Top Ten Tuesday: Books that Bring Me Happy Memories

This was such a fun list to pull together! It was kind of fun to reach back into my childhood, pulling books out that I’ve loved and make me happy. You’ll see a quick not after each title to give you some context to all my happy memories! I read so many titles, I don’t have remember a lot of them, but these ten were so great, that I definitely equate happy memories with them!

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Books that Bring Me Happy Memories

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

I have loved this book for decades, I can’t remember when I first read it, but my mom, sister, and I also love the CBC movie version. We’ve watched it for many a movie night. I’ve also watched and enjoyed the Netflix version, simply called Anne.

Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908 by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is the beloved classic story of an orphan girl, Anne Shirley, who is adopted by the Cuthberts, a family living on Prince Edward Island in Canada. With her wit, charm, and strong spirit, Anne quickly wins the hearts of everyone she meets and learns to navigate the world around her, eventually growing into an independent young woman. Along the way she experiences the joys and sorrows of growing up and develops meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.

The Best Worst Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

My mom read this one to the whole family during Christmas for at least a few years. It’s a shorter chapter book making it a great read aloud. It was published in 1972, so it’s definitely gotten an older feel, but a fun read!

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, and swear. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant. None of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale—the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies—has a lot of people up in arms. And their wild antics cause havoc throughout the play’s production. But the actual pageant is full of surprises for everyone, starting with the Herdmans themselves, as they ultimately lead the town in finding the true meaning of Christmas. They will make this year’s pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever.

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

This was my first book discussion title I chose when working as a college student in my local library! I’ve always loved art and mysteries, so it was right up my alley! I know now that having a book discussion on a mystery novel is really tricky, but this book will always hold a special place in my heart.

When a book of unexplainable occurences brings Petra and Calder together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect; an eccentric old woman seeks their company; an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has stumped even the FBI?

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

I was so proud of myself for reading this book – it’s over 900 pages, typically! And while it definitely wasn’t a favorite, I’m so glad I experienced this extensive tome!

This is the tale of Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled, manipulative daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, who arrives at young womanhood just in time to see the Civil War forever change her way of life. A sweeping story of tangled passion and courage, in the pages of Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell brings to life the unforgettable characters that have captivated readers for decades.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

I was at the event where they announced this book the winner of the Caldecott Medal! The room was electric, it was such a fun experience (and I also love the book, and the movie is pretty good too!)

Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks–like the gears of the clocks he keeps–with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo’s undercover life and his most precious secret are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo’s dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

Meet Kirsten by Janet Beeler Shaw

I read and re-read the American Girl stories throughout my childhood and remember having all six stories for Kirsten! I have always enjoyed historical fiction and I wonder if these books were part of the reason for my enjoyment in this genre.

Meet Kirsten, a pioneer girl of strength and spirit who settles on the frontier. Share her world – the friends she makes, her struggles and successes in school, and much more.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

I absolutely love this book! My mom read this to us every Christmas Eve and even know, her voice is the only voice I hear when I read it myself. A number of years ago, I got the chance to meet Chris Van Allsburg, and purchased signed copies for my parents and each of my siblings, which was so special!

A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa.

Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever by Mem Fox

I read this as new children’s librarian and absolutely love how accessible Mem Fox made reading aloud adn how important it is for kids! I’ve recommended this title to countless parents and while it’s getting older now, it’s still full of great content.

With passion and humor, Fox speaks of when, where, and why to read aloud and demonstrates how to read aloud to best effect and get the most out of a read-aloud session. She discusses the three secrets of reading, offers guidance on defining and choosing good books, and — for this edition — includes two chapters on boy readers and phonics, a foreword, and a list of “Twenty Books That Children Love.”

Filled with practical advice, activities, and inspiring true read-aloud miracles, Reading Magic is a turn-to classic for educators and parents who would like to know more about how children learn to read — and how we can instill in them a lifelong love of books.

Special Delivery by Valjean McLenighan

I have such special memories of my dad reading this to my siblings and me. We asked for this specific title so often that he would change the story and wait for us to notice (which we always did!).

Despite a series of obstacles, Prairie Dawn delivers a package to the Pigeon Fanciers’ Convention in Pinfeather Falls.

When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Julie Morstad

This poetry collection is simple, beautiful and just makes me happy. I’d love to get a copy to reach for because there are poems for different days all year long!

december 29
and i woke to a morning
that was quiet and white
the first snow
(just like magic) came on tip toes
overnight

Flowers blooming in sheets of snow make way for happy frogs dancing in the rain. Summer swims move over for autumn sweaters until the snow comes back again. In Julie Fogliano’s skilled hand and illustrated by Julie Morstad’s charming pictures, the seasons come to life in this gorgeous and comprehensive book of poetry.

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.