Episode 43
Episode 43: Emily’s Top 5 Favorite Kids Books
Show Notes

Emily’s Top 5 Favorite Kids Books

Books are a gift that go way beyond getting a good story in the moment. They show us worlds beyond our own, that love and joy and hope exist in the most unlikely places, that people who are different from us are kind and good and experience the same feelings we all do. These are fantastic lessons to learn at any age, but especially for kids. Emily’s sharing her favorite books for kids, from tales she enjoyed on her own to ones that she’s sharing with her children now. From picture books to Harry Potter to the Jesus Storybook Bible, these books will help you little ones find joy on the page and off.

Thank you to our sponsors! 


GREEN CHEF | Go to greenchef.com/simplified10 and use code SIMPLIFIED10 to get 10 Free Meals—including free shipping!


ELFSTER | Go to elfster.com or download the Elfster app to start organizing your FREE gift exchange today!


ARRAE | Go to arrae.com and use code SIMPLIFIED at checkout for 10% off your one-time purchase or 25% off your first month’s subscription!

Emily’s Favorite Books for Kids

  1. Rabbit’s New Rug by Judy Delton 
  2. An Awesome Book of Thanks! by Dallas Clayton 
  3. Big Plans by Bob Shae 
  4. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling 
  5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney 
  6. Wayside School Series by Louis Sachar 
  7. The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
  8. The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis 
  9. The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones 

Thought-Provoking Quotes

“Ever since I could pick up a book and read for myself, getting lost in a story has been one of the greatest joys of my life. When I was a kid, reading was the way I entered worlds that went far beyond my bedroom door in little Pensacola, Florida. I could romp around on a sunny day with the wild Ramona Quimby, or hunt for clues around the big city with Harriet the Spy, or fall into a wardrobe all the way to Narnia and trudge through the cold, crunchy snow with Lucy and Aslan and Mr. Tumnus.” Emily Ley 

Books have taught me what I value in myself and others and have helped me keep reaching to be the best version of myself on my best days. Books have honed and shaped what I believe to be true, like a sword to a whetstone, and help me make bold choices that reflect those beliefs.” Emily Ley 

“I want my kids to have access to a portal that helps them learn about themselves and the world around them. I’ve read to each of them since they were babies, and one by one, I’ve watched them fall in love with the power of a good story. I’ve watched their eyes light up as they’ve peeked through windows into different lives and choices and places and relationships.” Emily Ley 

“More than ever, I’m really into the idea that less is more, even for my kids. I think they’re much better off learning the joy is easier to find when you rely less on what’s going on around you, and paying attention to nurturing what’s inside of you.” Emily Ley 

“Books are amazing and as long as I live, I will never stop being a reader. I will never stop being a learner, and I want to train my kids to be the same way.” Emily Ley  

A Blessing for Your Week

May you listen to the stories that move you,

That make you think,

That make your heart soar or break.

 

May you point your younger ones

To tales that do the same.

 

May you model the courage to keep your heart open

So that stories different from your own can find their way in,

So that little ones can see a new way to think, to dream, to live, to love.


Simplicity Tip of the Week

When I was little, I loved a good book on tape. And now, that’s morphed into an obsession with audiobooks! If you’re looking for some kid-friendly audiobooks for bedtime or in the car, you’ve got to check out the Hoopla app. Hoopla works directly with your local library to offer all kinds of stuff for free—all kinds of music, TV shows, and yes, especially audiobooks! They have a huge selection of kids audiobooks on there. So if you’re traveling for the holidays, now’s a good time to stock up on Hoopla—especially since it’s free.

Build a Life You Love!

Get Emily’s new book, Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love, wherever you buy books!

Resources, Links, Mentions from This Episode

Subscribe to The Simplified Podcast!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube

Let’s Be Friends!

Simplified: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube

Emily Ley: Instagram | Facebook 



Filed under