"It is my opinion that a book worth reading only in childhood is not worth reading even then" (C.S.Lewis) 

I have always been a bookworm, but having children and then deciding to teach them at home led me back into the world of children's literature. I started stocking our home library with books I wanted them to read when they were older - and started reading the books myself. I became reacquainted with old friends, and made new ones. Historian met home educator and I found myself collecting narrative histories written for children in the days when they were thought capable of reading five hundred page history books. I began hunting down children's historical fiction; appalled that so many of the best books of the genre were out of print, I rescued as many as possible, whenever possible. Tevye began to groan when he saw me approaching the door with a bag of books. I discovered Charlotte Mason and started gathering up living books. I wrote booklists, gathering titles from a wide variety of sources. I suspect I have far more children's books than my children will ever read. But hey! I can read them!

The books I recommend on this site are a mixed bag of subjects and styles, and suitable for a range of ages. They are a mix of books I know, books I have seen recommended elsewhere, books by favourite authors, and books I hope to get to know someday. Obviously books are a matter of taste, and what one child loves may leave another cold, but I hope each book here has the potential to give your child (and you, if you share it with them) something to help them learn and grow. I aim to choose books that reflect our own values. I love rediscovering old books, so I make no apology for recommending books some books that are out of print. With the big internet book networks available, finding old books is easier than it has ever been. 

Click on the links below to take you to a selection of book lists and reviews. 

Around the Year - Liturgical Year, Seasons and Other Celebrations

• Saints and Seasons - around the year in picture books.
• NEW! Calendar of Saints - stories from various collections of saints' stories arranged in chronological order of their feast days
  
• Advent and Christmas - some favourite seasonal books

Children's Literature

• Classic Collection - my top ten of classic British children’s books. Ten books all children should read
• Classic America - classics from the other side of the Atlantic
• Myths and Stories - stories from around the world 
• Sugar and Spice - and all things nice. Books for little girls.
• Ballet - books for budding ballerinas