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