As a kid, summer was my favourite time of the year. I loved exploring my neighbourhood and soaking up the sun. One of my favourite summer traditions was being a part of the library book club! At the end of the summer, you got stickers and a certificate when you showed how many books you read! The thing I loved most about the book club was not the prizes at the end but, the adventures I went on with characters that I grew to love.
Now that I have my own kids, I'm excited to share with them stories that stayed in my heart all these years. From toddler to young adult series, I have lined up some of my favourites to share with you! I hope that these stories spark your child's imagination as they did for me! Happy Reading!
1) Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
This classic tale about a pig who forms a friendship with an unlikely creature, finds his future to be unfavourable. With the talents of his new friend, a plan is formed to change his fate. A story about friendship and love, you will discover why Charlotte's Web has continued to be a much loved book for over 60 years within every page.
2) The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Presented with stunning illustrations by William Nicholson, The Velveteen Rabbit captured my heart as a child. An old stuffed toy rabbit finds himself in a different environment and while there, discovers what true endless love means.
3) Lit For Little Hands: Pride and Prejudice Board Book By Jane Austen, Adapted by Brooke Jorden
A must for true Jane Austen fans, this sweet board book is a perfect simplified version of the classic, Pride and Prejudice. Full of interactive fun and lovely illustrations, this book will surely be a hit with your little ones!
4) Unicorns In Uniforms and Other Tales (CD included) by Russell Punter and Lesley Sims
This Usborne Phonics Series book is full of great stories to that will encourage your early readers through the summer! With audio CD included, it's great for popping in on during a road trip or playing along while your child reads. A great addition to your child's libarary!
4) Fairy Ponies/Fairy Unicorn Series by Zanna Davidson
This series is much loved by my 8 year old daughter. Going through the pages, takes me back to my own childhood. The stories are captivating and the pictures are stunning. These series are in high demand and some titles can be hard to find. The great thing about these books is you do not need to read them in order, so you can start with one and go through the rest as you get your hands on the others in the set. Great for kids ages 7 and up.
5) The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
This set was one that I loved most when I was a kid. After reading the first book, "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" My sister and I ran to our Mom's antique wardrobe to see if we could enter the world of Narnia through it.
C.S. Lewis transports you to the far off land of Narnia with such brilliance in each book of the series. The characters become friends in this beautifully written stories that are bound to capture your child's heart as well.
6) Stuart Little by E.B. White
Another favourite by author, E.B. White, this amazing story of a little mouse adopted by a human family, who has a sense of adventure. Much loved all over the world, Stuart Little continues to be adored by children and adults for over 75 years.
7) The Mouse and The Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
As a little girl, I struggled with reading. I had a love of animals that my Mom found this book with the intent to drive me to read it. I'm so glad she did! I have vivid memories curling up with her and sounding out words, wanting to know what happened next. The main characters were engaging and as a small child, they were a comfort through my reading anxiety,
Ralph is a mouse who lives in a motel and spots the most exciting toy motorcycle brought by one of the young guests. Your kids will love the "mouse eye view" that Beverly Cleary presents in this timeless book.
8) Warrior Cats Series by Erin Hunter
After finding this 3 book set at Costco last year, my daughter could not put these books down. After reading some of them myself, I can see why she loves this adventure series by this #1 bestselling author.
Warrior Cats starts off following along a rusty red cat who discovers a world of stray cats that live in four separate clans in the wilderness. These clans protect their lands, have alliances, and live according to the laws of those before them. In this wonderfully written series, it's hard not to be pulled into the world of the Warrior Cats.
I hope you and your family enjoy opening up a book together this summer!
Happy Reading!
