Vibrant Nation

Most of us who are adult book lovers got our start as children. Now that I'm retired and have plenty of reading time, I thought it would be fun to go back and re-visit some of the books I enjoyed as a child. With hundreds of books to choose from, I focused on the books that stood out most in my memory, asking myself as I read: Is this book still as exciting as I remember? Am I still transported to that magical adventure-land? Are the characters still my friends?

Here are ten books I loved as a child, that I later read to my children, and that are still excellent choices for my grandchildren today.

	1. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey This is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard’s search for a new home in time to lay with eggs. Having this book read to me is one of my earliest memories. However, I still see the setting for this story as Lincoln Park in my hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin. It must have been read to me that way. The story is still very simple yet very charming. The sepia-colored drawings may be different for some of today's children who are used to bright, vivid colors. Based on my grandchildren, I see this as a good read-to book for two to four year olds. Read my full review.
	2. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey While Little Sal and Little Bear are picking blueberries to be canned for winter food, they become separated from their mothers. This is another charming story with beautiful, simple black and white drawings. I read this book last Spring to my granddaughter when she was three. We both loved it. We could both understand what it felt like to be separated from our mothers. And, as two blueberry-lovers, we wished we could be on Blueberry Hill and eat all those berries. Read my full review.
	3. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner This is one of the first books I remember reading all by myself. The story is about four recently orphaned children on the run because they don't want to live with their "mean" grandfather. Their ability to perform all sorts of adult tasks is remarkable, and after all these years I still felt the childlike sense of adventure of "playing house." The book is probably suitable for children 8 to 10, although it could be read to younger children. On my second read as an adult I couldn't help but worry about the safety of the four children. But my childhood world of the 1940's as reflected in this book was quite different from today’s world. When I'm with my grandchildren now, I don't take my eyes off of them. But don't let that stop you from sharing this sweet story with children in your life. Our children today are quite savvy and in fact, this book could lead to a calm discussion about the differences between today's play and the Boxcar Children. And, if you don’t have children to read to, read it to yourself. I’m betting it will take you back to the old days of imaginative play. Read my full review.
	4. The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit Three children and their mother find themselves suddenly poor. However, being poor doesn't keep the children from enjoying the exploring their new home in the country. They are especially enamored with the railway that goes by. Although the book was written over a hundred years ago, I believe it is still appealing for children today. It's probably best for readers age 10 to 12. (The children in the story are about 12, 10, 8.) It’s written in the style of a storyteller with occasional asides to the "Gentle Reader." Ideally, it would be best as a read-aloud book - perhaps after dinner, a chapter at a time. Best would be to have it read by someone with a beautiful English accent.Read my full review.
	5. Homer Price by Robert McCloskey Homer Price was one of my childhood heroes. I was quite the tomboy and I imagined myself as Homer. We had a lot of things in common. We both lived in the Midwest, although his town is smaller than mine. We both have some rather quirky relatives and neighbors. We also shared some traditions that are gone now. Does anyone burn leaves in the Fall anymore? Homer has lots of adventures that are told in six chapters. The first is the story of Uncle Ulysses’ Donut Machine. Another story features Homer's Uncle Telly and the Sheriff who are competing for the hand of Miss Terwilliger, who is a very clever lady. I'm so glad this book is still in print and still popular with children. I'd recommend this book to both boys and girls in the seven to ten-year-old range. And then I'd also recommend it to adults like me who still have a big child inside of them. You can always say you're getting this for the kids or grandkids! Read my full review.
	6. On the Banks of Plum Creek (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Little House books have been around since the 1930s. They portray a life that only a few people now remember. But, thanks to the popular TV series and re-runs, the books are still popular. Recently while visiting with my mother (88 years young) we discovered an old complete set of the books and started in reading them. Out of all of the books this one, On The Banks of Plum Creek, stands out as a favorite from childhood. I found that it was still a fun read as an adult. The author tells of everyday experiences as if they were adventures and doesn't talk down to the reader. I recommend it for children eight-years or older. It would make for a great read-aloud book for the whole family. Read my full review.
	7. Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski What a pleasure to go back in time and remember sitting/lying on our front porch one summer with this book. Lois Lenski has an uncanny way with dialogue. She writes in such a way that I swear I can hear exactly how the people are talking. The author wrote seventeen books in this series of regional stories, all very popular, and I like knowing that she did extensive research for each one. This one, however, won the Newbarry Medal in 1945. I don't remember how old I was when I first read this book but I would think a good reader of nine or ten could handle it. I'd also recommend it for those of us who are a little bit older. Read my full review.
	8. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White Thanks to the movie, the plot of this book is well known to most children: Wilbur the pig, lives on the Zuckerman Farm and is horrified to learn he will be killed and made into bacon and ham. His best friend, Charlotte the Spider, vows to save him. Published in 1952, this book has served several generations. I remember first reading it when I was a young teenager to the children I was hired to babysit. Each week they were anxious for me to come and read more chapters to them. My children loved the story too and now the granddaughters. One of the things I like best about this book is that it does not talk down to children. Charlotte has an excellent vocabulary and uses words like versatile and languishing. Wilbur always asks Charlotte what the word means and Charlotte gives an easy-to-understand definition. This is a good book for my four-year-old granddaughter Lou as she loves big words and already has a huge vocabulary. I recommend it for children three and up as a read-to book and as read-aloud book for big sisters of ten and up. Read my full review.
	9. Heidi by Johanna Spyri This is the story of a little orphaned girl, Heidi, who has been raised by her Aunt Detie. As the story opens Heidi and Aunt Detie are on their way up to the top of a Swiss mountain. Aunt Detie has a new job in Frankfurt, so Heidi must now live with her grandfather. Five-year-old Heidi is bubbly and kind, and overcomes numerous problems that arise during her year-long stay in the Alps. This book is probably where I first started my love for the happily-ever-after stories. Read my full review.
	10. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Little Women is at the top of my list of childhood favorites. I'm not alone, as almost every female friend and acquaintance I know says the same thing. Louisa May Alcott wrote this book in 1868. It was an instant hit and,140 years since the book first came out, it's still relevant for today’s girls/young women. I was thinking about this book for my ten-year-old granddaughter but I've decided to wait a year or two. I'd recommend this for 12 and up. Read my full review.

Which favorite books from your childhood stand the test of time? Share your own recommendations below!