12 Books My Kids Have Loved, Learned from, Been Inspired By (And I Didn’t Mind Reading Again & Again!)

We have four small kids, ages four through nine, so if it’s bedtime you can always find us snuggled up on the sofa, books in hand. Of course we’re big fans of Piggie & Elephant, Olivia, Star Wars and all the adorable Kevin Henkes books but sometimes a few new books off the beaten path are just the thing. Here are my favorite books to read to kids, the ones I always have a stash of to send as presents for other kids too. Mossgreen Childrens Books is better guide for know better books for kids.

SWEET STORIES

Just great books you’ll want to read again and again…

If You Want to See a Whale

With whimsical illustrations, you can’t help but be sucked in to the sweet little story as it unfolds. Wait until the very last page to find out if they do indeed find a whale…

 

 

 

 

 

Library Lion

Are your kids sticklers for The Rules? Mine loved this store about what happened when a lion came to the library, got kicked out (for being too lion-y) and ultimately saved the day. 

 

 

 

 

 

Blackberry Mouse

The illustrations in this book are so adorable that you practically want to eat the whole thing. The plot is simple: a greedy little mouse figures out how to share in the end. But more importantly, my kids will refer to blackberries as “Blackberry Mouse” from now until the end of time. And the whole thing is so cute, that’s fine with me.

 

 

 

Waking Up Wendell

Step by step, sound by sound, the whole neighborhood wakes up. Tied together in a charming pattern, you finally get to see how the last resident of the street starts his day.

 

 

 

Extra Yarn

My sister-in-law first sent this book to us and I’ve been giving it as birthday presents ever since. The photos are gorgeous and the message about finding your own special thing is inspiring.

 

 

 

 

TRUE STORIES

Each of these are based on real stories, but modified for small readers. I love them all.

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the Word’s Most Famous Bear

This book is so charming, it’s my go-to present for kids who’ve become big brothers or sisters. Send a plush Pooh for the new baby.

 

 

 

 

Henry & the Cannons

Another true story-turned adorable bedtime book, this one is follows the twists and turns of the Revolutionary War, revealing the smart (and resilient) tactics our forefathers used to win our freedom.

 

 

 

The Giraffe that Walked to Paris

We’re Francophiles in our house. But you don’t have to yearn for things magnifique to thoroughly enjoy this story.  It’s longer than the others so as your readers start to get more independent, a book like this one is the perfect bridge between picture and chapter books. Plus, it’s another true story that couldn’t be more sweet.

 

 

 

Hello Lighthouse

Detail by detail, this lovely story unfolds. With gorgeous illustrations, you learn what it took to run a lighthouse in the olden days…until the job was no longer required.

 

 

 

 

 

The Mermaid Queen: The True Story Of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way To Fame, Fortune & Swimsuit History!

My kids can never BELIEVE that women didn’t used to have the same rights as men. Not even on the beach. I like stories like this one that offer a glimpse into life long ago, with a hero to pave the way.

 

 

 

 

 

NON-FICTION

It can be hard to find good advice, the kind you feel confident about passing on to your kids. All of these are designed to be read WITH kids but I really appreciate the way they set you up for success.

The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls

I LOVE the American Girl books. They’re well written and perfect for little girls from the age of about six and up. I’ve read through this one three times and with information on everything from nutrition to feelings and a hint of body changes to come (there’s a second book for more details), it’s visibly soothing to my girls when we read them together.

 

 

 

 

 Little Kids First Big Book of Why
There is NEVER a time when our kids fail to be amazed at this book.Want to know what makes a car go? Why does popcorn pop?  Flip it open and prepare to be dazzled. A great rainy day book with tons of simple recipes & craft projects too.

 

This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through them, Foodlets receives a very small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!