I have a deep appreciation for beautiful books. Not just beautifully illustrated but beautifully written. This article highlights beautiful books for moms and their children.
I do not often read fiction for myself, but I found that the fiction books I enjoy most are the ones that are relatable, wholesome, and truly educational – living books, if you will (yes, even for moms!). While all of these books are suitable for homeschool families, there are many that moms/children of any educational background will enjoy!
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Beautiful Books for Moms & Their Children
First, the books I recommend for just moms. Every once in a while you discover an author that speaks to your heart, so you buy every book they have written, if possible. This happened when my sister gifted me two books by Karen Andreola. I highly recommend every book by her, but I am not certain they are all still in print.
Quite by accident, the first book I read was Lessons at Blackberry Inn: Adventures with the Gentle Art of Learning. It is technically second in the series, but I didn’t realize this, so I read it first.
I was immediately drawn into the fictional story that depicted a down-to-earth family life that made me lonesome for my childhood and deceased mother but in the most comforting way. Something is calming about reading about a simpler time and the realistic life of an old-fashioned mom.
Reading the book was like reading an encouraging letter from a friend and sister-in-Christ. It was an inspiration to find beauty and joy in the everyday life at home. Just what a busy stay-at-home mom needs to stay motivated with the tasks at hand.
I read Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study with the Gentle Art of Learning next and it was also beautiful and heartwarming. I do suggest you read this book first, as intended. It sets the stage for the second book which will always hold a special place in my heart and mind.
The third/final book in the series is called Michael’s Gentle Wife and it is more of a love story but without disrespect to God’s Holy Matrimony (it does not invade the privacy of their marriage). It depicts a godly marriage and family life, continuing their story set in the 1930s of the New England Depression Era and life in the country.
Charlotte Mason and her educational philosophy inspire all of her books so they are especially encouraging for homeschooling moms. I have graduated my eldest and still found so much wisdom in her books to absorb and apply to my parenting/homeschooling.
More titles from Karen Andreola:
Mother Culture for a Happy Homeschool
A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning
Story Starters: Helping Children Write Like They’ve Never Written Before (my children love this book!)
Beautiful Girlhood (revised/edited by Karen)
Tasha Tudor
I own the sweetest book called A Time To Keep: the Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays and it has been a wonderful introduction to her art and words. This takes you and your children on a journey through the year with gorgeous illustrations and poetic words to describe each month of Tasha’s childhood. She has authored/illustrated many books, and I cannot vouch for all of her books, but this one is absolutely lovely and worth owning.
Beautiful Feet Books
The next book on this list is from Beautiful Feet Books and it is perfect for every family. You may use it as a “coffee table decoration” that is flipped through during moments of rest or to encourage conversation. You may use it for an educational reference whether you homeschool or not. The pictures and information are beautiful. I am referring to the Book of Nations: An Introduction to Every Country on Earth. It is a great book for every home library!
Beautiful Feet Books also has dozens of “living” history, geography, social studies, and science books that are perfect for a lifestyle of learning together.
Alice and Martin Provensen
We own and love four titles by these authors/illustrators. We own The following three are in rotation and read for new months/seasons. They make great Nature Study books, as well.
- The Year at Maple Hill Farm
- Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm
- A Book of Seasons
More Beautiful Reads
Brambly Hedge: the Classic Collection by Jill Barklem
The Complete Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
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Get them from Amazon!
Complete Chronicles Of Narnia
The Selected Poems of Emily Dickinson
The Complete Brambly Hedge: The gorgeously illustrated children’s classic
Lessons at Blackberry Inn: Adventures with the Gentle Art of Learning (TM)
Great ideas! Thank-you for your book review; they are very helpful and inspiring! As a new great grandmother, I am still buying and reading homeschool books! Two of our four adult children homeschool their children.
I’m thankful that I can continue to homeschool our first daughter, who was born with Down’s Syndrome. At 47, she still loves doing simple letter & number workbooks, and especially loves copying Bible verses!
Darlene