Hayley’s Favorite Books, Old and New

We are excited to be partnering with Story Glory Kids for our Winter Book Fair this year! In the past, we linked to amazon for all of our Christmas gift suggestions, but this year, whenever possible, we’ll be directing you to Story Glory for your book-related shopping. Like amazon, we get a small commission. Unlike amazon, you will be supporting three small Christian businesses (Story Glory Kids, Redeemed Reader, and Westminster Books—who helps fulfill the actual orders). Bonus: you won’t see any offensive ads, nor will you be bombarded by sponsored products you don’t want. Our readers get an extra discount during the first two weeks of the sale, so don’t wait!

You can find all of our suggested books on the Story Glory website, but we thought it would be fun to take turns and each highlight some of our favorites from this list. (We curated the entire list, but some of the books are extra special favorites for some of us.)

Hayley’s Favorite Books

This year, I find myself in a season of picking out books for teenagers, adults, and some very young nieces and nephews. There are some I’m getting on the strength of a review –Watership Down: The Graphic Novel, anyone? But when it comes to favorites, well, you asked for it! As I put together this list, I think one theme that stands out is that most of the books below have made me laugh out loud, cry, or at least get verklempt. They are just so good. . . .

Favorite Picture Books:

• The Big Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook, by Shirley Hughes -This is one of the earliest books I remember reading aloud to younger siblings. It’s one you can read again, and again. I love Shirley Hughes, and this is a wonderful introduction to her work.
• Saint George and the Dragon, by Margaret Hodges -Another favorite book from my childhood, Trina Schart Hyman’s gorgeous illustrations bring this legend to life.
• Bedtime for Frances, by Russell Hoban -Some books get better with age, and the older I get, the more I love Russell Hoban’s plucky little badger! (Don’t miss Janie’s tribute to Russell Hoban.)
• The Story of Holly and Ivy, by Rumer Godden -A Christmas favorite that we would read and re-read every year growing up. Barbara Cooney’s illustrations bring the story of one little girl and one very special doll to life.

Old Favorites:

• James Herriot’s Treasury for Children, by James Herriot -This was a beloved book in our household of animal lovers, read to the point that it fell apart. Thankfully, my mom had a back-up copy!
• Caddie Woodlawn, by Carol Ryrie Brink -The story of a plucky heroine who lived in our own state of Wisconsin was a childhood favorite. While I always knew the story was based on the author’s grandmother, I loved learning about the reaction of the real Caddie upon reading it, “But . . . you never knew my father and mother. How could you draw them just as they were?” Carol who had grown up on her grandmother’s stories replied, “Why Gram, you told me.” (Our review.)
• The Railway Children by E. Nesbit -While Nesbit wrote mostly fantasy, I’ve always loved this “realistic” story by her the most. It was a beloved read-aloud growing up, and I look forward to introducing future generations to the story of the children who live at Three Chimneys and love their railway.

New Favorites:

• Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins -One of my favorite stories from the past year, and a book I’ve found myself recommending already to any young readers who want a real story that doesn’t contain fantasy! (Our review.)
• The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo -A lovely animal story in the tradition of many of my childhood favorites! (Our review.)
• Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary Schmidt -This stands out as a story that made me alternatively laugh and cry, it’s just good! (Our review.)
• The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson -A wonderful historical fiction with the feel of a classic and a sweet, bookish heroine. (Our review.)

Favorite series:

• A Pocketful of Murder by R. J. Anderson -If a duology counts as a series, then add this to the list! Middle grade fantasy and a mystery inspired by the classic golden age writers. (Our review.)
• Freddy the Pig -From the inaugural start, Freddy Goes to Florida to the many other adventures of Freddy, the Renaissance Pig, this is one of my very favorite series!
• 100 Cupboards, by N. D. Wilson -An engaging fantasy adventure that captures both the middle of America and a very different fantasy world. (Our review.)

Favorite place to read:

Ooh, that’s hard. Honestly, probably in bed! I can curl up on the couch or our recliner, but at the end of the day, curling up in bed with a book is probably my favorite place to read!

Favorite accessories for reading:

Definitely a fluffy blanket! And a warm mug of tea, given the time of year. (Plus some warm slippers or socks … how can one enjoy reading with cold toes?)