Goodnight Manger

Goodnight, Manger, written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Jane Chapman, tells the story of Mary and Joseph as they try to lull Jesus to sleep in the noisy stable after his birth. It's bedtime for Baby Jesus, but who knew a manger could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all of the animals try to lull the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels' joyful hosannas, and three kings bearing noisy gifts, it's just too loud. Until Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Baby into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars. With sweet, rhyming text in the style of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Goodnight, Manger offers a unique twist on the classic manger tale, deftly weaving together the comforting and familiar routines of bedtime with the special magic and wonder of the manger story.

What I Like: A cleverly written rhyming book, Goodnight Manger, by Laura Sassi, is such a cute book. Have you ever wondered what life was really like for Mary and Joseph in the manger with non-stop visitors and animals everywhere? Goodnight Manger paints a wonderful picture that will make you smile. The illustrations by Jane Chapman are adorable and are a nice compliment to the book. This is definitely a new family favorite for my household.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-8 yrs

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 978-0310745563; Hardcover; 32 pgs., $16.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $9.49

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $10.16

Cynthia Gives Thanks for Its Great To Be A Girl

Another Thanksgiving is upon us and I am always in awe of how God blesses my family and I every year. Every year brings new challenges and experiences and God is always right there blessing me with opportunities to live and learn. I am thankful for my position here at CCBR and being a part of a group of women who care about feeding our children's spirits through literature. I am especially grateful for It's Great To Be A Girl by Dannah Gresh. My 11-year-old daughter and I love this book. It's a resource that continues to help my daughter through the challenges of adolescence in a practical and spiritual way. It also encourages her to share her journey with me as an ally.

Everywhere your daughter goes--online or in real life--our culture tells her lies about her body. That's why bestselling author Dannah Gresh, creator of the Secret Keeper Girl events has developed this resource that points tween girls like yours to the truth about God's design.

With stories and examples your daughter can relate to, this Girl's Guide takes her to the Bible as her resource, helping her meditate on its message and have fun while she does it. She'll explore questions such as What if my body is different from everyone else's? What does the Bible mean by "Honor God with your body"? What about makeup--should I wear it? If so, how much? Should I be afraid to grow up? What's the big deal with nutrition and exercise?

Here's solid guidance with biblical grounding that will help your daughter grow spiritually as she's maturing physically.

About this series: The Girl's Guide books in the Secret Keeper Girl Series have been created for tween girls to help them explore topics important to them and give them the opportunity to travel deeper into "God's diary"--the Bible--for truth and instruction. 

What I Like: This in-depth book for young girls about to or who are already experiencing puberty goes into what is happening to their bodies, the importance of the changes and why God is the author of the changes. From the very beginning, authors Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel offer opportunities for the young readers to take this journey with their parents and friends as a bible study and learning experience. They are teaching the readers prayers, the importance of meditating on God's word and confidence that puberty is positive and necessary. I found it refreshing that Dannah & Suzy made puberty a journey of growth to be proud of, not scary or disgusting. I love that they encourage bonding with moms and friends during the journey.

It is an interactive book where girls can do crossword puzzles, fill-in-the-blanks, doodling, prayers, word search and journaling. The book is meant to be a resource, not just a one time read. The book includes sections of bible study.

The book also includes practical information like photos of the female womb and its purpose, menstrual cycle info, along with hair style ideas, hygiene practices, staying active while having fun, the importance of healthy eating and even bra shopping.


What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8-12 Years but I would say 10-14 due to reproduction discussion.

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publisher, 2015; ISBN: 978-0736960076; Paperback, 128 pgs., $11.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $8.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $9.21

Its Great To Be A Girl

Everywhere your daughter goes--online or in real life--our culture tells her lies about her body. That's why bestselling author Dannah Gresh, creator of the Secret Keeper Girl events has developed this resource that points tween girls like yours to the truth about God's design.

With stories and examples your daughter can relate to, this Girl's Guide takes her to the Bible as her resource, helping her meditate on its message and have fun while she does it. She'll explore questions such as What if my body is different from everyone else's? What does the Bible mean by "Honor God with your body"? What about makeup--should I wear it? If so, how much? Should I be afraid to grow up? What's the big deal with nutrition and exercise?

