Fanny's Dream by Caralyn Beuhner, illustrated by Mark Beuhner

Fanny knows that she has a fairy godmother who will help her escape the constant work of farm life. It doesn't matter that the girls at the hat shop mock her or that her brother claims she's as big as an ox.

"I read about a girl in a book," Fanny said defensively, "and I know just what to do."


Fanny's Cinderella dream doesn't play out the way she anticipates; instead, her real life turns out to be satisfying and full of love and generous relationships. When her fairy godmother finally does show up, Fanny knows just what to do.

If you haven't read this book, you need to! This is one book that every family should own. Honestly! It is the best Cinderella story ever! There are great lessons embedded in the story: what true love and real life are all about. I love to read it to my children since it reminds me of my blessings and the people I treasure the most as well.

And I never can read it without laughing!

P.S. I have met the Beuhners (husband and wife team). They know just what they have written/drawn about in this book (They have 10 or something children).

Each Little Bird that Sings by Deborah Wiles

Here's a second new favorite of mine from Deborah Wiles. 

Comfort, a young girl growing up in a small town funeral home (each person in her family helps do funerals), learns valuable lessons of friendship, family, death, service, and forgiveness in this delightful tale.

This story has so much pith to it to share with our children, particularly upper-elementary-age daughters who sometimes have to deal with frustrating friendship problems. (You know what I'm talking about if you've ever had a daughter age 8 or older, right?) 

I love Deborah Wiles' stories (the ones that I have read)! It is so refreshing to read about families who are true to each other, who rally around each other, and communities where great values are treasured still: kindness; quiet, wise parent and older family member voices; pleasant humor; honesty, faith.