Chapter Books/Read-Alouds We've Read This Spring

I got a little bit behind sharing our monthly reading recs here on the blog, so I'm going to share all we've done from the past few months.

A lot of people ask about book recommendations for specific ages, and I have to say it is SO HARD to assign ages to books because children understand at different levels, besides the fact that THE BEST books are enjoyed by all ages (aside from babies and toddlers of course). Taking this into consideration, I'm just putting the earliest age children might be able to understand the story. You may find that certain children will not be able to quite grasp it yet, and if that's the case, just wait until they are a little older and then try again.

My point is that people of all ages would enjoy these books. Even if you don't have children, you would find them enjoyable too. I personally listen to and read all of these with E and enjoy every one of them.

Word of warning though: don't get caught up in ONLY chapter books, so that your younger children miss out on good picture books. There are some really fantastic picture books out there that children will love even up to the age of 8!

NEW ADDITION: Hoopla links!!! Woohoo!

Bridge Books (Short Chapter Books For Just Starting Out Your Read Alouds)

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Catling

This is an excellent lesson of "you reap what you sow" in a crafty twist on the legendary story of King Midas and the Golden Touch. The main character (a boy) learns an invaluable lesson after becoming completely infatuated with candy.

Ages 4+ / Genre: Children's Fiction (This book is included in the buy 2 get one free deal on Amazon!)

Babe the Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith

Babe has a hidden talent, and the whole world is about to find out what it is! This is a classic story and one that is perfect for reading aloud to your kiddos.

The slang word for a female dog is used over and over again, and words such as "stupid & dumb" are used when the collie talks to the sheep.

Ages 5+ / Genre: Children's Classic Literature and Fiction (This book is included in the buy 2 get 1 free deal on Amazon!)

The Light Princess by George MacDonald

Published in 1864, George MacDonald brings us a humorous story in which a young princess is cursed with a lack of gravity. She floats through life literally and figuratively as her parents desperately try to figure out how to break the spell and bring her back down to earth.

This is a classic fairy tale with good and evil. Of course good prevails in the end. This was a fun book for me because I had never heard of it before.

Ages 6+ / Free audiobook and ebook on Hoopla / Genre: Children's Class Literature and Fantasy

Winnie-the Pooh by A. A. Milne

We've read so many of the Disney picture books, but it was so fun to actually read through the chapter book for the first time. (Did you even know it was a chapter book?!) All the same beloved characters take you on many beautiful adventures through the 100 Acre Woods. And if you haven't listened to the audiobook read by Peter Dennis, you MUST. He does an amazing job bringing the characters to life. It was a delight listening to it, even as an adult...probably makes it to the list of my top 5 for voice acting.

Ages 4+ / Free audiobook on Hoopla, Overdrive and Libby / Children's Classic Literature (This book is included in the buy 2 get 1 free deal on Amazon!)

Chapter Books and Read-Alouds

Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John Erickson

From the Inside Flap: Guts, glory, danger, and sacrifice are all in a day's work for Hank the Cowdog, Head of Ranch Security. While investigating the murder of a chicken on his ranch, Hank finds himself the number one suspect. Resigning in a fit of despair, he heads for the hills to become an outlaw, and a band of ruthless coyotes is happy to teach him the trade. Or are they? They seem to be on his side until...

Some Slang words such as "gosh" are used. / Ages 6+ / You can find this as a free audiobook on Youtube / Genre: Children's Mystery and Adventure (This book is included in the buy 2 get 1 free deal on Amazon!)

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney

Originally published in 1880, this is the first book of a classic children's series about a family of five children who lost their father. Their sweet mother (she might be my favorite character) works so hard to pay the rent and keep food in the children's mouths. Times are hard, but this family meets each difficulty with a smile. This is just a good old-fashioned, fun, sometimes difficult, family life story.

Ages 6+ / Free audiobook on Hoopla / Genre: Children's Classic Literature and Fiction

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Another good story of getting through hardships with a smile. Sunshiny Rebecca wins the hearts of almost everyone she meets. The biggest question is will she win the heart of her sinister aunt? I didn't care for the ending...it just leaves you hanging. I want to know the rest of the story.

Ages 6+ / Genre: Children's Classic Literature and Fiction (This book is included in the buy 2 get 1 free deal on Amazon!)

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

We listened to this and then watched the movie! I love this story about two very selfish children who learn how to think outside of themselves. Between mystery and excitement and exploring of the great outdoors, this classic is full of great content to keep even a young reader glued.

Ages 5+ / We listened to this book on storynory.com. This website is a goldmine! / Genre: Children's Classic Literature and Fiction

(This book is included in the buy 2 get 1 free deal on Amazon!)

The Green Ember Series by S. D. Smith

The Green Ember: You don't realize what you are about to get into when this book starts! All is peaceful, calm and happy, but the world of our favorite rabbit characters is a about to flip upside down.

Ember Falls: The books just continue to get better and better. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat! There are cliff hangers at the end of almost every chapter!

Ember Rising: And the stories won't just hook the kiddos. They'll draw you in too! I think this one might just be my favorite! So many twists and turns!

Ember's End: I was really impressed by the realness of these fantasy novels, but FYI, this last book throws in some dragons. This book feels like one long battle, but it's written in such a way that you want to get through it to find out what happens next! We were so sad to say goodbye to some of our favorite characters!

If reading this book is just not working for you, try listening to the audiobook. Joel Clarkson does a fantastic job narrating it and gives every single character such personality with his different voices. This is another series that is on my list of top 5 for voice acting.

Ages 6+ (Although these books may be a little thematic for young listeners.) / All four of them are free audiobooks on Hoopla along with a few of S. D. Smith's other titles. / Genre: Children's Fantasy

The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

Mark Twain does it again! I think we like this story better than Huck Finn. This was such an exciting read! The mystery kept us up late more than once to find out what happens next. We love the invaluable lessons the young prince learned as he is out and about among his people seeing the hardships and injustice many of them have to face.

Ages 5+ / Unabridged audio and ebook on Libby and Overdrive / Genre: Children's Classic Literature & Fiction

Gladys Aylward by Janet & Geoff Benge

Even though this series, Christian Heroes Then & Now, is technically written for children, I find them to always be convicting to my own heart. Gladys Aylward's life in particular is such a great inspiration and a good reminder of how strong the human body can actually be—especially with God on their side. I learned so much about her life that I didn't know!

Ages 6+ / Free audiobook on Hoopla (along with many other books in this series) / Genre: Children's Religious Biographies

(This book is included in the buy 2 get 1 free deal on Amazon!)

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Four brave young children, all on their own living in an old abandoned boxcar. Life is just one big mystery and adventure! It will be a long time before you run out of books when reading this series!

Ages 5+ / Free audiobook on Hoopla / Genre: Children's Mystery

Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This classic book is SO GOOD (by the same author as The Secret Garden and The Little Princess). So much "virtue" in this story, I can't recommend it enough. The main character is a seven year old boy, but it is great book for boys and girls and adults. This is one of those you'll be kinda sad to finish.

Ages 6+ / Free audiobook on Hoopla, Libby and Overdrive / Genre: Children's Classic Literature and Fiction

Not Recommended

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl writes weird book...just saying. He wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is not bad, but this book is another story.We had quite a lively discussion about this book awhile back. I started reading it aloud, then stopped as it was just full of junk that was depicted as acceptable and funny. (Kidnapping, Canniblaism, crude behavior to name a few.) It's one of those where you'll have to decide whether or not you'll allow it into your home. We will not be reading or recommending it.

Hopefully this list will keep you busy for awhile as you read with your kids! Create those memories!