Ryanne Molinari

Recently, I shared some of my mixed feelings about pregnancy. But I do genuinely love children and you know what I have always looked forward to? Reading with my kids.

My childhood revolved around books. My mom was an English teacher, so I grew up immersed in words, words, words. My dad would frequently take me to Barnes & Noble, where he would let me pick out a book and I would try to talk him into a stuffed animal as well. Then, we would have “reading parties,” which usually resulted in my hard-working dad taking a nap while I sat in my beanbag chair, exploring Narnia or Middle Earth, solving mysteries with Nancy Drew and the Boxcar Children, or frantically scribbling away at my own stories.

I can’t wait to recreate these memories with my own kids. The first thing I added to my baby registry was a book, and I am painting an old bookshelf (which I already fear is too small) for the nursery. So, without further ado, here are some of the books I am most excited to read with my kids. They are listed in a purely random order, so be sure to skim the whole list. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite among them for your family!

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

These are obligatory reading, really. But I read both multiple times as a child and again as an adult. I still have my vintage pocket-sized copies!

Redwall by Brian Jacques

Sword fights, talking animals, delicious recipes—all taking place in a lovely woodland abbey? What’s not to love? Plus, this series goes on and on, providing a bounty of wholesome, courage-instilling stories for young readers. Apparently, there is soon to be a Netflix movie based on Redwall! (Let’s hope it’s more faithful than the upcoming Narnia Netflix series…)

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

I got a copy of this book as a prize from a summer reading program and it was an instant favorite. I’ve reread it several times over the years and always recommend it for elementary through middle grade readers. It’s clever, exciting, and heartwarming. I especially love the first three books in the series, though the prequel is fun too.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This series (which is based on true events) is often relegated to little girls, but I firmly believe that quality literature is not gender-specific. Although written from the perspective of a little girl, these books are packed with adventure, resourcefulness, and family values. Sons or daughters, these will be staples in my children’s library!

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

This book is often considered a “boy” book, but I loved it as a little girl. What kid wouldn’t enjoy the thought of living in a hollow tree trunk and training his or her own pet falcon? A marvelous, classic adventure story all around. Plus, it has a sequel: The Other Side of the Mountain.

Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene

I recall my shelves lined with the cheery yellow spines of the never-ending Nancy Drew series. I devoured the Nancy Drew books and my brother enjoyed The Hardy Boys. These clever mysteries are sure to benefit any little’s library!

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Again, this book tends to be treated strictly as a “girl” book, but I have a theory that boys who read Anne of Green Gables grow up to be courteous, thoughtful young men. Whatever the case, this book is filled with humor and heart, teaching readers to value simple beauty and to sacrifice for others.

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

This book will break your heart. Don’t say you weren’t warned. But it will teach even the littlest readers compassion and friendship. Eleanor Estes also wrote The Moffats and Ginger Pye, which are less serious but delightful reads.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Another Newberry Honor Book, I read this countless times as a kid. I also loved the movie, which (if I remember correctly) stayed fairly true to the book. Honest and heartwarming, this book is sure to inspire fruitful conversations about grief, kindness, and community. DiCamillo’s other books are gold as well.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Be warned: everyone will cry if you read this book. I kid you not, I cried for at least two hours without stopping upon reading it. But it’s worth it—oh, so very worth it. I’m getting a little teary right now, actually.

Conclusion

I am sure I’ve forgotten other books I loved as a kid, so stay tuned for more book recommendation posts—perhaps a nonfiction one! As a reminder, any purchases made using the links in my posts help to cover the cost of maintaining my blog.

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