Book Talk Tuesdays
Book talks are a wonderful way to share quality books with others! Follow me on Instagram for Book Talk Tuesdays. Each week, I will provide brief summaries on a variety of books and explain who I think would enjoy that particular text! This page provides links to all the books and audio books discussed.
See a comprehensive list of recommended books here.
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This Week’s Book Talks
August 24, 2020 – Lucy’s Favorites
A Birthday for Frances – When Frances’ sister, Gloria, has a birthday, Frances has to cope with all of her feelings. A story about sisterhood, this is one of my daughter’s favorites.
Pocket Piggies Opposites!: Featuring the Teacup Pigs of Pennywell Farm – Sweet little piggies teaching your sweet little one about opposites. One of Lucy’s all time favorites.
Frederick– Frederick is different than the other mice, but this story shows how his differences help his community. A Lionni classic.
Book Talks by Category
summer books
A First Book of the Sea – So unique and fun, this anthology of poetry celebrates many aspects of the sea. Educational and artistic, this book is a go-to for kids of all ages.
Hello Lighthouse – A gorgeously illustrated book, Hello Lighthouse tells the story of a lighthouse and its keeper. One of my favorite summer-time reads.
I’ll Follow the Moon – How does a baby turtle find his mama after hatching? He follows the moon. This lyrical text will woo both you and your child.
books for babes
Adventures with Barefoot Critters – 2/25/20 – Introduce your child to the alphabet with the adorable barefoot critters! The adventures they have will also inspire you to get out in nature and explore. Along with Counting with Barefoot Critters, this book is one of my favorites for my preschoolers.
Counting with Barefoot Critters – 9/3/19 – Our favorite counting book. This and Tegan White’s Adventures with Barefoot Critters have a special place in our hearts! With whimsical drawings of sweet characters, counting has never been more fun.
Daddy Kisses – 2/11/20 – My kids love to read this book with their Daddy! Each animal Daddy kisses his little one, and at the end, the reader is delighted to be kissed all over by their Daddy.
Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? – 2/11/20 – A lesser known Eric Carle book, this one highlights mothers and children in the animal kingdom.
Eating the Alphabet – 8/20/19 – A beautifully illustrated alphabet book that will teach your children a variety of fruits and vegetables and may just inspire them to try them!
Guess How Much I Love You – 2/4/20 – Our all time favorite bedtime book, and a modern classic that celebrates the love between parent and child.
Haiku Baby – 10/8/19 – A sweet collection of nature-inspired haikus for the littlest poets. We like the Haiku Night one, too!
Haiku Night – A favorite bedtime book at our house, this collection will introduce your child to the form of haiku.
I’ll Never Let You Go – 2/4/20 – A sweet book about unconditional love that will remind your child that you are there for them no matter what they feel or what is happening.
Little Blue Truck – 8/13/19 – One of our most well-loved books. A story of friendship and kindness, this book introduces animal sounds, has a lovely rhythm and rhyme, and will want to be read over and over again.
Little Cub – 9/10/19 – An orphaned cub and a grumpy old bear are both lonely until they find each other. A sweet little story that will warm your heart!
Love (Emma Dodd’s Love You Books) – 2/4/20 – It’s been said that kids spell love T-I-M-E and this book highlights that important point! A delightful little read.
Mama Loves you So – 7/30/19 – A sweet board book to read while snuggling your babe. With pleasing similes and charming illustrations, it will delight both you and your child.
The Mixed-Up Chameleon – 10/15/19 – When a chameleon longs to be like everyone else, he discovers that it’s best to be just who he is. Your child will pick up on the message through this silly story by Eric Carle.
Roadwork (Construction Crew) – This fun board book is full of bright colors and snappy rhyme. My little ones wanted to hear this one again and again!
For more suggestions see: living books for babes
picture books for young ones
B Is for Bear: A Natural Alphabet – A beautifully illustrated picture book with each letter connected to a piece of nature! A is for Acorn, B is for Bear, and you can count on enjoying this book again and again.
