Children’s Book Week

This week, May 4-10, is Children’s Book Week.  In honor of its 96th anniversary, I thought it would be fitting to share this list of some of my favorite children’s books. I posted this list a few years ago, but I think it is worth sharing again. Later this week I will be introducing a children’s book author with you who I think you will really like. I will also be hosting a giveaway of three of her books.

Five Must-Read Children’s Chapter Books

As a child, I was a voracious reader. I read whatever I could get my hands on. I was so excited and delighted when I started reading chapter books to my son because I got to reread my favorites and discover new ones.  There are so many children’s books that I could recommend, but today I will narrow it down to five. Here are just five of many must-read children’s chapter books on my list.

1. Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls.   This is hands-down my favorite children’s book. This book has adventure, family, suspense, faith, and a big dose of comedy. I love this book so much that I will never see the movie adaptation, which I heard terrible things about. The story is about a boy who sets out to make money in a most unusual way and discovers a lot about himself, life and what really matters.
2. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater. This is a very sweet and very funny story that will amuse you and your children.  I was pleasantly surprised by this book which was published in the 1930s. Mr. Popper is a very mellow and laid back family man who has his whole world turned upside down, and possibly saved, by his penguins. I have not seen the movie, but based on the previews, it is quite different from the book.
3. Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe. Bunnicula is the Monroe family’s pet rabbit who is suspected of being a vampire by the family’s pet cat. This story is told from the dog’s perspective and will have you in stitches laughing.
4. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. This book is part of a trilogy of short and easy to read chapter books.  It is an off-the-wall, quirky book full of comedy, adventure, and fantasy. I found myself drawn in and my son was captivated by the story.
5. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I have not read this book to my son yet, but it is coming up on our list. This story is over 100 years old but is still charming readers. This book tells the story of a young orphan girl who finds a home in a most unexpected place. It is emotional, heartwarming, funny, and adventurous.

There are so many other books I could list: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Black Stallion, Island of the Blue Dolphins, or even any of the Harry Potter books. There is no shortage of good children’s chapter books, but this list is great place to start or a good addition to your reading list.