Here's solid guidance with biblical grounding that will help your daughter grow spiritually as she's maturing physically.

About this series: The Girl's Guide books in the Secret Keeper Girl Series have been created for tween girls to help them explore topics important to them and give them the opportunity to travel deeper into "God's diary"--the Bible--for truth and instruction. 

What I Like: This in depth book for young girls about to or who are already experiencing puberty goes into what is happening to their bodies, the importance of the changes and why God is the author of the changes. From the very beginning, authors Dannah Greash and Suzy Weibel offer opportunities for the young readers to take this journey with their parents and friends as a bible study and learning experience. They are teaching the readers prayers, the importance of meditating on God's word and confidence that puberty is positive and necessary. I found it refreshing that Dannah & Suzy made puberty a journey of growth to be proud of, not scary or disgusting. I love that they encourage bonding with moms and friends during the journey.

It is an interactive book where girls can do crossword puzzles, fill-in-the-blanks, doodling, prayers, word searches and journaling. The book is meant to be a resource, not just a one time read. The book includes sections of bible study.

The book also includes practical information like photos of the female womb and its purpose, menstrual cycle info, along with hair style ideas, hygiene practices, staying active while having fun, importance of healthy eating and even bra shopping.


What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8-12 Years but I would say 10-14 due to reproduction discussion.

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publisher, 2015; ISBN: 978-0736960076 ; Paperback, 128 pgs., $11.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $8.99
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $8.93

God Talks With Me About Friendship

Casey’s family relocated and she’s insecure about making new friends. She talks with God about her feelings and he reminds her of Bible verses that trigger ideas on how to gain a new friend.
 
What I Like: The illustrations in, God Talks With Me About Friendship, are fantastic. There is such detail and such scenery that children will be drawn much more into the story. The illustrations help add another layer to help kids understand what the author, Agnes de Bezenac, is truly trying to say.

There are several verses used throughout the story. The verses resonate one with another creating a basis of faith for children to easily grasp and remember. In the story the little girl reads and remembers her scripture.

There are questions at the end of the book to ask young readers to help create conversation regarding God's role in friendships.

What I Dislike: Some of the language used is better suited for older children and not the intended age group of 7 and under.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 7 and under.

Publisher Info: iCHARACTER, 2012; ISBN: 978-1623872083; Paperback, 32 pgs., $8.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $6.86
Be sure to visit the author and illustrator's web page, www.iCharacter.org

Thank You, God!: A Year of Blessings and Prayers For Little Ones

There is something delightful and irresistible about Thank You, God!: A Year of Blessings and Prayers for Little Ones. The book starts with the New Year, then goes on to spring and Easter, summer, fall and Thanksgiving, winter and Christmas.

Each two page spread in the book is done on heavy stock paper, and features a collection of famous quotes (such as Folliot S. Pierpoint’s “For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies…”), lines from favorite hymns (“Joyful, joyful, we adore thee…”), Scripture verses, and poems.

The reader will also discover one or two tiny envelopes on each spread. The envelopes open at the top and hold mini thank you notes written to God in simple and kid-friendly terms. (The first card, for example, says “Thank you, God, for each new year. Thank you for the promise of new beginnings, of new hope, and new life. Amen.”) The very last page of the book holds the biggest envelope… and a surprise. The card is blank! The reader is encouraged to write his own thank you note on it.

The illustrations, done by Sophie Allsopp, are beautiful. The brightly colored scenes are filled with warm tones, friendly animals, and inviting landscapes. Allsopp depicts a variety of ethnic children as they enjoy each season and a few holidays. Each page seems to burst with life. In addition, the book has a padded cover, which gives it a cozy feel.

What I Like: The book is sturdy. And most children will find the envelopes enticing. Although there is no real story, it’s the kind of book that young kids will enjoy for the novelty of it. The concepts in the book are meaty enough that parents could take one two-page spread at a time and use it as a short family devotional centerpiece. Best of all, Amazon has a BARGAIN PRICE on this book. It would make a nice gift book.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: None is given. As a read aloud, younger kids would enjoy it, but it's probably best suited for the grade K-2 crowd.

