Honey for a Child's Heart

My husband and I were both raised on the wonderful suggestions of this book. Now our son and daughter get to benefit from it, too. Not just suggestions of good books to read, but fun ideas about how to read with children and how to interact with them about books. I can't wait to see the 4th edition!

This book is fantastic for helping you to select great wholesome books to read to your children! It has two parts. Part 1: Using books to help children grow. Part 2: Best-loved books for Children. Part 2 lists heaps of good children's books. I highly recommend this book to all!

Many years ago when I started homeschooling I had the original edition of this book. It helped me a lot to find good books back when there was no internet or the store to find them on! I gave my book away some years ago and I decided recently to get this latest edition. I am so disappointed. It does not have great authors like Henty, Stafeenback, Mary Ray and other great authors. It does not mention the Landmark or You Were There series or other good series.

I was especially disappointed that she not only recommended the Harry Potter series, but actually spent about 4 pages defending it. I am sorry now that I bought this book as it was not any help to me at all. I am sure there are better book lists out there.

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.

Not like the real McCoy. I was replacing my original edition that I had loaned to a friend. I agree with another reviewer, Harry Potter has no place in this book. I also don't appreciate all the newer books focusing on racial inequality and sensitivities. Children need good, solid, CLASSICAL literature, especially hard to find in the public libraries these days.

As I progressed through elementary school one thing was constant, the presence of Gladys Hunt's "Honey for a Child's Heart" on every teacher's desk. The book was the "gold standard" for selecting classroom read aloud. As a new parent I remember checking out the original 1969 edition from our public library to peruse. After perusing the library copy, I purchased my own, which I am still using 12 years later.
"Honey for a Child's Heart" is a guide book for selecting quality children's literature for children ages, 0-14 years of age. The author guides the parent through a two-step process in helping to select quality children's literature.
The first step is titled "Using Books to Help Children Grow." The author gives a scope and sequence of what good books do, how to choose good books, how to raise a reader, what makes a good book, the benefits of fantasy, realism, and poetry, the importance of family read aloud time, good books as good teachers, building a family library and using the public library.
The second step is titled, "Best-Loved Books for Children." This section of the book is a book list divided into the following topics: How to Use The Book List, A Child's First Books, Picture Book Classics, More Favorite Picture Books, First Books for Beginning Readers, Classic Children's Novels and More Great Books for Intermediate Readers, Stories for Animal Lovers, Historical Novels, Fantasy Novels, Young Adult Novels, Poetry for Pleasure, Nourishing Your Child's Spiritual Life, and A Book List for Special Occasions.
As a parent I have found this book to be an indispensable resource.
I look forward to using the authors other titles, "Honey for a Teen's Heart" and "Honey for a Woman's Heart."

You may have tangible wealth untold,
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold;
Richer than I you can never be
I had parents who read to me.
S. Gilliand

How many parents enter the library or bookstore and stand there overwhelmed, staring helplessly at row upon row of titles unknown? So many books, so little time to choose what's best. Add to that the pressure that advertisers place on families: kids want to read what's new and fun, and prominently displayed in book club catalogues.

The temptation to let your kids choose what they want to read can be irresistible. It's the same with meals: how many kids beg for steamed broccoli over chocolate chip cookies? If we let our kids read only what they choose, they may never discover the wealth of outstanding books that are beyond their present tastes.

That's why Gladys Hunt's book, HONEY FOR A CHILD'S HEART, is a classic that should be underlined and dog-eared on every parent's bookshelf. The present edition has been revised four times since its first printing in 1969. Now the author can boldly say, "The book has been in print long enough to have its influence affect the second generation of children." The feedback she has received from happy readers over the years is proof her ideas and book lists make a difference.

The book is divided into two parts. You'll want to read part one slowly, savoring her ideas on how books influence the hearts of young readers. The author writes, "Children and books go together in a special way. I can't imagine any pleasure greater than bringing to the uncluttered, supple mind of a child the delight of knowing the many rich things God has given us to enjoy. Parents have this wonderful privilege, and books are their keenest tools."

The second section of the book contains Hunt's "Best-Loved Books for Children: Books Your Children Should Have the Opportunity to Enjoy." Here are the meat and potatoes (or should I say fruits and vegetables?) that should be staples of your child's literary diet.

