6 "Children's" Books That I Still Adore

         Hello, friends! 
  I don't know about you, but I've been an avid reader pretty much since I first learned how to read.  (I pretended a lot before that.)  I've definitely moved on to some older Young Adult/Adult books within the past four-or-so years, but there are a few books I read when I was younger that I still love and re-read.  That being said, I decided to compile a list to share with you all- it doesn't matter how old you are; you'll probably enjoy at least a few of these. 
(Note: Some of these books are categorized for older elementary or middle school students, but they should all be appropriate for anyone of any age.) 

1. The Penderwicks

The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall currently consists of four books (The Penderwicks, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, and The Penderwicks in Spring).  These are some of the sweetest, purest books you will ever read- I promise.  The characters are unique and relatable and funny and lovable and the books are beautifully written and engaging.   

2. Thimble Summer

I really don't know what to say about Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright, other than the fact that it still puts me in a "summery mood" and that I laugh a lot (in a good way) whenever I pick it up to re-read a chapter. 

3. The Saturdays (The Melendy Quartet) 

Another winner by Elizabeth Enright.  These books (The Saturdays, The Four Story Mistake, Then There Were Five, and A Spiderweb for Two: A Melendy Maze) were always very comedic and relatable to me due to the fact that they're written about a large group of siblings (and I happen to have a large group of siblings...).  This series is similar to "The Penderwicks" (not to say that they are at all the same) in a lot of good ways but definitely sets itself apart with the stories, characters, and themes throughout (not to mention: Elizabeth Enright... 'nuff said.)   

4. Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine... where to start?!  
I'm pretty sure this was one of the books (if not the book) that really got me into the Fantasy genre.  (If you're currently thinking about the movie, stop!  I enjoyed the movie but it wasn't loyal to the book at all.) 
This book has a plot that will keep you reading for hours on end, characters that you'll fall in love with, comedy, tragedy, fantastical creatures, spells, curses... So many wonderful things are involved and again, this is a book that I still read and enjoy on an almost regular basis.

5. Gone-Away Lake 

Gone-Away Lake (again, by Elizabeth Enright...) is filled with mini-adventures, funny characters, a bit of mystery, and life lessons.  You'll want to check out the sequel (Return to Gone-Away) as well.

6. Catwings

CATWINGS OH MY GOODNESS.   I adore this series so much. 
Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin, along with its sequels (Catwings Return, Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, and Jane on Her Own) are (and always will be) some of my favorite books on this entire planet.  I mean... they're freaking cats with wings.  What more do you need out of a book?  (Other than more pages... Each book has about fifty pages and is thinner than a magazine.  Still, it's nice to have a sweet, short read sometimes.)  These are some books that I really look forward to introducing my kids to someday... they're just so. flippin'. amazing.   
Read them, guys.  Do yourself a huge favor. 

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And there you have it... a few of my all-time favorites.
What are some of your favorite books from when you were younger??
Thanks for reading, guys!
xx,
​-Anna