One of the delights of my life is introducing Caroline to some of my favorite children’s books. For a variety of reasons, we are coming to some of them later than might be expected.

For example, we read through the “Little House” series just recently while she was 13 and 14. Most people read them to their children when they are in elementary school (and I did try earlier on). But I found that this age was a great time to read them. Why? Because a young lady will hear the stories much differently. Caroline is young enough to remember being a child so she relates to the childish parts of the early books. But she’s also growing up and so looks at Laura’s teaching, moving away from home, courting, etc. parts differently than she would have as a ten or eleven year old. It made for some fantastic discussions.

We’re now reading through the All-of-a-Kind Family books (my review here), one of my favorite series from childhood. Again, I tried to read the first one with her earlier, but she wasn’t ready for it. Now? She’s thoroughly enjoying them.

There are other favorites I’m looking forward to introducing her to – Caddie Woodlawn, Understood Betsy (my review here), and others I’ve mentioned in 100 Wholesome Books for Girls and Tweens. It’s such a joy to experience not only my favorite books once again, but experience the delight of someone enjoying stories for the first time. One of my main goals this summer is simply to read fun books with her. I think that’s a great goal, don’t you?

If you’d like more book ideas, see these posts.

• Posts in A Month of Cozy Children’s Books
• Posts in Picture Books For Children
• Posts in Chapter Books For Children
• Posts in Book Lists