THIS week, May 13-19, is Children’s Book Week. It’s the perfect time to revisit old favorites, and perhaps to add a few new titles to your family library. Of course, with new books pouring off the press every year, it can be hard to sort through all the rubbish. How’s a parent to find the rare jewels of children’s literature?
C. S. Lewis, creator of Chronicles of Narnia, left this wise advice:
“I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story. The good ones last…. It certainly is my opinion that a book worth reading only in childhood is not worth reading even then.” (Of Other Worlds)
Let’s Celebrate Children’s Book Week
Young, developing minds and blossoming hearts need nourishment through stories of enduring quality. Reading material should be more than just “age-appropriate.” Are your children’s books filled with noble characters, strong vocabulary, and beautiful artwork? As a homeschool graduate, I’m grateful my parents filled their home with books their children and grandchildren will return to again and again.
If you want to introduce your children to some classic titles, these book lists are an excellent place for inspiration. Happy reading!
Newbery Winners
Since 1922, the annual John Newbery Medal has honored American authors for their distinguished contributions to children’s literature. The winner’s circle includes Lois Lowry (The Giver, Number the Stars), Madeleine L’Engle (A Wrinkle in Time
), Scott O’Dell (Island of the Blue Dolphins
), and Hugh Lofting (The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle).
Take a moment to read the complete list of Newbery Medal winners.
Caldecott Winners
Beginning in 1938, the Randolph Caldecott Medal has been awarded to an illustrator for the preceding year’s “most distinguished American picture book for children.” It’s been said that teachers love the Newbery Medal books, but children love the Caldecott winners! I still remember my childish delight at Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are
. At Christmastime, nothing could parallel the magic of my mother’s voice and Chris Van Allsburg’s paintings as we read aloud from The Polar Express
.
See if you recognize some of your family favorites in this list of Caldecott Medal winners.
Classics for the Christian Homeschool Family
The twenty-five moms who compiled this list are the first to admit some of your favorite books may be missing, and not all of their recommendations will suit your family. This is an extensive list, but don’t be overwhelmed. The books are broken up by grade level and divided into sections such as “Anthologies and Poetry,” “Holiday Books,” “Picture Books,” and “Literature.”
Enjoy making your next library wish list from the 1000 Good Books List and celebrate Children’s Book Week all year long!
Daniella Dautrich is a WriteShop alumna and a graduate of Hillsdale College. She and her husband fill their home with books on writing, literature, and computer science. Daniella blogs at www.waterlilywriter.wordpress.com.
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Photo: John Morgan, courtesy of Creative Commons.