The annotated list is divided up into age groups: first books for ages 0-3, picture book classics for ages 4-8, first books for beginning readers, classic children's novels for ages 9-12, great books for young adult readers, and poetry recommendations. She also includes a list for holidays and other themes.

Although her book can't possibly include every great children's book ever written, it's a start. HONEY FOR A CHILD'S HEART gives parents a checklist, helping to ensure their children get exposed to the great worlds beyond their own through the open window of books.

--Reviewed by Heather Lynn Ivester

"Every parent by words and choices furnishes the heart and mind of a child, for good or for ill," writes Gladys Hunt in Honey For A Child's Heart. Hunt, a mother and grandmother, has compiled a list of books that she believes will give children insight into the world (near and far), of truth and things that are good. She also thinks these books encourage good imaginations in addition to teaching a good use of language. Beyond a simple list of recommended reading, Hunt delves into the philosophy behind her choices. She challenges some of the modern myths regarding children's literature and advocates parent's making the final decision regarding their family's reading.

I have read many positive reviews about this book and was excited to have the chance to review it myself. I was pleased to see it is more than just a list and explores what qualities make a book good as well as fantasy and realism. The lists contain many beloved classics as well as some books that are destined to be classics in the years to come. I like how she broke many of the lists down by genre making it easier to find books that will engross your child's interests. Her "special occasions" list is very useful as well.

There really are many wonderful books out there and I look forward to sharing them with my children. The difficult part will be to not read ahead, but savor the experience with my family. Whether you're a seasoned family reader or just beginning, this book will definitely go a long way in helping you enrich your book choices.

Honey For A Child's Heart is written by Gladys Hunt and published by Zondervan. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I really enjoyed reading both the author's thoughts on books and reading, and the lists of book recommendations. I feel that her ideas of what makes a book wonderful is are similar to my own, and I plan to purchase a copy of this book to keep.

The author is openly a Christian, and there is a separate chapter at the end of the book for titles that have an overt Christian theme. Since we are a non-religious household, I very much appreciate that the religious material is listed in a separate category instead of being mixed into the other chapters.

There is an error that was quite frustrating to me. In chapter 13, the third book recommended is listed as "More Than Anything in the World" by Marie Bradley. Both the title and the author are incorrect, which made it very hard for me to find the book !!! The correct title is "More Than Anything Else" and the author is Marie BRADBY, not Bradley. I finally found the book on another reading list when I did a search for "Booker T. Washington". I have obtained the book and it is wonderful and I'm glad it was recommended; I almost gave up searching for it though, and I hope this error doesn't keep anyone from finding it.

"Oh, the beauty and mystery of words! What richness can be conveyed by those who master them!"

I love this quote from this book. The author of this book is defiantly worthy of quoting and remembering and I highlighted something on almost every page!

This book promotes family reading time and is full of great reading lists. Board books, early childhood books, Special Occasions, Christianity, poetry, and young adult are just a sample of that list. We need to make time for what is most important in our life, and that is our children, and what better way to show them their importance to us than to read to them. Parents are the ones who decide the quality of family life their children will have and they decide how much time to invest into their literary world. There are lots of pressures on parents to be able to provide everything for their children these days and our culture has a lot of influence on the choices we parents make. But all parents must make that choice on how to raise their children and decide what is best.

"Underlying all of this discussion is my thesis that parents who read widely together with their children are going to be those who most influence their children, who have the largest worldview, who have an uncommon delight in what is good and true and beautiful--and an uncommon commitment to it. Sharing and feeling and talking together will come naturally. Books shared with each other provide that kind of climate." Gladys Hunt.

I hope you get a chance to read this book. If you need a good list of literature for your kids it is a good reference to turn to. I also hope this makes you think, like it did for me, about reading widely together with your children.

