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26th out of 127 books
—
143 voters
Honey for a Child's Heart: The Imaginative Use of Books in Family Life
by
Gladys Hunt
Family favorite now revised and updated, including an annotated list of books for ages 0-12Everything parents need to know to find the best books for their childrenSince its publication in 1969, this has been an essential guide for parents wanting to find the best books for their children. Now in its fourth edition, Honey for a Child's Heart discusses everything from the w...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
April 23rd 2002
by Zondervan
(first published 1978)
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Jun 17, 2009
Katie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Kim, Marisa, entire Youth staff, expectant mamas
Shelves:
parenting
I am in love with this book! The author is a passionate proponent of reading and the importance of introducing it to a child early on.
The book's chapters include what kind of books to read to children, why to read to children, a tongue-in-cheek top ten list of "How to raise a non-reader", and of course, a list of "How to raise a reader".
The second part of the book is an annotated list of books for different ages and stages, up through the teen years.
"More than ever before, families have to repe...more
The book's chapters include what kind of books to read to children, why to read to children, a tongue-in-cheek top ten list of "How to raise a non-reader", and of course, a list of "How to raise a reader".
The second part of the book is an annotated list of books for different ages and stages, up through the teen years.
"More than ever before, families have to repe...more
4 likes · like · see review
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Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt was the first of the Christian book list books. First published in 1969, it is now in its fourth edition, published in 2002. The author has written other books in the same genre (Honey for a Teen's Heart, Honey for a Woman's Heart, and Read For Your Life), as well as several books on other topics.
This volume opens by laying out a case that children need not only physical nurture but also relational joy and pleasure from their parents. Hunt likens the prov...more
This volume opens by laying out a case that children need not only physical nurture but also relational joy and pleasure from their parents. Hunt likens the prov...more
This is the second of this type of book that I have read. The first was "The Read Aloud Handbook." I read that when I was just beginning to get serious about being very consistent with reading to my kids. I highly recommend that book and I'd like to own it for the lists of books the author provides.
"Honey for a Child's Heart" is even better than the above. I think, in part, this is due to it's Christian emphasis.
A couple of weeks ago, I read this children's book review:
http://www.firstthings.com...more
"Honey for a Child's Heart" is even better than the above. I think, in part, this is due to it's Christian emphasis.
A couple of weeks ago, I read this children's book review:
http://www.firstthings.com...more
Recently, we have been making an effort to be more purposeful about the books we chose for our kids (library check outs). There are tons of crappy books that get published every year, while many classics that are wonderful go out of print. I want Emma and Will to ask me to read great books over and over again, but they need to have great books to chose from for that to happen.
The first half of this book is challenging and encouraging at the same time. Ms Hunt tells so many stories about the powe...more
The first half of this book is challenging and encouraging at the same time. Ms Hunt tells so many stories about the powe...more
I bought this strictly for the reading list at the back of the book. I had no expectation for the actual text of the book. This book has surprised me in every way! Gladys Hunt and I think just alike about reading and raising kids. This book encouraged me and spurred me on to make Bible reading a consistent part of our daily lives.
This was a total treasure to find. It expressed all the things I already feel about the power of words and a good story. It has superb reading recommendations broken into age categories with the reminder that no book is too old or too young for anyone. A good book is a good book. My thoughts exactly!! I was thrilled to find that many of recommended books were already on our shelves and it encouraged me to go find and revisit them with a new appreciation of their value. It also sent me running to...more
The title of this book refers to a quote by Erich Fromm which says that children have two basic needs, milk and honey. Milk refers to physical needs, while honey refers to the sweetness of life, "that special quality that makes life sing with enjoyment for all it holds." This book explains how good books can be "rich in honey" and offers an argument for choosing and reading good literature with your kids.
Her argument is thought-provoking, and the booklists are great. I was particularly struck b...more
Her argument is thought-provoking, and the booklists are great. I was particularly struck b...more
This book reviews children's stories and segregates them by appropriate age. It also talks about giving the gift of reading to your child. I have given it as a baby shower gift several times since I first received it. It is a must for every reading parent!
I can't say enough good things about this book; it's a must-read if you have children. The author describes how to effectively use literature--and GOOD literature, not just that twaddle that fills the book orders these days--as a part of your children's upbringing. I especially appreciated several points:
1) the idea that reading needs to be a family affair, involving both parents and preferably the entire family together. We've instituted a weekly "fireplace night" where my husband reads aloud t...more
1) the idea that reading needs to be a family affair, involving both parents and preferably the entire family together. We've instituted a weekly "fireplace night" where my husband reads aloud t...more
Nov 18, 2007
Megret
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Moms everywhere
From infancy to young adulthood, this book helps you choose the best books for your children. From a Christian perspective, as well....this book has also come in handy for suggestions for great books for myself!
This book was mysteriously sent to me by an amazon seller with 'The Hero With a Thousand Faces' by Joseph Campbell. I didn't order it and it came with no explanation, so I had to read it. Obviously. It turns out that the purpose of 'Honey for A Child's Heart' is to promote reading to children as a positive and worthwhile pastime. Cool. Too bad the message is ruined by Hunt's view that being gay is an "unacceptable" and "inappropriate" subject for books or discussions with children. She also deno...more
I refer to this book often especially if i'm heading to the library and don't know what to check out for the kids. This gives you book lists by age! Very helpful.
I love this book. I like to take it with me to the library when I'm looking for books for my children. Her perspective on reading is great, and I love the booklists.
