Interesting plots, realistic characters, excellent poems, true biographies, sweet illustrations, wholesome settings, Christian principles—what more could you ask for in a reader? This series of reading books addresses real-life problems that children face and teaches Biblical values through good stories. Produced by a Mennonite company, so you'll see illustrations and ideas reflecting their viewpoint (such as modest dress and implicit faith). You're sure to agree that these books are something special in today's world! We love them and use them as our daily reading books. Hardbound, 220-380 pages each.
These character-building stories provide a refreshing change from most modern readers, offering a realistic view of life, instead of imaginary, magical dribbles. Children are well disciplined, show respect for God and parents, and perform lots of chores. Animals are real farm animals, not animated talking creatures that wear clothes.
Some stories are set in Amish farm life, others take place in the time of Jesus or in other historical settings. In the older grades, the books contain many faith-promoting stories and touching poems. The poetry is wonderful for memorization!
Inexpensive hardbound books are approximately 400 pages (except for thinner beginning readers) with simple black-and-white illustrations that do not depict human beings (an Amish practice). These books are treasures, especially in the older grades.
Teacher's Editions are more expensive, but many of them cover two grades of workbooks. They are truly necessary unless you want to read and figure out every story. Ideas are given in the Teacher's Editions for extra activities to go along with each story too.
Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr Books 10% Off
Do you remember reading these charming old-fashioned stories of three little Swedish triplets and their adventures when you were a child? Originally written in the '40s, these tales reflect a time of innocence. What makes these wholesome books so dear is that the children are especially respectful, kind, independent, resourceful, helpful, eager to work without thought of pay, and have every other virtue that we are trying to instill in our own children. Moreover, our children beg to be read them again and again! Paperback, 32 pages, large print text and a color illustration on every spread. Reading level is for 8-12 years or read-aloud to children 3 years and up.
Uncle Arthur Storytime Books: Teach Character with Bedtime Stories! 44% Off
Everybody loves a story! Evenings at my house are time for read-aloud, and my children's favorite stories have always been Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories. These charming, old-fashioned stories have incredible appeal because they are true! These tales really happened, and they sometimes turn out disastrously! Each story is just a few pages long, so it is easy to sneak one in here and there in a busy schedule.
The five-volume set has a publication date of 1976, and it is actually a collection of the best stories found in the 1964 version, so you know old-fashioned Christian values are alive and well. In addition to the real stories about real children, each book has a story from the Bible. Each book has 192 pages, a glossy picture cover, and wonderful color drawings throughout. The very best thing about these stories is that they speak right to a child's heart! I read my daughter Louisa the story "Two Carolines," a story about a little girl who was very pleasant and lovable when out of the house but not very happy to those at home. A day later, Louisa came to me to confess, "I am like that story, Mom." The best part was that I never said one word! I read the story out loud, then Louisa saw herself in it and strived to correct her own behavior. Ooh, hard to beat that kind of powerful teaching—teaching through parables!
One of the stories my grown children remember best is "The Hollow Pie." Seems a certain young man always grabbed the biggest piece for himself rather than watching out for others and saying, "You go first." After a very disappointing dinner, one very sorry boy learned that maybe the biggest isn't always the best!
If a set will bless the whole family for years to come, this is it! As always, your satisfaction is unconditionally guaranteed.
Note: additional shipping required outside of the 48 states. Does not qualify for "Just One Item" shipping.
Written by the Mennonites, these conservative books are excellent for the Christian home. My children enjoy them immensely and truly remember the lessons taught. Lovely pencil-drawn illustrations, paperback, 159 pages. These refreshing books are founded on old-fashioned values and virtues.
Wisdom and the Millers (ages 6 - 12) contains 25 true and modern stories for children that bring the meaning of Bible verses from the Book of Proverbs to life. Will a father's prayer protect his family from a burglar? See how Grandpa's "soft answer" turned away the wrath of an angry police officer. My favorite story is about a boy who forgets to give water to the family's goats. His father's unique correction makes for a lesson never to be forgotten, even by my children after having just heard the story once! These are wholesome, interesting stories that my children want more and more of. So, here's more:
Storytime with the Millers (ages 4 - 10) contains character-building stories for preschool children that teach respect, responsibility, obedience, kindness, and humility. I was touched by the story of young children returning good for evil in "Three Young Indians." Stories include "Paul in the Manure Pit," "Bossy Betty," and many more.
In Prudence and the Millers (ages 7 - 14), join the Miller children as they learn about health, safety, and courtesy from the Bible. Each true story includes a scripture passage and provides a good example of prudent living. Read about the foolish joke that ended in a tragedy, the embarrassing consequences of not getting enough sleep, the Mother's Day fire, and more.
The Boxcar Children were around when I was a little girl; in fact, these books were published the year I was born, but I really learned to appreciate them when I had my own young children that were just reading yet yearning to read a long book with chapters. Innocent and wholesome, the boxcar children are orphans that set up housekeeping in an old train boxcar, caring for each other with love and kindness. They are good and well-disciplined children but they do get into very interesting adventures. Your young reader will love them! Excellent beginning reading for a child who knows his phonics sounds well, and is eager to move into real books. Contains the original 1953 text with quaint, old fashioned original drawings in black and white, and a modern cover.
Adventure abounds as the Alden children spend a summer living on their grandfather's island. They display a wealth of confidence in their ability to face life's everyday challenges armed only with their clever inventiveness and the support of each other. Few subjects are as sure to capture the imaginations of children as the idea of living on their own. A hint of suspense is woven through the story until the mysterious true identity of Joe the handyman is finally revealed. Paperback, 178 pages. Ages 7 to 11.
With Joe and his new wife, Alice, as guides, the children learn the ways of the wild—cooking on an open fire, catching fish for dinner, and making beds with evergreen boughs and blankets. More than once, the children are reminded of their boxcar days while piecing together the puzzle of the yellow house, until they reach the heartwarming conclusion. Paperback, 191 pages. Ages 7 to 11.
These old-fashioned nature readers are written from a child's view with wonder and delight in nature and the animal kingdom. Scientific observations of nature are brought to life in story form, making them fun to read and learn from. Each chapter ends with questions to help the child explain what he has learned. This classic reader is updated from texts of 19th-century school books and is still fascinating and accurate. It was in these books that we discovered that the dreaded tomato hornworm comes from the eggs of the large and beautiful hummingbird moth that we frequently see at dusk flitting around our flower beds! Grades 1 to 5. Black-and- white drawings, Paperback, 163 pages.
