Favorite Books for Small Children

I was just searching my children's book collection for a few favorites to take to church tomorrow. 

Nola and I volunteer in the twos and threes nursery room once a month, and I like to bring something from home that I think the kids might like. Usually it's books. I love reading to babies and toddlers.

As I scanned through the books, and put my selection for tomorrow in a stack, I began to feel what I usually feel when I look through our bookshelves... a twinge of grief and regret.

Even though I stayed home with all my children and read to them each and every day, I still wish I had done more! I know it was not possible for me to have done more, since as moms we all do our best every day. So maybe what I feel is just a longing for those years. I miss Corduroy, Curious George, and Nurse Nancy!

That's probably why I enjoy serving in the nursery at church once in a while. It takes me back to those years. I remember when my kids were at that stage and it was all about finger paints, play doh, and silly games and songs. 

Well, peeking through our books today made me realize my kids have outgrown some of them, which makes me sad. But looking at their covers brings to mind many warm memories of reading them and absorbing their lesson with my children.

Most children can sense if we're trying too hard to pound in a moral or lesson, so they zone out. 

As Charlotte Mason wrote, "Many a revolt has been brought about by the undo rubbing-in of the Bible, in season and out of season, even in nursery days." She advises to, "Let the teaching, moral or spiritual, reach them naturally."

That's probably why Aesop was careful to only use animals, not people, when teaching character. It's far less abrasive that way.

Here are a few of my favorite books for small children that impart a valuable lesson, as books can sometimes influence far beyond our own words...

I think everyone should read Scuffy the Tugboat!

In this book children see the danger and uncertainty Scuffy endures all because he thought he deserved better. He had a family who loved him but he became "too big for his britches" and ran away. In the end, of course, he realizes he belongs at home where he is safe and loved. I appreciate this book's warning to those who may be tempted to betray their family and think, "I was meant for bigger things," like Scuffy thought.

A Good Life is about an orphan boy who sets out on a quest to find the meaning of life. Many people along the way offer their advice and opinion, but in the end he discovers that life is a gift, and giving our lives for others is the best way to enjoy that gift.

We all know this one, don't we? Chicken Little and her frantic, "The sky is falling!" uproar. 

This story shows, through how quick Chicken Little's friends believed her story, the foolishness of those who lack good judgement. Proverbs 14:15 says, "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Children should be taught to reject what is false and think for themselves.

Is there a better children's story for discreetly teaching capitalism than The Little Red Hen? Haha

2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." The Little Red Hen was not wrong in refusing her bread to her friends in the end. Children see the consequences of laziness contrasted with the sense of accomplishment and self-esteem after a hard day's work in this classic book.

The Country Mouse and the City Mouse teaches that living a simple, contented life is a richer life than one may imagine. 

Of course we all know there's nothing wrong with living in the city. But Annie was lured away from her "dull country life" by the promise that city life was dazzlingly exciting. Only she spent her time there in constant danger and fear. Upon arriving safely back at home in the country, she tells her friends, "I would rather lead a simple life than dine on riches, and live in fear."

Elsa and I just read The Velveteen Rabbit together quite recently. It is just so touching and beautifully written. 

All small children go through a time when they believe their stuffed animals are real. I remember Nola, when she was around four or five, giving me strict instructions not to hold her animals by the neck or fling them into toy bins when I would tidy up. I am glad now I allowed those imaginations. Some people believe children should not be given fairy tales to read. But my own personal feeling on the matter is children have room in their lives for all sorts of miracles. Deep down they are able to distinguish between reality and make believe. And if they cannot, like in the example of Nola and her "real" stuffed animals, I can attest to the fact that only a little time is needed for a child to mature and sort it out on their own.

I know this was a tiny sampling of just a few favorites I've read to my kids over the years. But if you have babies and toddlers I hope I've given you one or two ideas for books with spiritual substance you can add to your family's library. Books can be a great tool for teaching a child to think, to develop character, to give high ideals, to inspire integrity, and to, "Train up a child in the way he should go." (Proverbs 22:6 ) Because, "Great literature has a way of building people." - Gladys Hunt

~ Courtney