When a teacher recommended this book I thought it was for my daughter to read. The endorsement was so strong I decided to read it myself. The first few pages left me wondering because it seemed too difficult for a middle school student. I almost abandoned the book, but two things soon became apparent. First, it was meant for me (the parent) to read. Second, it is an amazing book. Now I wonder why no one had ever mentioned it previously. It ought to be mandatory reading for new parents. This thou...more
Sweet book about how important and GOOD it is to read aloud to your children. She also puts her favorites in the last portion of the book. Enjoyable.
Pros: This book makes you feel more dedicated to reading aloud to your children. The best part of the book is its helpful lists of great children's literature, broken down by age. I liked seeing some of my childhood faves on the lists, and I'm excited to introduce some of the ones I've never heard of to my kids.
Cons: The author promotes reading as a cure all for family strife and a way to ensure togetherness. She is not LDS and thus isn't familiar with all of our traditions (ie family night ) t...more
Cons: The author promotes reading as a cure all for family strife and a way to ensure togetherness. She is not LDS and thus isn't familiar with all of our traditions (ie family night ) t...more
This book is an excellent resource for parents who want to guide their children to great reading - christian based. I love it.
I loved this! I just hope that this is a book that is well referenced by every home with children!!
These are some words from the back cover. "Thousands of parents have used it to furnish their children's inner spirit with the wonder and delight of good reading"
this book shows you how (through the use of books in family life) to
*Understand the importance of reading aloud to children
*Give your children a large view of the world, of truth, of goodness
*Encourage each child's imagination and good u...more
These are some words from the back cover. "Thousands of parents have used it to furnish their children's inner spirit with the wonder and delight of good reading"
this book shows you how (through the use of books in family life) to
*Understand the importance of reading aloud to children
*Give your children a large view of the world, of truth, of goodness
*Encourage each child's imagination and good u...more
This is a good one to take to the bookstore with you to help you choose quality literature for your children.
Talks about the importance of reading to your children and gives many book recommendations.
I LOVE this book! I have yet to read a book recommended in these pages that wasn't just fabulous. There are so many worthless books at the library - this book will help you pick out the jewels. It has pages of recommendations for picture books through grade school. The first part of the book also talks about making reading a part of your family life, teaching your kids to love stories (by reading to them, of course) and a review of the different genre's (pros and cons for each). It is published...more
Wonderful book that lists great books to read to kids!
I was surprised by the Christian perspective of this book because it wasn't evident (to me, at least) from the title or the cover. It is more than just the author's background; the book is really directed AT Christians, which I found unfortunate because so much of the book is universally applicable. I was offended by an anti-gay comment in the book. But overall, the book gives good reasons for reading aloud with children (much better than in the well-known Read-Aloud Handbook), focusing less on...more
Great insights on fostering a love of reading all through your child's life (not just in the picture-book stage). This book's real strength, though, is its annotated book list organized by age (picture books, books for new readers, ages 4-8, ages 9-12 etc.). I especially appreciated the many suggestions for readers ages 8 and up. It seems that quality books for readers of this age group are harder to find. I've often taken this book with me to the library when looking for books for the kids...I'...more
This book was a lifeline to me when I was a new Mama. I knew that I wanted to read the "best" books to my children, but had no idea where to start. I had my children late in life, and I could recall only a few classics from my own childhood. Gladys Hunt writes a compelling case for keeping a literature rich environment, and then gives wonderful book lists categorized by age. I have given this book away as a baby shower gift many times. It is invaluable for starting new moms on the path to readin...more
This book is excellent. From the time my oldest was at a very young age we have read. He is 9 1/2 and I have taken my kids to the library at least twice a month since he was probably 2. We read together a lot. I loved reading this book which reinforced my feelings about reading with your children. And also taught me even more about what we can do with reading to our children. I loved this quote:
“Young children, fresh uncluttered minds, the world before them – to what treasures will you lead them...more
“Young children, fresh uncluttered minds, the world before them – to what treasures will you lead them...more
This is a good introduction to children's books for Christian parents who want to introduce their children to the best books. Though the annotations for the individual books are skimpy, the introductory chapters contain criteria for choosing children's literature that will introduce children to life-long friends such as Pooh, Aslan, Johnny Tremain, Tom Sawyer, and many others. Chapters inspire parents to use books as tools for building character and training in godliness. That doesn't mean choos...more
Dec 26, 2012
Karen
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
"book list" folks :0)
Recommended to Karen by:
I don't remember!
This book, along with a good friend, is what inspired me to start having read aloud time with my children. We have created so many memories. This book has also been hauled to the library by various members of our family when they just needed good recommendations for their own reading. I don't agree with all of her recommendations, but I am so grateful for her help in suggestions for the different reading levels. We have found many hours of reading enjoyment through her recommendations.
I started reading this book and I was pleaasantly surprised. Even through the first edition of the book was written many years ago(40-50 years), the author suggestions and philiosophy still hold true today.The importance of reading and valuing reading should still be an importance concept for people today. I believe that the ability to read is the foundation for a free and better society and we must encourage all people to reading to continue politically conversation worldwide.
LOVED this book! Glady's Hunt is a Christian Author and former school teacher and she writes about the importance of reading in family life. I got some great ideas from this one. The majority of this book is made up of all her Book Lists (done by theme, age, holiday, or lesson learned) and what I love is that she recommends good quality books, that teach character, good morals or values, or that teach educational concepts in an age appropriate way.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby & Toddle...: Honey for the Child's Heart | 5 | 3 | Jun 12, 2012 06:11am |
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“What is home? My favorite definition is "a safe place," a place where one is free from attack, a place where one experiences secure relationships and affirmation. It's a place where people share and understand each other. Its relationships are nurturing. The people in it do not need to be perfect; instead, they need to be honest, loving, supportive, recognizing a common humanity that makes all of us vulnerable.”
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“No book is really worth reading at the age of 10 which is not equally worth reading at the age of 50.”
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