Publisher Info: Little Simon Inspirations, 2009; ISBN: 141694754X; Hardcover, 16 pgs., $12.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $9.99
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for a BARGAIN PRICE $5.20.

Special Info: Read a CCBR review of another book illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. You can also find a similarly structured book by Allsopp called Dear God: Letters For Little People. This book contains eleven mini envelopes with prayer cards. Another book of prayers by this author is Our Father: And Other Classic Prayers For Children.

Books We Wish Were In Print: Dusty's Beary Tales

Because we're book lovers to the core, we often find out of print books we love. That's what today's special feature "Books We Wish Were In Print" is all about: Books that, if we were publishers, we'd reprint in a heart beat.
Here's my pick.

Dusty's Beary Tales: Building Character with Bible Virtues is a favorite in our household. Ruthann Winana and Linda Lee's stories focus on a young bear named Dusty, his baby brother JJ, his sister Ashley, and his Papa and Mama. They live an old fashioned life in Honey Pine Woods, where God is the focus and kindness is key. We read all about Dusty's grumpy mornings, lost treasure (both real and imagined), and how Dusty learns everything isn't what it seems. We learn about facing fear and finding courage, how to express thankfulness, and much, much more. Here's a little taste:

"[Mama] handed Dusty a scroll. When he unrolled it, he saw 'Dusty's Lost Treasure Map' written in crayon across the top and a drawing of Dusty's attic room. Beside the drawing, was a list of all the items that Dusty had lost lately.

'You are the great Indiana Jones in search of lost treasure. We are your search and rescue team. Together, we are going to find your treasures and restore them to their rightful place in your room.'

'Sounds like cleaning my room, Mama,' said Dusty with one eyebrow raised.

'Nonsense!' Mama declared. 'You'll never have an adventure if you look at things that way. Ordinary bears see chores as just one of the bare necessities of life. But you come a long line of extraordinary bears. We look at all sorts of ordinary things as opportunities for adventure!'

'Even chores?'Dusty questioned.

'Especially chores!' Mama assured. 'Why, if it weren't for your Great Grandpa Griz doing his chores, Honey Pine Woods might never have been discovered!'

'Really?' the cubs marveled.

'Oh, yes!' Then she stood and announced, 'Let the adventure begin!''

The stories are told with such sweetness, and young children get a clear take-away message. Mara Mattia's illustrations are warm and detailed, and each page is scattered with Bible verses, key thoughts, recipes related to the stories, riddles, activities, and questions for parents and children to ponder.

What I Like: This is such a rich book, packed full of information to help kids with everyday problems. We love the recipes linked to the stories (for example, Mama Bear's "secret recipe" for honey cakes) and fun activity ideas. I highly recommend this book, and would put it back in print if I could!

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: I'd say about 3 to 8.

Publishing Info: Harvest House, 1996; ISBN: 978-1565074965; hardback

Buy NOW from Amazon for $14.95 (new) or $1.46 (used)

Special Info: For a peek at the illustrations in this book, see Mara Mattia's website.

Our Favorite Kid's Cookbooks

When we take our kids into the kitchen with us, we are not only helping them learn an important life skill, but we're letting them learn about math and science (in a way far more interesting than any textbook could provide) and how to follow written directions. Kids who cook also recieve a confidence and self esteem boost, and are more likely to eat well. (Children always seem more interested in eating what they've grown or helped cook.) Kitchen time is also great family time - a way to create many happy memories.

So with these things in mind, I thought it would be interesting to learn what children's cookbooks the ladies here at Christian Children's Book Review would hate to be without.

Beverly tells me her favorite kid's cookbook was created by The Hole in the Wall Camp (established by Paul Newman and A.E.Hotchner, for children with cancer and other terminal diseases). The Hole in the Wall Gang Cookbook (Simon & Schuster, 1998; ISBN 0684848430; hardcover, $14.00) contains over seventy recipes for children to cook with their parents. "One of the things I like best about this cookbook is that the recipes are generally nutritious and fun to make as well," Beverly says. "Interspersed with the recipes are pictures and letters from the camp. This cookbook appropriate for school-age children, and the contributors are Paul Newman’s family and friends and winners of his annual recipe contest. The great thing is that all proceeds from this cookbook go to The Hole in the Wall Gang fund. Make sure you try the Lemonade Chicken Wings!"

