The Wheel on the School

This book doesn't look like it's going to have a riveting plot, so it sat on our shelf for a while. Boy, was I wrong. It's a fascinating story about the Dutch village of Shora coming together to bring back the storks. All of my children loved it, and just recently, one asked if we could read it again.

Emily (8): It was me!








The Whipping Boy

This prompted some great discussion in our family. If you want a great plot and some good talks about discipline, unlikely friendships and unexpected heroes, this is your book.

Grace (11): This was really one of my favorite books Mom read out to me.








The Winged Watchman

A real page-turner set in occupied Holland in World War II. I couldn't help myself. I read ahead. (Sorry, kids!)

Grace (11): Don't worry, Mom, we knew you were reading ahead and we forgive you! I remember this book well: the helplessness, the determination, the risks that people took to get their independence back!








The Little Riders

Another book set in Nazi-occupied Holland. It prompted thoughtful discussion on loving our enemies and real courage.

Note from Emily (8): I loved it because it shows courage, kindness, and love.

Kid Approved Picture Books that Build Character (According to Mom)

(by Mom, with help from Tabitha, age 5, and Emily, age 8)
I treasure books that have interesting plots, fun characters, vivid illustrations, AND wonderful morals. Here are some of the picture books that I and my children have learned sweet lessons from.

The Ant and the Elephant

This book has fantastic African animal characters, a story that keeps moving, and insights about helping, thankfulness, and pride. It's one of my all-time favorites.

Tabitha (5): I like the elephant!








Horton Hatches the Egg


Dr. Seuss at his best! Horton is faithful and does what he says he will do, despite all the troubles and adventures that come his way. A good lesson from a great story!

Emily (8): That good-for-nothing stupid old bird! It would have been better for everyone if she had just stayed on her egg. She's lazy.







The Berenstain Bears and the Truth

There are a lot of books out there that talk about honesty, but this is one of my favorites. Brother and Sister Bear learn the importance of trust in family relationships.

Tabitha (5): I hate the part where they lie!

Emily (8): I like it because they learn not to lie in the end.








The Lorax

Another Seuss Classic! This one links the problem of greed to the consequences of not caring for our planet. It's a lesson that's easy to swallow because of Seuss's unbeatable creativity.

Tabitha (5): I'm clapping. That means I like it.








Polite as a Princess

I confess: I usually cringe when my children beg for princess stories. This one is an exception, though. Each princess illustrates very appropriate good manners to your princess-loving child--everything from writing thank you notes to cleaning up a mess.

Tabitha (5): I like Polite as a Princess because it has good manners!







If you're like me and find it challenging to build character in kids, I'm sure you'll appreciate the help of these books as much as I do.

Eight-Year-Old Emily's Picks: Easy Chapter Books for Kids Who Love Mysteries

(by Emily, age 8, and Mom)
Mom's note: While a series sometimes gets in a rut, these books are consistently enjoyable for 8-year-old Emily. The great thing about a series: she's already excited about the next book before she ever starts to read it.

Boxcar Children

Emily: The four Alden children start out living in a boxcar together in book one, and go on to live happily with their grandfather as they solve fun mysteries in the rest of the series. Great books! Can't stop reading them!

The Third Grade Detectives

Emily: With the help of the teacher, Mr. Merlin, the third grade class can crack secret codes and solve crimes. There's not a mystery they can't solve. I also enjoy trying to crack the codes if they're not too hard.

Cam Jansen

Emily: Cam Jansen can solve any mystery with the help of her friend, Eric, and her amazing mind that can remember anything she sees.