Books for Children
These books are treasures. They are about marriage, family, generosity, prayer, hard work and unselfishness. Perhaps you would enjoy them too. Here are a bunch of my favorites.
The Garden Wall by Jennie Bishop — This sweet story is about two young people who hear the Lord asking them to take on a task. The young girl, Petra, feels called to plant a garden, and the young man, Seth, makes a stone wall to protect it. They grow in important ways as they work to accomplish this and finally realize they have been prepared for marriage.
Starlight Bride by Paul Owen Lewis — This book tells of the power of prayer in finding your partner.
Love Your Forever by Robert Munsch — A light story about the struggles of raising children and commitment to family over many years.
Seven Silly Eaters by Marla Frazee — This family learns to work together and to celebrate family traditions.
I Will Hold You Til You Sleep by Linda Zuckerman — A wonderful book about loving children from infancy to adult life, and the longevity of family ties.
Falling Stars by Brothers Grimm — This fable is about generosity and trusting in God.
Make Way for Ducklings Robert McCloskey — These ducks show wonderful commitment to taking care of their ducklings!
The Little Troll by Thomas Berger — The transition from selfishness to kindness is a wonderful way for this troll to become human, and for becoming a true marriage partner.
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe — This African folk tale tells of the qualities that make a good marriage, and contrasts them with empty externals.
Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M Joosse — A precious story about a mother’s affection when it is hard to love.
Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M Joosse — This lovely African tale tells about a father’s lasting commitment to protecting and loving his children, and passing on family values.
Love of Loves by Jill Rogers — A beautiful book about marriage love.
Tatterhood and the Hobgoblins by Lauren Mills — A wonderful Norwegian folk tale about strength and commitment, and what makes a true marriage partner.
The Prince of the Dolomites by Tomie dePaola — A lovely story about overcoming cross cultural differences and true commitment in marriage.
The Quilt Story by Tomie dePaola — A sweet tale about how a quilt brings security and comfort to a child whose family is experiencing change.
When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hurst — This book describes a slowly maturing love, that grows within the context of hard work, family values and patience.
The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop — This book is written about the precious gift of physical touch and saving it for your marriage partner some day.
The Dove by Shannon Smith — A little book about the dove visiting with a message from heaven.
Queen’s Necklace by Jane Langton — A Swedish story about trusting in God, goodness and sacrifice for others, in the context of marriage love.
The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau- A beautiful story about generosity, trust, and true happiness from giving to others.
Heaven’s Happiness by Emanuel Swedenborg — A wonderful story about Swedenborg’s visit to heaven and true marriage love there.
Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood — A touching story about the relationship between a young boy and his grandfather, and how prayer connects them.
The Clown of God by Tomie dePaola — This story tells about how making others happy is the way to serve God as well.
Emma and Mommy Talk to God by Marianne Williamson — This story tells of how asking for God’s help through prayer can transform difficult relationships.
Many Moons by James Thurber — This fable shows how listening carefully to the person you love helps you to make them happy.
Snipp, Snapp and Snurr and The Gingerbread by Maj Lindman — This series shows simple ways to love family by working hard and being unselfish.
Flicka, Ricka and Dicka and the New Dotted Dresses by Maj Lindman — This series illustrates true family values of sharing, generosity and kindness.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski — This touching story talks about the pain of losing someone you love, and how healing can come in time.
All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan- The beautiful paintings illustrate the growth of family over time and through three generations.
Where is Heaven? by Carol Buss — This little book is about heaven, including marriage there.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig —± A simple story about how family is really the greatest blessing of all.
The Hunchback and the Princess by George Dreissig — This book is about what true marriage love comes from: unselfishness, kindness and trust in God.
Buffalo Woman by Paul Goble — This story talks about the impact of extended family among the people who follow the buffalos and how true love transforms our differences.
Beauty and the Beast by Mercer Meyer — This age old story is about how kindness is far more important than beauty, wealth or prestige.
Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli — This delightful story talks about how love can open a lonely person up, and that serving others brings joy.
The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood — This beautiful book about gratitude is a wonderful aspect of family and relationships.
Fanny’s Dream by Caralyn Buehner — This is a funny story about the shift from an unrealistic picture of what falling in love is like, to what makes a strong marriage.
The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy — A wonderful story about family traditions and taking care of each other through three generations.
The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco- This story tells about the passing of family traditions through marriage and time, and trust in God.
For the Love of Autumn by Patricia Polaccom — This is a darling story about praying to find the right partner.
The Rainbabies by Laura Melmed — An older childless couple care for some tiny rainbabies so tenderly that they are rewarded with a baby daughter.
Bub or the Very Best Thing by Natalie Babbitt — This is about a King and Queen trying to find the best thing for their young prince.
The Man Whose Name Was Not Thomas by M. Jean Craig- A sweet story about choosing a partner for good reasons.
The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac — A touching Cherokee story about the sun helping a married couple who are angry with each other to reconcile.
The Legend of Scarface by Robert San Souci — A Blackfeet Indian tale about a young man’s quest to the land of the Sun to win the maiden that he loves.
The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin — A beautifully illustrated Algonquin Indian Cinderella story.
Least of All by Carol Purdy — The youngest in a large family wants so much to help and finally is given the job of churning butter. While sitting for long hours doing her job she gets the family Bible out and learns to sound out the recitations she has learned in Sunday school.
Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall — A gentle and poetic story about what a family makes together on their farm during the year.
Elizabetti’s Doll by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen — A darling little African girl cares for her baby Eva (a stone!) as carefully and sweetly as her Mama cares for her newborn brother.
Rosebud and Red Flannel by Ethel Pochocki — The tale of how a pair of red longjohns wins the heart of a delicate lace nightie.
The Three Gifts of Chirstmas by Jennie Bishop — A king and queen find a way to teach compassion and gratitude to their slightly spoiled daughter.
The Squire and the Scroll by Jennie Bishop — A young man learns about honor and responsibility.
The Quiltmaker’s Journey by Jeff Brumbeau — This tells about how a girl of privelege learns compassion.
Little House on the Prarie by Laura Ingalls Wilder — These time honored books describe marriage in the context of commitment, hard work, trust and faith in God.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery — This series begins with Anne as a young orphan and grows into a rich marriage with Gilbert.
Redwall Series by Brian Jaques — Woven into a series about heroic creatures there are many dear and commited relationships that offer a wonderful picture of what marriage, albeit with badgers and mice, looks like.