CV NEWS FEED // Throughout June, we’re not just taking the garbage off the children’s shelves in our libraries with “Hide the Pride,” but we’re also replacing it with great literature.
The books we consume as children stay with us our whole lives – the images, characters, heroes, and villains! Here are some great reads to fill your small children’s imaginations with truth, goodness, and beauty.
Look for them at your local library (or parish library, if you’re lucky enough to have one!) or favorite bookseller!
And stay tuned to the LOOP for more great lists!
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
John Steptoe
A story about two sisters, one who is known for her kindness, and the other who is known for her selfish nature. Both sisters are extremely beautiful, and the King is looking for a wife…
The Illustrated Gospel for Children, from Magnificat
Beautiful edition of the Bible, with simple sweet illustrations. Its comic book layout makes the stories easy to follow for children who can’t read, and entertaining and easy for those who can.
Aesop’s Fables (The translation by Robert L’Estrange is the classic)
Aesop
Stories dating back to 600 years before Christ, these simple fables have a resounding message even now.
Mother Goose (Dover facsimiles – illustrated by Rackham; Viking Press)
A collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes which should belong in every child’s memories. The classic whimsical illustrations by Rackham only add to the traditional charm.
Peter Rabbit and 23 little volumes
Beatrix Potter
These pint sized books are about little creatures and made for little hands. Follow the adventures of Peter Rabbit and friends as they adventure through gardens and woods.
(Some available in French, Spanish and Latin. All illustrated by Potter. An important feature of these books is their small size, designed for a young child. Buy the individual books, not all of them collected in one big volume)
A Child’s Garden of Verses (Scribners)
Robert Louis Stevenson
A collection of poems for children, written from a child’s point of view. Includes classics such as “My Shadow,” “The Swing” and so many more!
Cinderella
Ruth Sanderson
A classic tale told to the very littlest of readers. Cinderella goes to the ball, loses her slipper, and finds love accompanied by beautiful illustrations that add to the enchantment.
Clown of God
Tomie de Paola
From the author of the Strega Nona books comes a delightful tale of a juggler who, from his poverty, gives all he has…
The Complete Brambley Hedge
Jill Barklem
A collection of children’s stories about a community of mice in the English countryside. Tales of nature, exploration, and teamwork will delight little readers.
Mossy
Jan Brett
Mossy is a very special turtle, with a whole garden growing on her shell. Dr. Carolina, a biologist, wants to put Mossy in a museum, will Mossy be reunited with her friend Scoot? Or will she live out her life in the company of Dr. Carolina?
Little Red Riding Hood
Trina Schart Hyman
Elisabeth, know as “Little Red” must travel through the woods to bring food to her sick grandmother. Hyman, an award winning illustrator and storyteller, re-tells the classic tale with a new beauty.
The Kitchen Knight
Margaret Hodges
When a stranger arrives at King Aurthur’s castle, he is permitted to work in the Kitchen’s for his daily bread. Who is the stranger and what will become of him?
Heckedy Peg
Audrey Wood
Seven sweet children are transformed into food by an evil witch. Now their mother must find a way to turn them back into children again! The illustrations give this book a timeless quality.
Rechenka’s Eggs
Patricia Polacco
A Reading Rainbow featured title, this story follows a Babushka and an ailing goose named Rechenka. Babushka is preparing eggs for Easter, when something unusual happens…
Orani: My Father’s Village
Claire A Nivola
The author recalls her summer childhood visits to Orani, where life is simpler and richer, lived closer to the earth.
The Runaway Bunny
Margaret Wise Brown
A small bunny wants to run away, and tells his mother so. However, his mother tells him that if he runs, she will run after him.
Days on the Farm
Kim Lewis
Five stories by author and illustrator Kim Lewis depicting various activities and events on an English farm.
Nature Trails in the Woods
Maurice Pledger
A touch-and-feel adventure through the woods where you and your child will meet all sorts of animal friends.
>> Want More? Check out all of our CatholicVote reading lists for kids!
14 Must-Read Books for Families
24 Must-Read Books for Elementary School Children
19 Must-Read Books for Middle School Children
22 Must-Read Books for Teen Girls
22 Must-Read Books for Teen Boys
14 Must-Read Books for Struggling Teens
