Some of the most magical memories of my childhood are when my Mom would read to me at night. Here's my list of the books and movies you must explore before your children grow up!

I had an interesting childhood. Without going into too much detail, let's just say I was a very difficult child and most of my memories are filled with turmoil and tears. At the end of the day though, my Mom would often come up to my room and read to me. They are the fondest memories of my upbringing. She read to me all of the "classics" and I've taken these memories into raising my own children. Right now I'm reading "Harry Potter" with my son and "Little House on the Prairie" with my son. Last night I watched "Little Women" with my daughter and we plan to read the book soon. (I usually reverse that process by rewarding them with a movie version of the book after we finish, but Little Women wasn't in stock at the library and I just couldn't wait to watch the movie with her!)

My Official List of Books and Movies You Should Experience with Your Children

1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Did I mention that one before, oh yes I did! It's my favorite. Can you tell?!) Read the book and watch the movie. Both are a must!

 

2. Annie (1982) (Not the 2014 version. The Carol Burnette version. I watched this movie over and over again as a child. I can still sing every song word for word.)

 

3. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (I swear you can't grow up without reading this book and watching the movie. We still have my Dad's original copy in the family and it's the only thing I want of his when he dies someday.)

 

4. The Sound of Music (Again, I can sing every single song and I'm so glad this is one of my daughter's favorite movies.)

 

5. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (This was the first "chapter book" I ever read to my children. I bawled my eyes out. I think the old cartoon version of the movie is the best, but the one with Dakota Fanning is okay too.

 

6. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (I read this book on my own in the 6th grade and fell completely in love with the story. The movie is equally fantastic. Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe... need I say more?!)

 

Here's some other books you should check out if you get the time.

  • Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  • The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
  • Ramona Quimby: Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
  • Superfudge by Judy Blume
  • George's Marvelous Medicine by Roald Dahl

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