Counting with Barefoot Critters – 9/3/19 – Our favorite counting book. This and Tegan White’s Adventures with Barefoot Critters have a special place in our hearts! With whimsical drawings of sweet characters, counting has never been more fun.
Farm Tales – 11/5/19 – My children ask to read this Little Golden Books anthology over and over and over. With nine stories including our favorites: The Jolly Barnyard, The Animals of Farmer Jones, and Mrs. Mooley, this book is a great collection for little farm-lovers.
Frog and Toad Together – 10/22/19 – Both I and my kids love the adventures of Frog and Toad. These two iconic characters encounter and conquer challenges in a way that is amazingly both accessible for children and intriguing for adults. A wonderful read aloud for the whole family!
The Gift of the Tree – 9/24/19 – This little treasure explains the lifecycle of a tree in story form. The illustrations are gorgeous, the language is rigorous, the story engaging.
If You Give a Moose a Muffin – 10/29/19 – One of my kids’ favorites, this cause-and-effect book will charm young readers. Of all the characters in the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series, Moose is the one we love best!
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings – 2/18/20 – Useful for teaching about feelings and being able to identify them! This book is a little treasure and children will enjoy the heart cut-out design.
In Our Backyard Garden – 10/8/19 – A collection of poems inspired by the author’s childhood. A celebration of family, this book will make you want to write poems about your own special family memories!
The Little House – 8/13/19 – This sweet picture book is the story of a house who has watched her homeland change from gorgeous countryside to busy city. This classic is available as a board book or an unabridged hard cover.
Mighty, Mighty Construction Site – If you’re a fan of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, you will love this book. With a rhythmic verse and fun construction vehicles, your child will learn about the power of teamwork.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel – This classic by Virginia Burton touches on the ways technology changes society, and how the “old” way of doing things can still be valuable.
Miss Rumphius – 3/3/20 – One of my all-time favorite picture books! From childhood, Miss Rumphius has desired to travel the world and live by the sea. But her grandfather encourages her to do one more hard, but important thing: do something to make the world more beautiful. This book will lead you to and your children to wonder: how can we make this world a more beautiful place, too?
Miss Suzy – 9/10/19 – Miss Suzy is a squirrel content to live a a simple life. When trouble arises, she must find a way to adapt. This story testifies to the power of kindness.
Mother Goose, ill. Scott Gustafson – 7/30/19 – A beautiful mother goose collection for young readers. It will captivate children with its full-page illustrations and sing-song nursery rhymes.
Nature: Storyworlds – 8/6/19 – A wordless book with large, active pictures of nature, this book means to inspire the reader to tell the story of what is happening.
Ox-Cart Man – 10/29/19 – With lovely illustrations from Barbara Cooney, the story of the ox-cart man and his family takes you back to a different time when people made their own candles, raised their own food, and worked together to provide for the family’s needs.
Pancakes, Pancakes! This book tells the story of pancakes, from beginning to end! Read this book to have a better understanding of the process of making food.
Press Here – 8/20/19 – This interactive book is engaging for young children and will help them develop the skills of listening to and following instructions.
Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever – 8/27/19 – This book is filled with dozens of sweet scenes that keep our kids entertained while driving. When read aloud, this text will greatly broaden your little one’s vocabulary!
Roxaboxen – 2/25/20 – Explore the make-believe world of Roxaboxen! This book will remind you of the way things used to be: when play reigned supreme and children learned through engaging with each other and their surroundings in a meaningful way. And it will make you want to bring that wonder into your own child’s life.
Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter – 11/5/19 – A delightful account of how a farm prepares for winter. Gorgeously illustrated and peaceful in nature, this book that has a place in your Living Books Library.
Waiting for Wings – A gorgeous book about the transformation of caterpillars into butterflies. Educational and a pleasure to read, this book is a sure crowd-pleaser.
