The snow is already falling here, so it does look and feel quite like Christmas despite what the calendar says. This kind of weather makes my kids dash outside to romp in the snow and then dash back inside to warm up with hot cocoa and a captivating book. If they are snuggling under a cozy blanket or sitting near the fireplace while they read, that’s even better! We read countless books around here. And since books make such fantastic gifts, please allow me the joy of sharing some of our family’s favorites book series and individual titles over the next few weeks. Maybe you’ll find a gift idea for a dear little person in your life. Let’s begin with some inspiring and heart-warming fiction for kids.
Adventures in the Kingdom series by Dian Layton
- Seeker’s Great Adventure
- Secret of the Blue Pouch
- Rescued from the Dragon
- Armor of Light
- The Dreamer
- In Search of Wanderer
These books are much loved by my 9-year-old daughter, who keeps re-reading the series. With an invisible kingdom, a king, a castle and such, they are very similar in theme to the classic Pilgrim’s Progress, but these are tailored to a younger audience. The illustrations are cute.
Adventures in Odyssey: Imagination Station series of 16 books by Marianne Hering Similar to the radio theatre productions by the same name, this series is an excellent introduction to many notable people and events in history. My 9-year-old adores them.
The Cul-de-sac Kids series (Volumes 1-24) by Beverly Lewis This is a fun chapter book series for young readers that, as the title suggests, features a group of neighborhood friends and their many adventures.
Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen Taylor This adaptation of John Bunyan’s classic is a great read-aloud for families. The lessons are memorable and life-changing.
The Freedom Seekers series by Lois Walfrid Johnson My 11-year-old inhaled this six-book series set in 1857. It features courageous characters interacting with steamboats, immigrants and the Underground Railroad.
Adventures in the Northwoods 10-book series by Lois Walfrid Johnson My 11-year-old found this series quite compelling and especially enjoyed reading about challenges of daily life in the 1900s in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Elsie Dinsmore series by Martha Finley Often misunderstood, Elsie struggles to live out her faith while living in her grandfather’s home. These books cover much of Elsie’s life. Our family has enjoyed the first three books.
Anne of Green Gables 8-book series by L.M. Montgomery These classic novels follow the lively and lovable redhead Anne Shirley and her many adventures upon coming to Green Gables. I adored these as a high school student, and my 11 year old is already reading them for a second time.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri I love the classic, unabridged edition of this book, especially the version that comes with beautiful illustrations by Jessie Wilcox Smith. Lovable Heidi and her misunderstood grandfather both grow in character and spirit through their relationships with each other and with Peter, Clara, and even the goats. Set in the lovely Swiss Alps, this story is long but timeless and worth reading every page. All three of us cried when we finished because Heidi had become so very dear to our hearts.
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter Oh, how Pollyanna spreads contentment and cheer through her glad game! This book is simply delightful and teaches us about being thankful for God’s goodness and grace.
In Grandma’s Attic series (3 books) by Arleta Richardson My daughters love reading and re-reading these charming tales about a grandmother who was a little girl in another time and place. They include memorable and timeless lessons of life and faith.
Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John
The Tanglewoods’ Secret by Patricia St. John
Rainbow Garden by Patricia St. John
Star of Light by Patricia St. John
These are great stories of faith written by a missionary and nurse. My oldest loves them.
A Life of Faith: Kathleen McKenzie series by Tracy Leininger Craven
Kathleen’s Shaken Dreams
Kathleen’s Unforgettable Winter
Kathleen’s Abiding Hope
Kathleen’s Enduring Faith
This series is about the faith of a young girl growing up during the Great Depression. Both of my daughters have enjoyed them.
That wraps up the list for this week. Up next is a list of great books to use in family devotions. Until then, happy reading!
Starlight Writer 
What a lovely collection of books. In Grandma’s Attic is one of Hannah’s favourites. We haven’t read The Cul-De-Sac Kids or Adventures Of The Northwoods, but they sound perfect for her. I’m going to see if I can find them on Amazon right now.
Adventures of the Northwoods is an excellent choice! You might need to make a field trip to Minnesota/Wisconsin after reading it, though. 😉
Even better, I could do with a change of scenery 🙂