The subtitle of this book says it all: "The Imaginative Use of Books in Family Life". Gladys Hunt will promote the imaginative use of books in your family in two ways, corresponding to the two halves of this book. In the first half of this book, Hunt shares her insights and ideas about the value of reading, the usefulness of different genres, her notions about what makes a good book, and useful guidelines on how to select good books. Unfortunately, Hunt does not always express her thoughts and ideas in a completely coherent manner, but it would be a serious mistake to avoid this book for that reason. What she does have to say is earnest, sincere, passionate, and incredibly valuable. In the course of her sometimes unstructured ramblings, Hunt passes on many valuable insights about reading, such as the value of fantasy and poetry, and the positive contribution books can make in a child's life in contrast to the negative influence of the media. What I really treasured, however, were the multitude of practical hints about making books come alive in the home. Hunt offers terrific suggestions about reading stories out loud together as a family, and even shares worthwhile ideas to make family Bible reading more profitable. The first half of this book alone makes this book worth purchasing, because if you apply some of these ideas they are sure to make books come alive in your home.
But what really makes this book a treasure is the second half, which is an extensive annotated bibliography of books worth reading, arranged by their suitability for various ages. One might be tempted to quibble about a few favorite titles which have not been included, but you can't overlook the fact that this is a very comprehensive list that includes most children's classics and many more. Parents who truly enjoy literature often are faced with the challenge of finding good literature. Hunt makes this challenge a piece of cake, because here is a ready-to-use list of titles worth reading, an almost never-ending supply of books to keep your family busy nearly life-long. She has done the hard work for us - mined through the endless number of books on library shelves, and passed on to us what is truly the honey that is worth reading. As a Christian, Hunt is also very discerning and has a taste for what is truly good. Yet her Christian filtering is not so narrow minded that it excludes all secular classics or great works of literature. She has an appreciation for all literature that is quality literature, and so anyone who enjoys good literature will find her annotated bibliography most valuable.
In short, if you enjoy reading good books and want your children to do the same, then you cannot do without this book! The fact that this book is now in its third edition proves that many before me have found this book most useful. If you do not yet have a passion for good children's books, reading this book is sure to change that. And if you already have such a fiery passion, this book will only fuel that passion all the more. Come to think of it, I have to run: "Come on kids, we're going the library!"

In this book, Gladys Hunt introduces a veritable feast in the manner of choosing and reading books to one's children. Now, I am not a parent, I am merely a teenager who loves to read. :) When I came across this book in my parents' library, like almost every other book I have read, I fell in love with it.
Mrs. Hunt shows how reading good books together and introducing children to classics will build "children who are alive emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually." I know from experience that my parents are the ones who instilled in me that reading is one of the most important things of all. Whether or not they learned that from this book or not, I am so grateful that they taught me such a wonderful thing.
Gladys Hunt states (by quoting Erich Fromm's book The Art of Loving) that "...a child's basic need for milk and honey is from his parents. Milk is the symbol of the care a child recieves for his physical needs, for his person. Honey symbolizes the sweetness of life, that special quality that gives the sparkle within a person. To give honey, one must love honey and have it to give."
In the first 124 pages she illustrates how good books have enriched her family, and how she hopes that they will enrich yours, in the latter 45 pages or so a bibliography of some truly grand books are listed.
Honey for a Child's Heart is truly magnificent, and some day, when I marry and have children I hope to utilize everything I have learned within it. :)

If reading with your children is important to you, this book will be very exciting. Mrs. Hunt's enthusiasm for children's literature is contagious; I couldn't put the book down! She creates an enviable list of the advantages a well-read child will gain. The book guides you in choosing books & in placing reading as a delightful priority in your & your child's day. While her recommended reading covers a broad spcetrum, her focus is narrow: developing a whole child. The whole child is grounded in God's Word &, with the example & encouragement of parents, is free to grow intellectually & emotionally. With so much information in an easy to read style, all I could ask for is a fourth edition!

We love this book! The first half is a wonderful, quick read full of ideas for incorproating books into family life. The true gold, though, is the second half: the book lists!

I used to spend so much time at the library trying to find good books for my son and daycare kids. There is so much junk out there that the good ones are hard to find! Now, I just take along Honey for a Child's Heart and I know exactly what to get. There are a couple of books here and there that she recommends that I won't read to my son, but obviously different people have different standards. This book is not a replacement for pre-reading everything before your children. But it's such a good tool!

Lots about Christianity and from a Christian publisher, although the front and back cover don't disclose that. It lists many good books but most with no or little description. They're listed in big age groups like 9-12, with no more information about reading level. Most nine-year-olds don't read at the same level as 12-year-olds. You get no sense if the author's actually read the books. She's had children; that appears to be her credentials.

I credit Gladys Hunt's amazing book with my success in raising two kids who love to read!!! Includes chapters on how to encourage reading, how to pick great books, how to read aloud effectively, etc. prior to her chapters that include some pretty exhaustive book lists. She encourages reading the original literature (the Little Mermaid, for example) instead of wasting time on the watered-down Disney versions that most of us grew up with. She explores the powerful influence of fantasy literature, fairy tales, and poetry and why we should take the time to read them to our children. She explains why we should avoid the temptation to bombard our children with books that are "good for them" and "teach a moral lesson"....and why those same stories bore us to tears and create kids who would rather do anything else but pick up a book.