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt – 9/17/19 – A sweet, simple book that will inspire you and your little ones to go on a leaf hunt of your own.
Where the Wild Things Are – 10/15/19 – A brilliant classic that subtly addresses children’s big, negative feelings with an assurance that everything will be ok.
For more suggestions see: living books for young ones
chapter books for kids
Ereth’s Birthday – 1/28/20 – This book was our first introduction to the Poppy series by Avi. It centers on Ereth, a grumpy, self-centered porcupine who speaks in alliterations and finds himself caring for three orphaned kits. With some elements of danger and themes including death, this book should be read with discernment of your reader. It is written for a 8-12 year old audience.
Farmer Boy (Little House) – Join Almanzo and learn about what it means to be a farmer! Great for kids of all ages, book, along with all of the Little House books, will welcome you into a simpler time.
The Little Prince – 3/3/20 – This French classic is a parable of sorts, rich with little truths and insight. Children and adults will both learn from the whimsical Little Prince, who travels from planet to planet in search of friendship and love.
books for middle ages
The Chronicles of Narnia – If your children of age, this book series is just filled with amazing stories with amazing characters. They truly are inspired.
The Giver – Proven to be an influential book for many of its readers, this glimpse into a dystopian world will engage readers and then astound them with its resolution. A book my husband and I reference often!
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – 8/6/19 – This Newberry award winner is the story of the Logan family, living in racist Mississippi during the time of Jim Crow. This book is written for middle-aged readers, but it is distressing at times, and may not be best for more sensitive readers until they are older.
Walk Two Moons – Join Sal as she journeys with her grandparents on journey filled with humor, mystery, and the reality of grief. This lesser known gem will engage your middle-age readers (and you, too).
books for adolescents
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – 8/27/19 – A modern classic that addresses friendship, courage, and choosing right over wrong. Also available as a magnificent audiobook; Jim Dale brings even more magic to this modern classic (available as physical CD’s or through Audible).
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – 8/6/19 – This Newberry award winner is the story of the Logan family, living in racist Mississippi during the time of Jim Crow. This book is written for middle-aged readers, but it is distressing at times, and may not be best for more sensitive readers until they are older.
To Kill a Mockingbird – Arguably one of the most beloved and important books of our nation, To Kill a Mockingbird is a masterpiece of storytelling. A must-read.
books for learning
A is for Apple – 1/28/20 – A sweet and simple alphabet book that will help introduce your child to the formation of letters and the associative sounds.
Counting with Barefoot Critters – 9/3/19 – Our favorite counting book. This and Tegan White’s Adventures with Barefoot Critters have a special place in our hearts! With whimsical drawings of sweet characters, counting has never been more fun.
Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life – 11/5/19 – As part of an incredibly beautifully illustrated set by Julia Rothman, Farm Anatomy educates and inspires about farm life. From barn shapes to chicken varieties to soil description, this book is a wonderful resource for farm newbies and aficionados alike!
Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World – 9/3/19 – One of our favorite reference books! With delightful illustrations, this informative text will educate you and your child on everything from birds to trees to the formation of snowflakes to the phases of the moon.
The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups – 9/17/19 – Not only will this book give you and your kids basic information about trees, from how leaves change to why we need trees for our environment, but it includes beautifully illustrated pages on a variety of specific trees.
poetry for kids
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers – With sweet illustrations and those iconic characters, this book of poetry will both entertain your child and also help your child feel understood in the way only Mr. Rodgers can.
Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic– 9/24/19 – This unique alphabet book is a celebration of autumn! Each page offers an acrostic poem about various things including: acorn, barn, corn, dark, earth. A joy to read!
In Our Backyard Garden– 10/8/19 – A collection of poems inspired by the author’s childhood. A celebration of family, this book will make you want to write poems about your own special family memories!
Now We Are Six (Winnie-the-Pooh) – This collection of poems by A.A. Milne is full of rhythm, rhyme, and silliness. It is a fun read for all!
Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year – 11/12/19 – This gorgeous anthology of poetry will, indeed, help you and your family celebrate the seasons (yes, even winter!). My children love these nature poems, and we read from it as part of our morning time all year long. Perfect for hygge or poetry tea time, this book is one that will lift your spirits, even in the darkest season.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening – 1/7/2020 – One of my favorite poems set to interpretive drawings by Susan Jeffers, this book will gently introduce your child to great poetry! With gorgeous illustrations of winter scenes and animals, readers of all ages will appreciate this book.
books for adults
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – Tenth Anniversary Edition: A Year of Food Life – This book has greatly impacted my view of food, both how it raised it and how it is consumed. Written in a memoir-style, Barbara Kingsolver and her family speak on their year of raising almost all of their food at home. Inspiring, convicting, and informative, this book will change the way you view food.
Braided Creek: A Conversation in Poetry – 10/8/19 – A collection of short poems to enjoy in small tastes or all at once, Braided Creek is a conversation between friends. Poets Jim Harrison and Ted Kooser have created a little treasure filled with humor, wisdom, and sentimentalities.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead – Brene Brown has become a respected researcher, speaker, and author. This book will reveal the power of vulnerability and how it can change your life.
Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods – Such an informative reference for edible plants in North America! Enjoy learning about how to make teas from tree bark and jam from wild berries (and which plants are poisonous and to avoid!). Separated by season, this book is easy to navigate and beautiful to peruse.
Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism, Dyspraxia, A.D.D., Dyslexia, A.D.H.D., Depression, Schizophrenia – If you’re willing to look into alternatives to conventional medicine, this book is worth the read. Well-researched and thorough, it will explain how our diet can ultimately help us heal some mental health issues.
My Name Is Asher Lev – 9/10/19 – Author Chaim Potok, best known for his novel The Chosen, tells the weighty story of Asher Lev, a Hasidic Jew with an amazing affinity for art. While it is called “a gift” by some, it is foolishness to his father, and his mother is caught in the middle. Written with passion and vulnerability, this text will move you and make you think.
Mary Oliver: New and Selected Poems, Volume One – 1/14/20 – Filled with mindful reflections on creation and life, Mary Oliver’s work will inspire you to wonder and remind you to rejoice.
Mary Oliver, New and Selected Poems: Volume Two – 8/27/19 – Filled with mindful reflections on creation and life, Mary Oliver’s work will inspire you to wonder and remind you to rejoice.
Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and Diet Dictocrats – 11/12/19 – More than a cookbook, this incredible resource has deeply informed how I feed myself and my family. Written by Sally Fallon (Morell), who is also the president of the Weston A. Price foundation, this book educates the reader on the most nourishing foods, how to prepare food, and what foods to avoid, all with a well-researched why. With ample recipes, including how to make bone-broth and ferment your own food, this cookbook is one to keep going back to.
One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book – 1/14/20 – Cultivate the discipline of reflection in this five-year memory book. Each day there is space to jot down a few thoughts or memories, and each year you can look back and review the previous year’s thoughts.
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living – 3/3/20 – Shauna Niequest has written an honest, vulnerable memoir about her transformation from a people-pleasing, hustling, anxious woman into a woman who found rest in God and in less. Glean insight from her observations and discover that being present is far more life-giving than being perfect.
Simply In Season: Recipes that celebrate fresh, local foods in the spirit of More-with-Less (A World Community Cookbook) – One of the few cookbooks I reference! Broken up by seasons, this cookbook will guide you on how to best utilize the produce that’s available to you throughout the year.
To Kill a Mockingbird – Arguably one of the most beloved and important books of our nation, To Kill a Mockingbird is a masterpiece of storytelling. A must-read.
