If you’re a reader, you already know—not all books are created equal. And if you’re a parent, you also know that one of your most important roles is to surround your child with what is good. That includes the stories they hear and the books they grow up with. The books we read to our kids help shape how they see the world, what they learn to love, and even how they imagine good and evil.

As Christian moms, we want to guide our children toward what is true and beautiful. That’s why the books in our home matter more than we think.

A Classic Book Every Christian Parent Should Own

This isn’t just a parenting book with big ideas (though it does inspire you on that front!). It’s also incredibly practical. Hunt includes detailed book lists organized by age—from babies all the way through high school. Whether you’re starting a read-aloud routine or looking to expand your home library, this book is a goldmine.

One of the most helpful books I’ve read on this topic is Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt. It’s a classic for a reason. Hunt writes with deep conviction and warmth, encouraging parents to read excellent literature to their children—not just for fun, but as a way to nurture their spiritual and emotional lives.

How This Book Is Shaping Our Family Reading Life

I read Honey for a Child’s Heart almost a year ago, and I still find myself pulling it off the shelf regularly. It’s become a trusted guide when I’m choosing new titles to borrow from the library or looking for something fresh to read at bedtime.

If my four-year-old could choose all our books, we’d probably just read about trucks forever. (And let’s be honest, trucks are great!) But this book has helped us branch out. It’s gently stretched our reading life to include stories with more depth—books that explore courage, beauty, kindness, and creativity in ways that spark conversation and connection.

Encouraging a Love of Reading at Home

If you want to raise kids who love books and grow in wisdom, Honey for a Child’s Heart is one of the best resources you can have. It’s the kind of book you’ll reach for again and again as your children grow.

It doesn’t just help you choose good books—it helps you think about why books matter. And in a world filled with noise and distraction, that kind of intentionality is a gift to both you and your children.

So whether you’re just beginning your journey as a book-loving parent or looking to deepen the reading rhythms already in place, I can’t recommend this one highly enough. It’s a quiet but powerful tool for building a home where good stories are treasured—and where little hearts are shaped by them.