20 Classic Children's Books Every Child Should Read

 20 Classic Children's Books Every Child Should Read

I love books! Real books, not electronic books. There is something about the sound of a hardback book being opened. The smell and feel of the paper as you are turning the pages. Anytime I enter a thrift store, antique shop, or used bookstore I go to the children's books. I’ve bought vintage children’s books just because. Many times, it’s not because of a special memory, but because it drew me to it. There is something special about classic children's books.

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The Beginner's Bible Timeless Children's Stories

If you are considering a children’s Bible to begin little readers with, The Beginner’s Bible is an excellent option to consider.

Zondervan first published this book in 1989 and it has sold over 25 million copies over the years. They have recently revised the book and images to have a fresh new look. New vibrant three-dimensional art, brings these stories to life to a new generation of children. With easy-to-read text and bright, full-color illustrations on every page make it a perfect way to introduce young children to the stories and characters of the Bible.
The Beginner's Bible Timeless Children's Bible Story Book Review



The Beginner's Bible a Review


There are 94 stories found in The Beginner's Bible. Many favorites from both the Old and New Testaments. The story of creation, Joseph, Daniel in the lion’s den, Jesus’ birth, The Good Samaritan, The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Paul on the road to Damascus, and the Second Coming are just a few of the stories.

Each story is between 4-8 pages long. With a picture on each page, there are 1-8 lines, perfect for beginner readers. The images are designed specifically to appeal to children. If you’re like me then they might not appeal to you as an adult either, but I’m not a kid, and I would never let my appeal keep me from sharing this book with any child.

One thing I truly loved about this little Bible book, is it has a dictionary section in the back. I love this! The top of the page says, “Some of the words in this book may be new to you. Throughout the stories, you will see these words in italics. You can find out what they mean by using this dictionary". These are just a few words and their definitions: Anoint - (1. To pour olive oil on people or things. This sets them apart for God. 2. To pour oil on people as part of praying for their healing. 3. A sign of God’s blessing or favor. ) Disciple -(A person who follows a teacher. This person does what their teacher says to do.) and Proverbs -(1. A wise sayings. 2 A book of the Bible that contains many wise sayings.). 

The Beginner’s Bible doesn’t give every detail on the stories. If your child comprehends a more in depth story, they may notice the missing details and ask questions. From what I’ve read, the details do not take away from the story. The age range is from 4-8 years of age, but depending on your child it could range from 2-6 years of age.




The Beginner's Bible was named the 2006 Retailers Choice Award winner in Children's Nonfiction.

The Beginner’s Bible has its very own website. You’ll find games, coloring sheets, and several videos.

Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Series: The Beginner's Bible
Hardcover: 512 pages
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.3 x 7.8 inches
You can purchase your own copy of The Beginner’s Bible.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Charlie the Tramp by Russell Hoban Book Review

After 50 years, the children’s book Charlie the Tramp is being introduced to a new generation. I remember this precious little book being on the book table in my kindergarten class. It was my favorite and I enjoyed learning to read to Charlie the Tramp. I was able to pass my love for Charlie on to my son when he was little. As parents, we do all we can to teach our children to be productive adults. Sometimes, we have to allow our children to pursue their dreams so they will show just how responsible they can be, just like with Charlie.

Charlie the Tramp by Russell Hoban Book Review
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Charlie the Tramp Book Review

The new updated cover while a little different from the original paperback cover I read as a little girl gives a look of simplicity from my childhood. When I first sat down with the book, I couldn't help but feel like a little girl again seeing the images Lillian Hoban had lovingly created for this book. As I read the words I was taken back to my childhood in my kindergarten class learning to read the sweet story about Charlie wanting to grow up and be a tramp.

If you are one who believes in being politically correct, this book is not for you. But, if you still believe in the way things "used to be" in the home and haven't read this book, you need to. Sharing our past (and present for many) with our future generations is a must. The cute story about Charlie is a great reminder of how things used to be.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Charlie the Beaver wants to be a tramp when he grows up. “Tramps don’t have to learn how to chop down trees and how to roll logs and how to build dams. Tramps just tramp around and have a good time. Tramps carry sticks with little bundles tied to them. They sleep in a field when the weather is nice, and when it rains they sleep in a barn.” Charlie sets off with his bundle. But when he hears water trickling, he can’t get to sleep. Will he be able to resist the urge to make it stop? As Grandfather Beaver says, “You never know when a tramp will turn out to be a beaver.”



