Posted in book reviews

Since this blog is called Books and Brownies, I thought it would be fun to share a list of my favorite childhood books.  We lived near the library, and my mom would take me at least once a week.  I would check out a huge stack of books and read until she told me to stop reading and go outside and play!

1. Heidi by Johanna Spyri

This has to be first on the list because it is possibly my all-time favorite.  It has a wonderful message and may be why I love (looking at) mountains.  Grandfather's hut seemed like the nicest place on earth to me, and I still think of Heidi when I eat bread and cheese.

2. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Again, this book has a very positive message: with a good attitude, imagination, and perseverance, you can overcome any hardship.  I like both movie versions as well.

3. Lisa and Lottie by Erich Kaestner

I may have mentioned this book before, because last summer I read the original German version.  This is the book that the movie "The Parent Trap" is based on: two girls meet at summer camp, realize they are identical twins, and switch places so they each can get to know the other parent. Now, is it coincidence that two of my favorite children's books were originally written in German and then I went on to study German? You be the judge!

4. The Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I read these many times as a child, except for The Long Winter.  I read that once and didn't ever want to again!  I enjoyed reading the adventures, but I know that I was never cut out to be a pioneer.

5. The Great Brain Books by John Dennis Fitzgerald

My sister and I especially enjoyed reading all about the exploits of the Great Brain, although we didn't try many of them.  I distinctly remember where these books were in our library (a building that doesn't exist anymore) and me running over to them with her to see which ones were in.

6. Richard Scarry's Busytown books

I loved reading all the little captions on the pages and looking at the amusing pictures.

7. Fairy Tales

The Grimms, Hans Christian Andersen, ethnic fairy tales, it didn't matter. I loved reading them.

8. Dog books

Since I love dogs, I also liked reading about them.  Jean Little had several dog stories I really liked.

9.  Books by Marilyn Sachs

I haven't read any of these in years, so my memory is hazy, but I remember looking on the shelf for her books at the library as well.  Looking at amazon.com, I remember reading The Truth About Mary Rose, the Amy and Laura trilogy, and others.  I may need to search these out as presents for my daughters!

10.  Calico Captive

This dramatic story, based on true events, captured my imagination.  I recently read it to my daughters and they loved it as well!

I hope you find something great to share with your children on my list!