(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.
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Sunday, January 16, 2011
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.
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.
Asterix Comic Books: Fun Gift Ideas From Eleven-Year-Old Grace
(by Grace, age 11)
Asterix Comics are very, very funny--the most comical books I've ever read. These best-sellers are seriously something that the whole family can enjoy.
How Obelix Fell Into the Magic Potion: When He Was a Little Boy
Grace: The idea of a young Obelix is quite funny, and when I read it the idea became reality in the most comical way. READ IT, 'cause it really is the best.
Asterix and the Actress
Grace: While Asterix and Obelix are celebrating their joint birthday party in the Gaulish village, strange things are happening. Why, for instance, are the Roman soldiers fighting each other? Find out in Asterix and the Actress.
Asterix in Spain
Grace: Join Asterix as he strives to reunite a little Spanish boy with his parents. Will Asterix be able to break out of prison without his magic potion?
Asterix in Britain
Grace: Asterix's adventure in Britain is so enormously funny that I shouldn't wonder if it is the most comical of the whole Asterix comic book series.
Asterix and Cleopatra
Grace: Caesar would tip his hat, er, helmet . . . at this book about Cleopatra. And as for Cleopatra, well, she would recommend it even though the book comments quite loudly about her nose.
Asterix in Switzerland
Grace: As Asterix seeks the antidote for a dire sickness, Romans are chasing him frantically. Who will reach the precious flower (the antidote) first?
I think they would all make good gifts, because whenever I get an Asterix book for a gift, I go through the roof!
Asterix Comics are very, very funny--the most comical books I've ever read. These best-sellers are seriously something that the whole family can enjoy.
How Obelix Fell Into the Magic Potion: When He Was a Little Boy
Grace: The idea of a young Obelix is quite funny, and when I read it the idea became reality in the most comical way. READ IT, 'cause it really is the best.
Asterix and the Actress
Grace: While Asterix and Obelix are celebrating their joint birthday party in the Gaulish village, strange things are happening. Why, for instance, are the Roman soldiers fighting each other? Find out in Asterix and the Actress.
Asterix in Spain
Grace: Join Asterix as he strives to reunite a little Spanish boy with his parents. Will Asterix be able to break out of prison without his magic potion?
Asterix in Britain
Grace: Asterix's adventure in Britain is so enormously funny that I shouldn't wonder if it is the most comical of the whole Asterix comic book series.
Asterix and Cleopatra
Grace: Caesar would tip his hat, er, helmet . . . at this book about Cleopatra. And as for Cleopatra, well, she would recommend it even though the book comments quite loudly about her nose.
Asterix in Switzerland
Grace: As Asterix seeks the antidote for a dire sickness, Romans are chasing him frantically. Who will reach the precious flower (the antidote) first?
I think they would all make good gifts, because whenever I get an Asterix book for a gift, I go through the roof!
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.
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.
Top Three Silly Board Books My Two-Year-Old Loves (And So Do I)
(by Mom, with help from Baby, age 2)
Two-year-olds want the same favorite books read to them over and over again, so they might as well be books with a good rhythm, a catchy theme, and some silliness! These are some of the fun board books my littlest one likes to hear again and again (and I don't feel tempted to hide them from her like I do some toddler-friendly books!)
(Baby says, "Sankoo Mommy!" )
The Napping House
The artwork in this one is a big plus!
Is Your Mama a Llama?
This one's great if your little one likes critters!
But Not the Hippopotamus
This book never fails to make me smile. Classic Boynton!
Two-year-olds want the same favorite books read to them over and over again, so they might as well be books with a good rhythm, a catchy theme, and some silliness! These are some of the fun board books my littlest one likes to hear again and again (and I don't feel tempted to hide them from her like I do some toddler-friendly books!)
(Baby says, "Sankoo Mommy!" )
The Napping House
The artwork in this one is a big plus!
Is Your Mama a Llama?
This one's great if your little one likes critters!