“An especially memorable character study of a runaway beaver...unique, humorous, precise of speech...How touching the moment when Charlie’s father looks at his truant one’s first serious nighttime labor and says, ‘Any tramp that can make a pond like that is going to be some beaver one of these days.’” – The Atlantic Monthly, August 1976

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Russell Hoban (1925-2011) first became famous for his children’s picture books about a badger named Frances and other animal characters that have a lot in common with children we know – Bedtime for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Bread and Jam for Frances, and Emmit Otter’s Jug-band Christmas.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Lillian Hoban (1925-1998), one of America’s favorite children’s book illustrators, is best known for a young chimpanzee named Arthur and his little sister, Violet. She also illustrated six of Russell Hoban’s books about Frances the badger, which have taken their place among the great classics of children’s literature. Lillian Hoban was born in Philadelphia and attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Art. She studied dance for ten years and became a professional dancer. She began to write and illustrate her own stories only after having children, basing her tales on their experiences.

Hardcover
Pages: 48
Book Size: 7 x 8.75
Age:  3-8 years

You can purchase your own copy from Christian Book.

I  received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. I was not required to give a good review.

867803: Charlie the Tramp Charlie the Tramp

By Russell Hoban / Plough Publishing House


Christmas Love Letters from God Bible Stories

An adorable Christmas book you'll want to add to your library.

Christmas Love Letters from God Bible Stories - Children's Book Review


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I am so excited to share this book review today. It’s another Christmas book, another book to add to your library. The first thing that drew me to this book was the illustrations; they have a vintage children’s book feel and I love that. They remind me of books I read while growing up that are now considered vintage. But I’m not vintage if you’re wondering.

Christmas Love Letters from God Bible Stories
Book Review


Christmas Love Letters from God Bible Stories has seven stories all related to the birth of Jesus. Each Bible story is written in a way for children to understand and relate to and the best thing included is a Your Love Letter from God note card attached to the page.

These little notes of love are written as if God had written them to your child or grandchild. Little notes of encouragement, love and hope. They offer the opportunity to teach your child what the Bible says about each little letter.


Along with each story is a Bible verse {God’s Perfect Promise} that goes along with it. Jeremiah 33:3, Luke 2:11, and Isaiah 45:2 are just a few of the verses. At the end of the book, you will find a note card labeled My Gift to Jesus, this card is where your child can write a letter to Jesus. It’s never too early to teach our children to talk with the One who will always listen to them.


About the Author
Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children. Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

About the Illustrator
Rachel Clowes grew up in South London and studied illustration at Cambridge School of Art. She began her career in children’s magazines and has been illustrating ever since. Rachel lives in Yorkshire, England with her husband, also an illustrator, her three sons and two cats.

Hardcover
Pages: 32
Ages: 4-8
Book size: 11x9

You can purchase your own copy here.

I was given a copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. – You won’t be disappointed!

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis - Book Review

I love Christmas books written for children. Where Jesus Slept is one of the cutest Christmas books I’ve seen in a long time. Its repetition of the rhyme (similar to This Is the House That Jack Built) is a fun way to help children remember the beginning of the story; such an important story in history.
Frog's Lilypad: Where Jesus Slept Children's Book Review

Where Jesus Slept

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This is the bed where Jesus slept.
This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.
This is the cow that shared the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.

The book begins with the birth of Jesus and how He slept on a straw lined bed. As the story moves along, it builds on the biblical account, ending with the wise men bringing gifts to the new born King.

The key words are all in capital letters, perfect for pointing out importance and for beginning readers. The illustrations are beautifully created without being too overwhelming for little ones.

Where Jesus Slept is a perfect book to start a Christmas tradition with or to add to an already tradition.

About the Author
Norma Lewis is the author of ten books, including Connecting the Coasts: The Race to Build the Transcontinental Railroad and Kasey's River Song. She lives in Grand Haven, Michigan, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.

About the Illustrator
Katy Hudson was raised in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, and started her career as a small child drawing on freshly painted walls! Her parents quickly encouraged drawing with pencil and paper instead. The idea stuck, and after earning a degree in illustration, Katy embarked on a career illustrating books, including All Things Bright and Beautiful for WorthyKids/Ideals and Bear and Duck. Katy works at a desk in a studio in an old library and likes to tap dance in her spare time.

Hardcover
Pages: 32
Ages:3-6
Book Size: 10x10
You can purchase your own copy here.



I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.