Honey for a Child's Heart

Ever since I first saw this book on a homeschooler's "Must Read" List back when I was just contemplating whether or not to keep our children home and take on the responsibility of educating them myself, I have been drooling over it.

I've read the review for it in the Rainbow Resource catalog over and over and over again, but for whatever reason, I've never ordered it.  That's why as soon as I received the opportunity to review it, I JUMPED on that real fast! :P

I'm an avid reader and have loved books since I was a small child.  Literature is such a vital part of me that I can't even imagine what my life would be like without books lying about and bookshelves along the wall.  I think books are wonderful and I have worked very hard to instill a love of reading in my children.

BUT, I didn't want to just read them anything.  I want good, quality classic books that will enrich their lives.  Sure, we have a small amount of  just-because-they-look-fun or look-it's-my-favorite-superhero books, but for the most part I choose books that will last beyond the current fad.

If you are like me, then you NEED this book.  Gladys Hunt first delves into just why it is so important to be mindful of what your children read and then broadens the horizons to explain how to implement your new knowledge.

Using quotes and illustrations from long loved classics, she places in your mind the vision of family reading times, family Bible devotions, and just plain old family togetherness.  She strongly encourages families to ditch the dependence on the electronic vices that infiltrate modern homes and turn to each other.

From censorship and using books as communication aids to realizing why the classics are still relevant to your children now, this book from cover to cover is filled with snippets of wisdom.

The best part of the entire book is the annotated book lists in the back!  Make sure to grab a pencil and be ready to make notations because the lists are fabulous and you WILL want to mark titles that you don't already own or have never read so that you can reference this list when you are preparing to add to your home library!

The lists are separated into age groups(from toddlerhood to age 14) and categories that make it easy for you to find the section that fits your family.  Each category has a generous list of recommendations, many with brief summaries.  

Categories include:

Favorite Picture Books
Picture Book Classics
Stories About Animals
Bedtime Stories
Noticing the World Around Us
Picture Books for Adults Who Haven't Completely Grown Up
Classic Children's Novels
Historical Novels
Poetry
Nourishing Your Children's Spiritual Life
and more.

It's quite a comprehensive list and can be extremely helpful in giving moms and dads some insight when they are searching for ways to touch their children through literature.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any parent.

Note: Because I know that certain books are controversial amongst Christians (i.e. Harry Potter, etc.), I feel like I should pass on the information that this book does recommend books of this nature.  However, Gladys Hunt both acknowledges concerns that some Christians have and firmly emphasizes that each family should use their own discernment and conviction when choosing any reading material for their home. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was not required to give a positive review.*