Wholeheartedness: Busyness, Exhaustion, and Healing the Divided Self – 10/15/19 – Are you feeling weary, overwhelmed, discontent? This book by Christian therapist Chuck DeGroat addresses the problems that stem out of perfectionism, busyness, shame, and insecurity with a solution: wholeheartedness. Faith-based, scientifically backed, and enhanced with poetry and wisdom, this book is a balm for the weary soul.
The Year of Cozy: 125 Recipes, Crafts, and Other Homemade Adventures – 12/31/19 – This compilation of ideas will help you get your hygge on, all year round! I love how accessible and inspiring this book is.
books for parents
Attachments: Why You Love, Feel, and Act the Way You Do – 8/6/19 – In this book, two Christian psychologists introduce attachment theory, the four types of attachments, and go into all the implications of knowing and understanding attachment. We recommend it to everyone all the time.
The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life – 9/3/19 – A wonderful, down-to-earth, advice-filled guide for homeschooling parents. Julie Bogart will encourage, make you laugh, and inspire you to make changes that will, indeed, make learning more magical.
The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids – 10/29/19 – A simple, to the point parenting book chock fill of wonderful parenting from the Happiest People on Earth. This book, particularly its discussion on hygge, has deeply impacted my parenting!
Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds – A picture book to help protect your young children by explaining in age appropriate ways what pornography is and what they should do if they should come across it.
Honey for a Child’s Heart– 7/30/19 – A wonderful resource for parents. Not only will this text inspire you to read regularly with your children, but it provides a series of recommended book lists to get you started.
How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature – 9/17/19 – The title of this book perfectly summarizes what it will teach you. Scott D. Samson gives thorough information both on the whys and hows of caring about nature. With tons of tips on how to be a Nature Mentor, he will equip you, as the parent, to help your child fall in love with nature.
Mere Motherhood: Morning Times, Nursery Rhymes, and My Journey Toward Sanctification – 8/13/19 – This is the memoir of Cindy Rollins, homeschooling mother of nine. It is humble and insightful and a true encouragement to any mom, whether she chooses to home educate or not.
The Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being – 8/20/19 – Inspired by the teaching of Dr. Maria Montessori, this incredibly practical guide will equip you with parenting tips that will raise your child to be, as the title states, a curious and responsible human being. With a beautiful design, insightful information, and a wealth of wisdom, this book is a must have for any parent of toddlers!
Parenting: The 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family 10/1/19 – The only Christian parenting book I recommend. Paul David Tripp has put together a really helpful resource for parents seeking to raise children to love Christ that is rooted in the gospel. It’s all grace, folks.
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting – 9/24/19 – An incredible book that will help you to navigate through common parenting struggles in a peaceful way. The book is divided into three sections: Regulating Yourself, Fostering Connecting, and Coaching, Not Controlling. Each is rich with explanations, examples, and advice. A must-read.
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids – 10/22/19 – With an open and conversational tone, Mackenzie shares both research and her own experience with reading aloud in a way that inspire you to read aloud to your own family as often as you can! At the end is an incredible book list, a resource to treasure and carry with you.
There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (from Friluftsliv to Hygge) – 12/31/19 – If you find diverse cultural perspectives helpful to your parenting, you will appreciate this book by McGurk. It will inspire you to get outdoors more with your children, give them a bit more freedom, and reflect on what practical changes can be made to improve the lives of your children.
Unlatched: The Evolution of Breastfeeding and the Making of a Controversy – 2/11/20 – This book was a God-send. It inspired me to continue breastfeeding my toddler through my second pregnancy and beyond. Vulnerable and authentic, Jennifer Grayson shares her own experience, then adds invaluable research on how breastfeeding became controversial and why breastfeeding matters.
The Vaccine-Friendly Plan: Dr. Paul’s Safe and Effective Approach to Immunity and Health-from Pregnancy Through Your Child’s Teen Years – A really informative book about children’s health.
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind – 2/18/20 – If you want a basic understanding of how your child’s mind works, this book is the book for you! Easy to read and incredibly applicable, this book will help you meet your child where she is at and help her to develop as God designed.