But Not the Hippopotamus
This book never fails to make me smile. Classic Boynton!
Best Books for Girls--According To Girls!
Grace (11) and Emily (8) independently rated some books they had read, and the following books scored top marks from both of them. The girls loved these books. And there aren't many books that can appeal so strongly to an eight-year-old and an eleven-year-old with vastly different personalities.
For this post we will only include the books that are about girls (but of course boys can enjoy them, too). The girls will tell why they liked the books. If you want to know more, click on the links below to see information from Amazon.
By the way, values are very important to our family, so expect only wholesome content in the books listed below. The authors promote good values and morals.
BEST GIFT BOOKS FOR GIRLS (from the perspectives of Grace and Emily)
The Mandie Collection, Volume 1
Grace (11): "They are wonderfully interesting. There is a bit of everything--geography, history, romance, Christianity, mystery, adventure, and lots more. It's rare to find such a great series."
Emily (8): These are great books that everyone will love. Mandie is a girl that always seems to get into a mystery, and then somehow she always finds the answer. And it's simple--good for young readers.
Mom: If you want historical fiction from a Christian perspective for a fluent reader of chapter books, these are a great choice, and the 5-in-1 volume edition makes them a great deal. My children (and their friends) have all loved these books.
Mom: If you want historical fiction from a Christian perspective for a fluent reader of chapter books, these are a great choice, and the 5-in-1 volume edition makes them a great deal. My children (and their friends) have all loved these books.
Original Nancy Drew Series
Grace: In the first book of the Nancy Drew series, Nancy is introduced as a loving daughter, a wonderful detective, and a loyal friend. You may come across other books using the names of Carolyn Keene and Nancy Drew, but these are the originals, really written by Carolyn Keene.
Emily: These books are fascinating to me. I especially like the exciting endings when she solves the mystery.
Mom: Yes, these are the same books I read when I was a kid. And yes, once my children are reading chapter books well, they enjoy them just as much as I did.
The School Story
Grace: This book is about a passionate 12-year-old author and her agent (friend) of the same age. It shows what real friendship and courage can do in all of our lives.
Emily: This book shows that if you are patient and believe in yourself, you can do anything, especially with the help of good friends and adults.
Mom: I love this book. Clements has a gift for painting strong characters in an exciting plot. As a plus, without the readers thinking about it, they're getting an education on the book publishing industry. Beware, though, your child might not want to put it down to help with chores.
The Sisters Club
Grace: It's a contemporary fiction novel that has shown me the relationship between my sisters and myself in a clearer way. Plus, it's interesting!
Emily: The sisters in this book relate to my own life as a sister, and teach me how I can communicate better to my sisters.
Mom: This is a fun book, told from the perspective of the middle child about very realistic, strong relationships with her sisters. It's like holding up a mirror for my family of girls, and some good understanding of each other has resulted.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
(Note: click first picture for softcover, second for hardcover)
Grace: The Island of the Blue Dolphins is about a courageous girl who finds herself alone and trapped on an island. You will be at the edge of your seat wondering what will happen as she fights her enemies, the wild dogs, finds food for herself and makes her home.
Emily (8): This book tells how a girl survives in the wilderness when she is separated from her family. She makes friends with animals, and they help her a lot. It taught me to be kind to animals.
Mom: A great survival story for the fluent, mature reader of advanced chapter books.
Fairy Series by Daisy Meadows
Grace: The fairy-tale adventures that two girls take together are something that even more advanced readers can enjoy.
Emily: Two friends who meet on a ship have magical adventures with fairies. There are many sets inside the series: adventures about jewels, flowers, music, and much, much more.
Mom: My children like store-bought bread, and I like homemade, and I think this book is like store-bought bread with its predictable plots, stereotyped characters and convenient magic to get the heroines out of scrapes. That being said, my children love them, especially when they're just starting chapter books, and the books are pretty harmless, despite the goblin villains.
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