Erin has wouldn't want to be without Betty Crocker Kids Cook! (Wiley Publishing, 2007, ISBN: 978-0-471-75309-4, spiral bound hardcover, $19.99), filled with, as she says, " yummy, simple recipes you would actually want to serve for dinner and kids would actually eat." She adds, "Children will feel a sense of accomplishment as they read a recipe, follow directions, and put dinner (or at least part of it) on the table. The recipes are easy enough for upper elementary-age children to make with minimal assistance, and they taste delicious." The cookbook begins with Kitchen ABCs (safety rules and measurement tips), a glossary of terms, and a food pyramid. The rest of the cookbook is divided into breakfast, lunch, drinks, sides, dinner and dessert sections. Erin says her family favorites are "Trees with Cheese" (broccoli with cheese sauce), "Fantastic Dip'n Fruit," and the "Chicken Pot Pie." "Also, the 'Chocolate Chip Cookies' always turn out'"

Erin also says, "If you are looking for a fun addition to your social studies curriculum, a way to celebrate missions night at church, or you need something to do on a gloomy Saturday, the Usborne Internet-linked Children's World Cookbook (Usborne Publishing Ltd., 2000; ISBN: 07945-0098-6; paperback, $13.99) is for you! This cookbook includes recipes from around the globe, as well as sections on fruit, vegetables and bread found in various countries. Pages include photographs of the finished food product, as well as a scene from the country represented. The recipes are presented in steps, and each step is illustrated. Background on the food and terminology are given, as well as notes about landscape, customs, or animals common to the country. This cookbook provides a fun introduction to foods around the world, and you may find children more willing to sample items such as hummus, paella and fried rice if they have had a hand in preparing them" She does note, however, that some recipes are complicated and will require adult assistance.

Tanya writes: "C is for Cooking (Wiley, 2009; ISBN: 0470523077; spiral-bound hardback; $17.95), written by dietitian Susan McQuillian, is definitely my kids' favorite cookbook. They love reading it even when we're not cooking! They love all the bright, colorful pictures of their favorite Sesame Street characters. I love the kid-friendly features sprinkled throughout. These include counting activities (special illustrations featuring The Count with ingredients such as eggs or slices of cheese); alphabet and phonic reinforcement (how many words can you find that start with the letter 'B'?); fun food facts (why do bananas turn brown when mashed?); helpful cooking tips and silly jokes. Recipe steps are marked for age-appropriateness (targeting preschoolers). Safety prevails as a high priority. The book offers a wide variety of recipes, all pretty easy to make. The new 40th Anniversary edition also includes recipes from show guests like Rachael Ray."

Tanya also seconds Erin's pick of Betty Crocker: Kids Cook!, saying it has a simple and inviting format and that the recipes are delicious. She notes this cookbook targets a slightly older audience than the Sesame Street cookbook, about ages 6 - 10. "My kids enjoy the illustrations, a combination of hard-lined cartoons with photographs of the featured recipe."

Tanya also recommends Paula Deen's My First Cookbook (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2008; ISBN 1416950338; sprial bound hardback; $21.99) by celebrity chef Paula Deen. This book, Tanya says, "goes beyond just cooking to actual training. In it she teaches about basic cooking terms and techniques, but also about proper place settings, table manners, and kitchen crafts. The recipes also take the extra step. Standards are included, but so are less common recipes for healthy snacks and fun meals like Stone Soup - complete with the story! One chapter focuses on seasonal and holiday recipes. Simple illustrations by Susan Mitchell highlight each ingredient and accent the recipes and stories throughout."

Robin says she and her kids like the Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cook Book (Wiley, 2004, ISBN: 978-0696220005, spiral bound hardback, $16.95) by Jennifer Darling. She writes, "I still have my 1979 version of this book and we love the recipe for Personal Pizzas...The 2004 version contains entertaining illustrations, has a color photograph of each recipe, and it’s spiral-bound so it lies flat on the counter during use. The foods are what kids want to eat and not necessarily healthy. It’s basic fare." The book includes tips on kitchen safety, setting a table, reading food labels, eating healthy, and using basic cooking equipment. Robin says, "The recipes are straight-forward for older children who might want to cook on their own, but they’re simple enough for a Mom and two small children. Just like my adult BHG cookbook is a trusted source, this junior version could be too - the recipes work."

