Monday, August 13, 2007

Honey For A Child's Heart

As a lover of books -- especially quality picture books and children's literature -- I'm always seeking out recommended reading lists. So when a friend told me about Gladys Hunt's "Honey For A Child's Heart," I just had to purchase a copy for myself.

I admit that these days it's easy to log on to a computer and to G**ggle search to find a recommended reading list online. But "Honey For A Child's Heart" is more than just a list. The author gives suggestions on how to use books to enrich your family life. And with Proverbs 16:24 as her inspiration -- "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" -- how could I not buy a copy for myself.

Her book is divided in to two parts. The first part,"Using Books to Help Children Grow," covers topics such as what makes a good book, and making decisions about books. In the second part ("Best-Loved Books for Children") Hunt dedicates a chapter each to recommend books for children 0-3, 4-8, 9-12 and 12-14. She also includes sections on books for beginning readers, stories for animal lovers, historical novels, fantasy novels, young adult novels, poetry, nourishing a child's spiritual life and a book list for special occasions.

She encourages parents to go to the original source of current favorite books. For example, says Hunt, read the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories written by A.A. Milne rather than books based on the W*lt D*sney character. Similarly, she urges reading the original Mary Poppins series by P.L. Travers.


The best part about having this book? For me it's the fact that I'm discovering a whole new world of children's literature.

2 comments:

Momma Roar said...

I'm so glad to hear you liked it - its buried on my desk right now :(

Lori said...

Very interesting. I will have to check into this book.