Five Children's Books that Every Child Should Own

As we've been gearing up for Baby Jones, one of our main concerns is how to best educate our child. So as family and friends have been asking what we want for our little, we knew right away that we needed to build a children's library. We searched high and low through several book lists and here's our top five classics. I'm sure so many of you have read them to your children or had them read to you when you were growing up. 

1. The Giving Tree | 2. Green Eggs and Ham | 3. The Snowy Day

4. Good Night Moon | 5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

My favorite memory as a child was having special reading time with my dad every night before going to sleep. We read books together until I was a teenager and we now give each other book recommendations all time. I find that education begins in the home and it starts with something as simple as reading a book. 

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." -Emilie Buchwald

xoxo

P.S. Ten steps to teaching your child how to read.

Four Books

1. Time Keeper

This is the book I'm currently reading and as always, it's very good. I'm definitely a Mitch Albom fan. I was over the moon when he came to speak my college graduation.

2. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

On my list. I have yet to find a Barnes and Noble here, but it won't be long before I know I'm looking a new book to read.

3. A Walk to Remember

My favorite book, a timeless story and very different from the movie. It was the first book that I ever read and cried.

4. Anne of Green Gables

Story from my childhood. My dad read to me the whole series as a bedtime story. Together we loved Anne and her funny wit.

What are your favorite books? I'm always adding to my list, so I'd love to hear!

linking up with:

Three Books That Could Change Your Life

I was a little disappointed one evening while watching "World News" as Diane Sawyer said that Fifty Shades of Grey was the book of the summer. Not wanting to completely bash the book, I decided that I would at least read the back cover and then decide. I did just that while the person sitting next to me on my flight from Phoenix to Baltimore actually read the book.

I had to keep from laughing and couldn't think of a worse entertainment book even if it was just to let time pass by. I looked around the plane and was not surprised to find that several more women were reading that book.

I thought to myself, "Isn't there any new books out there that are better than this? Something that's actual literature, that could make us better people?"

And so here I list my three books for [now late] summer which have helped made me a better person because they are filled with wonderful things on how to be a better person. To give more, to love more and to reach a little higher.

Kisses from Katie

Katie Davis' story amazes me. A 19-year-old girl who gives up everything to live in Uganda to care for children and ends up adopting 13 little girls. Her journey is incredible. I have loved every moment of Katie's insight on life and what it means to truly be a Christian.

Heaven is Here

Nothing could have prepared me to read the story of one of my heroes. I'd heard bits and pieces about Stephanie Nielson's tragedy, even went to hear her speak about her experience twice. This in-depth complete account is spiritual and there is nothing greater than a good soul in the sight of God. Stephanie is real and you feel as if you're sitting down in her living room while she tells you everything she has been through. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone. You'll immediately feel the need to stand a little taller.

Two Kisses for Maddy

While this book has lots suggestive language, it is a story of true heartfelt love. I have never experienced that kind of love in my life and it was wonderful to read that it exists. You'll need lots of kleenex and this book will help you hold on to the moments that take your breath away. Be grateful for today. 

Remember, that life is wonderful and making a difference doesn't have to be big; it only has to come from the heart. These are people who have written their life story so far. . . how are you writing yours?

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Ghandi