See more suggestions see: books for parents
audiobooks
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – 8/27/19 – Jim Dale brings even more magic to this modern classic. Available as physical CD’s or through Audible, the Harry Potter audiobooks are marvelous.
Little House in the Big Woods – 10/22/19 – This classic, narrated by Cherry Jones, is a delight. It was our first introduction to the Little House books, and we love how the audiobook brings the story to life. Perfect for the car ride or to play at home during chores, this audiobook is one to keep coming back to.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – 8/6/19 – This text is powerful, and the audio book, presented by Lynne Thigpen, will draw you right in. Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry is the story of the Logan family, living in racist Mississippi during the time of Jim Crow.
faith-based books for kids
The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name – 10/1/19 – A beautiful compilation of biblical stories that point the reader to Jesus. Our favorite Bible book for children.
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing – 10/1/19 – From the team that brought the Jesus Storybook Bible, this book is a collection of thoughts and anecdotes that speak on biblical truths, God’s character, and how loved we are by Him.
faith-based books for moms
Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship 1/14/20 – Artist Ruth Chou Simons has taken several themes that speak to a woman’s heart and created thoughtful reflections on how to turn every day life into worship. It is a breathtaking book with sound wisdom and has brought much perspective and peace into my mornings.
ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition – 1/14/20 – This gorgeous illuminated Bible will enrich your Scripture reading experience. With full page illustrations and stylistic script, this Bible highlights motifs and themes of God’s word in a meaningful way.
Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood – 12/31/19 – Revered and respected author and speaker Sally Clarkson has assembled daily thoughts and insight for moms. With honesty and openness, she shares from her own experience and encourages her readers to embrace God’s design for motherhood.
books for homeschoolers
The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life – 9/3/19 – A wonderful, down-to-earth, advice-filled guide for homeschooling parents. Julie Bogart will encourage, make you laugh, and inspire you to make changes that will, indeed, make learning more magical.
For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School – 2/25/20 – This book was the first homeschooling related book I ever read, and it cemented for me why I wanted to homeschool my children. Inspired by the philosophy of Charlotte Mason, this book will give you a foundation for teaching your children at home.
The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education – 1/28/20 – If you have considered homeschooling you really should read this book. Ainsley Arment, founder of the Wild + Free organization, has articulated the whys and hows of homeschooling, addressing everything from different styles of homeschooling to how to combat various myths against homeschooling. It is beautifully designed, easy to read, and inspiring.
seasonal books – autumn
Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic – 9/24/19 – This unique alphabet book is a celebration of autumn! Each page offers an acrostic poem about various things including: acorn, barn, corn, dark, earth. A joy to read!
Bear Says Thanks – 11/19/19 – With catchy rhythm and rhyme, this book celebrates friendship! If your children are a fan of the Bear Books, this is a wonderful one to add to your seasonal collection.
Over the River and Through the Wood – 11/19/19 – Inspired by the classic song, this book is gorgeously illustrates a family’s venturing to a family Thanksgiving feast at grandfather’s house! This is one you will want to look through time and time again.
Ox-Cart Man– 10/29/19 – With lovely illustrations from Barbara Cooney, the story of the ox-cart man and his family takes you back to a different time when people made their own candles, raised their own food, and worked together to provide for the family’s needs.
Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter – 11/5/19 – A delightful account of how a farm prepares for winter. Gorgeously illustrated and peaceful in nature, this book that has a place in your Living Books Library.
This First Thanksgiving Day: A Counting Story – 11/19/19 – A sweet book for littles that introduces the ways that Native Americans and European setters lived. Your kids will love looking for the hidden turkey on each page, and it can inspire good conversation on how diverse people can find common ground.
seasonal books – Christmas
Carl’s Christmas – 12/10/19 – My children absolutely love the story of Carl’s Christmas. This wordless book allows for the readers to add their own flourishes and thoughts to the adventures of Carl and Baby, allowing for each reading to be a new experience.
