The Tanglewoods' Secret

The Tanglewoods' Secret by Patricia St. John

This was assigned as a read-aloud for us. It was something I wouldn't have picked off the shelf, but I fell in love with the story. It is written for children, but not in a childish way. It has a beautiful story woven into it of the salvation message.

Here's the description:
Ruth and her beloved brother Philip find solace in the expanse of Tanglewoods'. There they escape into bird watching, climbing, and general misadventures with their friend Terry. But life with their Aunt is harsh and Ruth suffers from an incorrigible temper. Just when she thinks she can't take it anymore, she learns a very special secret about a very special Shepherd. When a dreadful accident hurts one they love, Ruth and Philip learn that the Tanglewoods' Secret isn't meant to be kept a secret.

We also read  Treasures of the Snow

Annette and Lucien are enemies. After Annette gets Lucien into trouble at school, he decides to get back at her by threatening the most precious thing in the world to her: her little brother Dani. But tragedy strikes. Annette is so filled with rage she sets out to alienate and humiliate Lucien at every turn. As Lucien seeks to repent and restore, light floods both of their dark hearts and Christ proves that He makes all things new.

AND

Star of Light by the same author and loved them just as much.

Hamid rubbed the light from his eyes and looked again. He was not dreaming. It was his stepfather! The man watched Kinza as a snake might watch a baby rabbit at play, waiting for the moment to strike. And for one breathless moment Hamid was sure that he would reach out and snatch her away.Hamid does not want his little blind sister, Kinza, to be sold to a beggar, by their stepfather, so he decides to rescue her. Together they escape from their mountain village to a town where there may be a new home for Kinza. But this is only the start of their adventures. Will Kinza be safe? What will happen to Hamid who dares not go back home?Set in North Africa, readers will be delighted by yet another of Patricia St. John's exciting, freshly edited, novels.

Each of these books has a beautiful salvation message woven into great moral fiber.

~Jessi H.

Racketty-Packetty House

Racketty-Packetty House by Francis Hodgson Burnett is a gem that I stumbled upon at the Library one day. It's about a dollhouse with a doll family who were once much loved until the "new neighbors" moved in with their fancy home and fancy clothing.

Their attitudes are positive, always looking for the best. Nothing gets them down and they find a way to make everything in life fun and love each other dearly.

It has beautiful pencil drawings and I love that this edition of the book has ragged edges to the pages, it makes it feel like an antique treasure.

Great for all ages.

Here's the official description:

Acclaimed illustrator Wendy Anderson Halperin celebrates Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic, a tale of two dollhouses, just in time for its 100th anniversary. When Tidy Castle arrives, brand-new and grand in every way, the Racketty-Packetty House has never looked shabbier, and it is shoved in the corner of Cynthia's nursery. But the Racketty family still dances, sings, and laughs louder than all the fancy dolls combined. When a real-life princess visits the nursery, the Rackettys learn that the humans are planning to destroy their house. Only a miracle -- or some very unusual magic -- can save them now!

Since its publication in 1906, the story of how Queen Crosspatch and her band of fairies rescued the Racketty-Packetty House has inspired dreamers and readers of all ages in the tradition of The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. Now Wendy Anderson Halperin's illustrations, brimming with whimsy and wonder, unlock the magic of two dollhouses -- one posh and one proud -- to a whole new generation of readers.

~Jessi H.

CHARLIE AND LOLA

My kids love volume 1 and volume 2.  It showcases the relationship between a brother and his younger sister.  They find themselves in amusing situations together, and yet I love that their dialogue together is not only funny, but never demeaning.  We have only watched Volume 1 and 2, but there are more available that we haven't viewed.

Recommended for ages 3-8, boys and girls.

The Door in the Wall

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli is a coming of age tale set in medieval Europe. It is the story of Robin, whose path to knighthood is interrupted by and injury and a war. His education by monks is enhanced by his relationship with a wandering minstrel, and through challenges and triumphs he learns both patience and courage. 

Pros: Uplifting and relatable, despite the cultural differences compared to today's society. Also, the monks are, well, monks, who model Christ-like behavior and quote the Bible without being 'preachy'. 

Cons: The primary monk speaks in a 'King James' style, which may be confusing for younger readers. 

Read Alone Recommendation: 8 to 12

Read Aloud Recommendation: 5 and up

Newbery Award Winner