My Most Favorite Children's Books {Thoughts from a book snob}

Riddle me this...Is it possible to pick ONE favorite book? 

Isn't that kind of like asking someone to pick their favorite child? Unless you only have ONE child, that's a next-to-impossible request...a catch 22. 

Admittedly, I am a bit of a book snob. I have no time for twaddle. When choosing books for my kids, I'm mindful. I'm purposeful. 

I am training their affections towards books that are well-constructed and that are clothed in literary-rich language. If I can form their pallet with beauty and truth, honor and virtue, they will be repelled by the tawdry, vain, and cheap. 

Over the years, I've come across many books that have added so much loveliness to our family culture. While, I can't bring myself to pick just ONE, I've narrowed the list down to twelve. It's a collection of both fiction and non-fiction, silly and sensical. 

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Books I mentioned in the video...

Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall

Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

Journey to the Cross by Helen Haidle

My Book House Books by Olive Miller

Learning About Sex Series by Concordia Publishers

Things People Do by Anne Civardi

What Do People Do All Day? Richard Scarry

The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas by Fionna Watt

The Way Things Work by David Macaulay

In addition, I'd also add Boyhood and Beyond by Bob Schultz to the list. While it does not address the physical changes that a boy goes through at puberty, it does speak well to the social, emotional, and spiritual changes during the tween and teen years. (My oldest son is ten and says that this is the best book he's ever read! How's that for a glowing endorsement?) The Scripture referenced throughout is from the KJV Bible which can make it quite difficult for some boys to understand. But, you can always encourage your son to look up those verses in your family's preferred Bible version.

Helpful links for choosing children's books

• My List of the Top Book Lists {and other tips for developing a reading culture}
• Building a Children's Home Library {with a video tour}
• Books Every Preschooler Should Enjoy
• Why My Kids DON'T Read Many Award Winners
• 20 MUST READ Chapter Books for Young Boys
• 30 Character Building Books for Young Boys
• 20 MUST READ Chapter Books for Young Girls
• Great Read Alouds for Lower to Mid Elementary
• Books, Books, and More Books Pinterest Board

Now it's your turn. What books would you add to a children's MUST READ list?