A Christmas Carol (Illustrated by P.j. Lynch) – 12/3/19 – Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic illustrated beautifully! Wonderful for personal reading or as a read-aloud for older children.
Christmas Farm – 12/17/19 – A fun story about how an older woman teams up with a young boy to grow Christmas trees for their community. A joy to read!
The Friendly Beasts: an old English Christmas Carol – 11/26/19 – A book you can read or sing to your little ones, this text, illustrated by Tomie DePaola, tells the story of how each Nativity animal gave a gift to the Christ child.
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies – 12/17/19 – If your kids like the Give a Mouse a Cookie books, they’ll love this Christmas-themed adventure! Read it, then make a bowl of popcorn and watch your favorite Christmas movie after.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas – 12/17/19 – In the same style that makes Little Blue Truck a treasure, this Christmas book will help your little one work on counting skills as Blue delivers trees to his friends.
My First Little House Collections of Winter Tales – 12/3/19 – A sweet introduction to Little House for little ones. It contains three stories: Winter Days in the Big Woods, Christmas in the Big Woods, and Dance at Grandpa’s. We read this one all winter long!
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale – 11/26/19 – With a “peaceable kingdom” feel, this book is all about how the animals make space for each other, and the best Little One of all.
This Is the Stable – 12/10/19 – A wonderful book about the birth of Jesus with vibrant illustrations and a gentle rhythm. A great read for the preschool and younger audience.
The Twelve Days of Christmas – 12/10/19 – Lauren Long’s interpretation of this classic song is magical. Each illustration is a gorgeous piece of art in itself, and she finds a way to weave in the previous gifts into each new illustration. It’s a delight to read for all ages.
Who is Coming to Our House? – 11/26/19 – One of our favorite Christmas books we read all year round, this board book is a sweet Nativity book about the animals preparing for the arrival of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story – 12/3/19 – This is a story of a young girl and how her family seeks to give to her community at the Christmas season, despite having needs of their own. A story of generosity, this magical book brings tears to my eyes.
seasonal books – winter
The Big Snow – 1/21/20 – A beautifully illustrated text about how animals prepare for winter and how they survive in The Big Snow. It also may inspire your reader to take part in helping animals through the winter as well!
My First Little House Collections of Winter Tales – 12/3/19 – A sweet introduction to Little House for little ones. It contains three stories: Winter Days in the Big Woods, Christmas in the Big Woods, and Dance at Grandpa’s. We read this one all winter long!
No Two Alike – 1/21/20 – A sweet little book about what it means to be unique for your littlest snow-bunny.
Over and Under the Snow – 11/12/19 – Over and Under the Snow is a beautiful book that explores what nature does during the winter. This book celebrates so many wonderful things winter has to offer: the weather, winter recreation, a time of rest, time spent together as family. It is one of my favorite winter reads.
Owl Moon – 1/7/2020 – A lovely story of a young child venturing into the woods at night with her father in search of an owl. With rich language, this book engages the senses and makes you feel as if you are there.
Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter – 11/5/19 – A delightful account of how a farm prepares for winter. Gorgeously illustrated and peaceful in nature, this book that has a place in your Living Books Library.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening – 1/7/2020 – One of my favorite poems set to interpretive drawings by Susan Jeffers, this book will gently introduce your child to great poetry! With gorgeous illustrations of winter scenes and animals, readers of all ages will appreciate this book.
The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder 1/21/20 – This picture book will teach readers of all ages about the formation and qualities of snow. The photographs of snowflakes are breath-taking, and the information is accessible and interesting.
Winter Dance – 1/7/2020 – Fine Red Fox isn’t sure what to do in winter. Your children will enjoy learning about how a host of animals prepare for winter and cheer when the fox discovers what he was meant to do.
Be sure to check out more of our recommended books on our book lists page!
See, too, my post: 7 Tips for Building a Living Books Library