I received my copy of "Honey for a Child's Heart" when my now 11 year old son was a baby. It is the one "parenting" book on my shelf that has proved itself as a positive, reliable resource over the years. I go back to it again and again - and now I give copies out as a baby shower gifts every chance I get.

I bought this book with the intention of just learning how to pick out good books for our son but instead, what I received was truly words of wisdom in how we can really take care of my family. The author talks not just about reading books per se but of how to make them a way of living and enrichment for the entire family. Ms Hunt wisely includes a chapter on the influences in our children's lives and how we, as parents, should choose to be THE influence in their lives. Shared reading of really good literature empowers us to be able to do so and she also gives practical, down-to-earth advice on family bible readings, an oft neglected aspect in many of today's Christian families. I highly recommend this book for all parents who truly care about shaping their children's thinking and hence, their future.

Excellent excellent book. I found myself marking the books we had, then starring all the ones I want to look for in the library. Ms. Hunt reminded me of the many hours of joy reading gave me when a child, and how I want to give this same joy to my son. I am purging my library of the Disney abbreviations of classics, anxious to get the originals for him to enjoy after reading her actual comparison of text from each. This book is a wonderful tool to identify the best in classics for children by age and reading ability. She tells which have been reprinted, and discusses both authors and illustrators. A book I will keep as reference for my son and later generations.

I originally purchased this book for one of my literacy classes in college. I liked it so much when it was borrowed and did not return, I bought a new one. It is a great tool for age specific book choices, because the lists are further divided into categories. Some have descriptions, some don't. These are some of the best books for children. Even if you don't read every one of them, it will give you a wide variety to choose from.

A priceless book. A must for parents. I carried this to the library for years. There is such a wide variety of books listed, you will find something for evveryone. Do not miss her other books for teens and women. Thank you Mrs Hunt!

As an avid reader with children who share my love of books - I thought that I was not in need of a book about books - but this book truly reawakened a desire to share good literature with my children. I was truly grateful for the bibliography at the back - I made a trip to my favorite used book store that very evening - with the bibliography as my guide. I easily found books that I already knew were treasures - some old and some new "friends." I didn't have to waste my time or money on mediocre books. My thanks to Mrs. Hunt for this wonderful little book!

Having "Honey For A Child's Heart" on my bookshelf is like having the wisdom of well read people at my fingertips. It's like having a library, stacked with all the BEST books ever written, available to me.

"Honey For A Child's Heart" is easy to follow and easy to read. It is a thorough list of wonderful books catagorised in a very user friendly way.

I credit Gladys Hunt's amazing book with my success in raising two kids who love to read!!! Includes chapters on how to encourage reading, how to pick great books, how to read aloud effectively, etc. prior to her chapters that include some pretty exhaustive book lists. She encourages reading the original literature (the Little Mermaid, for example) instead of wasting time on the watered-down Disney versions that most of us grew up with. She explores the powerful influence of fantasy literature, fairy tales, and poetry and why we should take the time to read them to our children. She explains why we should avoid the temptation to bombard our children with books that are "good for them" and "teach a moral lesson"....and why those same stories bore us to tears and create kids who would rather do anything else but pick up a book.

I received my copy of "Honey for a Child's Heart" when my now 11 year old son was a baby. It is the one "parenting" book on my shelf that has proved itself as a positive, reliable resource over the years. I go back to it again and again - and now I give copies out as a baby shower gifts every chance I get.

The book lists are somewhat helpful, but heavy on popular books - too much twaddle (dumbed down literature) for my taste. She completely omits some of the greatest authors of children's Christian literature; there are no listings for the works of: R.M. Ballantyne, G.A. Henty, Martha Finley, Ralph Moody, Caroline Dale Snedeker, or Opal Wheeler. Also, GH spends several pages defending the Harry Potter series. I much prefer the lists by Nathaniel Bluedorn, Christine Miller, Jan Bloom, and The Noah Plan.

Excellent source of advice to those selecting books for children, from babies to teens, all the best books by authors and illustrators are listed. Also suggestions fro and importance of reading to your child.