As for me, the only children's cookbook I've tried with my four year old is Simply in Season Children's Cookbook (Herald Press, 2006, ISBN 978-0836193367, spiral bound hardback, $24.99) and both my daughter and I love it. The book is uniquely divided into seasons, starting with spring. With a clean, crisp layout and lots of color photographs, a few pages in each section are devoted to produce that's in season, including information on how it grows, how to select it for eating, and what other foods it goes well with. Super simple, healthy recipes follow (ideal for preschoolers or kids without much experience in the kitchen). Some favorites are "Peas Please" (peas mixed with a little bit of oil, ginger, and o.j.), Strawberry Dream Cream (home made ice cream that doesn't require an ice cream maker), veggie kebobs, and pumpkin muffins.

What children's cookbooks do you and your kids love to use?

Our Favorite Mainstream Holiday Books

Here at Christian Children's Book Review, we've posted about many Christian Thanksgiving and Christmas books for kids, but today we wanted to share a few of our mainstream or secular holiday favorites.

Christine tells me her favorite mainstream Thanksgiving book is The Thanksgiving Bowl, by Virginia Kroll. She describes the book this way:

"Grandma Grace had a Thanksgiving tradition. When you arrived at her house, you used the pad of paper and pencil on the hallway table to write down what you were thankful for and placed your paper in the 'Thanksgiving Bowl.' After all the food had been eaten, while everyone still sat at the table, Grandma read each note in turn and all in attendance at the meal tried to guess who might have written each note."

Sounds like this book could be the start of a new Thanksgiving tradition in your house, too.

Robin says her favorite mainstream Christmas book is out of print, but still available through many online sources. She writes:

"Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Book has something for all ages, and there’s much more than the beautiful, nostalgic paintings. My children love the poetry and traditional hymns. I love the short fiction section and the Bible stories of the first Christmas. There is even a Christmas Dinner menu from Fannie Farmer’s 1896 cookbook, featuring Roast Goose with Potato Stuffing."

Happily, this book will be re-released this year.

Personally, I can't imagine Christmas without reading classics like A Christmas Carol, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Night Before Christmas.

My favorite edition of the latter has illustrations by Mary Engelbreit, whose work is vivid, colorful, detailed, and always lots of fun. Her edition of The Night Before Christmas is outstanding.

My daughter also really loves Engelbreit's Merry Little Christmas, which is an A to Z guide to Christmas through the eyes of a mouse family. Although it mentions Santa and elves, there is one mention of the true meaning of Christmas: "A is for angel/Atop a tall tree/Aglow with the light of/What Christmas should be."

In our families, we keep the focus of Thanksgiving and Christmas on God, but sometimes its fun and useful to delve into classics (or the future's classics) for a glimpse at what we can be thankful for, how Christmas was celebrated in the past, and how we should treat others. Consider adding a few mainstream classics to your family bookshelf this holiday season!

Tanya's Top 10 Kids' Books

10. Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room by Jan and Stan Berenstain. This title teaches the importance of caring properly for your things and your space: how to sort and organize toys and how to know when it's time to get rid of certain things. The result - an orderly, neat room - allows for more fun and shows respect to those around you.

9. The American Girl Collection by various authors. This collection, obviously targeting young girls, provides nonfiction books that cover everything from relationships and personal hygiene to crafts, and fiction titles that teach American history through the lives of peers. The most recent (written by Jacqueline Dembar Greene) takes place in 1914 and centers on Rebecca, a Russian Jewish immigrant who lives in New York City.

8. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Rife with adventure, fantastical creatures, danger and intrigue, this seven-book series offers a beautiful allegory of biblical truth. Readers may enjoy the surface story or dive deeper into its thematic and spiritual relevance.

7. Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery. An orphaned girl with nothing but her spunk and imagination discovers where she belongs in the early 1900s. Anne's fiery personality juxtaposed with her sensitive heart cause readers to fall almost instantly in love with her.

