1. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Make sure you get the abridged version if you are reading with kids under 10. There is so much to enjoy about Mary’s transformation that is able to be understood by kids.
2. Little House in the Big Woods or Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The first I recommend for girls, the second for boys. Oh the chores they do daily…makes ours seem much easier.
3. The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung
This is brand new and the illustrations are modern and beautiful.
4. Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
Each chapter is creative, magical and silly! This is a whole series.
5. Matilda by Roald Dahl
Like most of Roald Dahl’s books this one is shocking and unusual but a ton of fun to read together.
6. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
Each chapter deals with a child’s struggle in a silly unconventional way. Probably our favorite series ever.
7. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Start here in the series about Narnia!
8. Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
The vocabulary makes you giggle and discuss, and the mystery might keep you up at night.