6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. In a world where status, money and gender play all the cards, four girls who grow to become women with the gentle, wise guidance of their mother and a desperate love for literature and the arts.

5. The Remarkable Farkle McBride by John Lithgow. A young prodigy who quickly tires of each instrument he masters, and in the end he decides composing is his favorite gig. This author loves words and plays beautifully with them, creating unique poetic rhythms with an extraordinary vocabulary.

4. Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. The author's watercolor illustrations are timeless, her text whimsical, her characters unforgettable.

3. The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm. This book is not a traditional Bible, but rather looks at Scripture as one big picture. From Genesis to Revelation, what is the central theme and purpose of the Bible? This story book answers those questions with truth and cohesive logic. Click here to learn more in our full review.

2. The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne. I adore the sweet language and meter of the text, the tender illustrations, the innocence and humor. Because they are broken into chapters, the complete collection is a perfect choice for transitional readers.

1. The Writings of Shel Silverstein. This year is the 35th anniversary of Where the Sidewalk Ends. I grew up reading these poems and still treasure them. In The Giving Tree, Falling Up, A Light in the Attic and others readers find writings that are silly, fun, strange and profound.

Robin's Top 10 Kids' Books

I chose to focus on books for an audience of preschool and younger.

10. Just For You by Mercer Meyer. A little one is trying so hard to be a good helper to his mother, but he can't anticipate the problems with mowing the lawn or washing dishes. The end is heartwarming when he does something perfect: expresses his love with a hug.

9. Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do You Hear?

by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. Babies and toddlers will enjoy the visit to the zoo and will learn the names of the animals. Parents will be inspired to make the animal sounds for their giggling child.

8. The Berenstain Bears and the Truth by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Brother and Sister Bear accidentally break Mama's favorite lamp when playing soccer indoors and they place the blame elsewhere. The lie grows and snowballs until Mama and Papa help the cubs see that it's far worse to lie than to do something wrong and be honest about it.

7. Help Me Be Good About Being Greedy
by Joy Berry. One of three friends greedily devours all the chocolate chip cookies and as a result, his friends desert him. (No pun intended!) He learns the definition of a fair share and he learns how to avoid being greedy. Children will like the comic book-like plot on the right-hand pages, and parents will appreciate the simple problem-solving steps on the left-hand pages.

6. Timothy Goes to School by Rosemary Wells. Timothy is excited about his first day of school, but his feelings are crushed by Claude, who teases him about his clothes. By the end of the week, Timothy claims he's not going back to school. Then he meets Violet, who's having a similar problem. They forge a friendship and enjoy school once again.

5. Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You? by Dr. Seuss. Mr. Brown imitates all sorts of silly sounds: a fish kiss, a train whistle, and even thunder and lightening. There will be lots of giggles as young children learn words and sounds.

4. The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson and Jerry Pinkney.

I have always loved this story of an outcast among ducks who patiently suffers only to become a grateful and magnificent swan. The language in this version is descriptive and even if the book is longer than most, my children listen attentively.

3. If You Take A Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff. In this series of books by Laura Numeroff, a simple request sets off a hilarious chain of events. This is our favorite because the tiny mouse amazes a classroom of children when he builds a house of blocks and outfits it with tiny clay furniture.

2. Stone Soup by Marcia Brown. This is an old tale of hungry soldiers who trick greedy villagers into giving them something to eat. It's a real reminder of charity in every day situations.

1.Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. A mother soothes her little bunny to sleep by saying goodnight to all the items in his room. The relaxing flow of the words makes this a bedtime classic in our house.

Erin's Top 10 Kids' Books

10. What Do You Do With a Kangaroo? by Mercer Mayer. I've always loved this silly tale about a spunky girl whose daily routine keeps getting interrupted by obnoxious animals. Mayer's adorable, detailed, 1970s-era illustrations show our heroine standing up for herself, although the animals finally get the best of her and become her friends.

9. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. This is a heartwarming story of a little bunny who thinks of multiple ways to run away from home. No matter what he suggests, his mother is determined to follow him. A reassuring picture of a mother's love, the book could also be used as a parallel for Jesus' love for us.

8. My Good Night Bible: 45 Bedtime Bible Stories for Little Ones by Susan L. Lingo. This is the one devotional my children ask for again and again. Simple enough for toddlers, it still holds plenty of appeal for my daughter, who is 8. Familiar Bible stories are followed by questions, a short prayer and something comforting to think about while falling asleep.

7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The first read-aloud chapter book my son ever sat through, it is a fantastic story of a yummy chocolate world being invaded by naughty kids. The end just goes to show that being nice and well-behaved pays off!

6. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery. When orphaned Anne Shirley surprises her adoptive family by not being a boy, the mischief and confusion have only begun. Anne's propensity for getting into scrapes keeps us laughing, while at the same time we are touched by the life lessons she learns.

5. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. When likeable, wealthy Sara Crewe is suddenly transformed into a penniless orphan, she is sent to the attic of her boarding school and forced to be a servant. Sara is a model of how to be "content in all circumstances" but we still are thrilled as her cold attic is transformed into a warm, cozy retreat by a mysterious benefactor.

4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The engaging adventures of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy as they live through the Civil War without their father are coupled with character lessons including being generous, handling one's temper, the danger of being idle and being honest in matters of the heart. Reading Little Women, I realized for the first time you could love Jesus and still struggle with doing the right thing.

3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. Join awkward Meg, her practical friend Calvin and her precocious little brother Charles Wallace as they try to rescue Meg's father who is missing in space. Down-home country meets science fiction in this otherworldly journey where Meg learns priceless lessons about love and individuality.

2. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. 11-year-old Will Stanton, 7th son of a 7th son, shows us even though the struggle of good against evil extends beyond the borders of space and time, we all have a choice to make. The second in Cooper's five-part series, this is the book I pick up every year around Christmas (the book takes place between Mid-Winter's Eve and New Year's Day) to remind me of how important it is to make choices on the side of good. (The movie The Seeker: The Dark is Rising is absolutely awful and bears little resemblance to the series.)

1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: Definitely my favorite book of all time, I never tire of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy who are helped by talking animals and magical creatures to meet Aslan and fight the evil White Witch. A tale of betrayal and redemption, the novel is also a beautiful allegory for the Gospel accounts of the life of Christ.

Beverly's Top 10 Kids' Books

10. Home For a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. I love this book because it is replete with repetition, soft but engaging illustrations, and fun animal sounds. You'll love reading this book aloud as much as your child will enjoying listening.

9. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is thrilling to the last page, and your child will quickly learn to recite this book with you! My daughter used to hold her breath, eyes wide, listening with suspense to this delightful story.

8. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace. Betsy is five years old and wishes for a best friend. When Tacy moves into her neighborhood, a friendship that will span years begins. These two loveable girls have all types of adventures and go through experiences, happy and sad, that will touch your heart.

7. Homeplace by Anne Shelby. Your child will get to see how one family grew and their house expanded over the course of six generations. The story is told from the perspective of a grandmother to her granddaughter, and will touch your heart!

6. The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney is the first in a series of books that tell of a widowed mother and her five children. The family is desperately poor, and must be very creative just to "get by." This is such an honest story that will really make your children think.

5. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is beautiful not only because of its unique illustrations, but because of the soothing lilt to its rhyme. I love reading it out loud to my children because it is truly calming.

4. Reading the Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder evokes many happy memories for me. My mom read it to me when I was a child, and I cannot wait to do the same with my girls. You will laugh and cry with the Ingalls family as you follow them from the woods of Wisconsin, to Kansas, to Minnesota, and to the Dakota Territory.

3. The Child's Story Bible by Catherine F. Vos is my very favorite children's Bible story book. The gospel is clear, the words are easy for a child to understand, and there are beautiful illustrations to enjoy throughout the book. Read more here, in my review.

2. Leading Little Ones to God by Marian Schooland will teach a child the doctrines of God, and about the Bible in a plain way. This book is so beautifully written that you will be touched as you read it to your child. See my review of this book here.

1. I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss, is absolutely a favorite in our household. The book features children pretending to be their favorite animals in delightful ways. You'll love the sweet illustrations, and the way it inspires children's imaginations. I've also mentioned the book in this review.