Thrifting a Charlotte Mason Library of Living Books! | Homeschool Mom of Four
Hi there, friends!! As a stay-at-home mom of four under five, the pressure to find my go-to homeschool methods are finally upon me! A friend once told me that I would love Charlotte Mason for her love of God, the great outdoors, reading, and more. Boy, was she right!!
Upon binging Charlotte Mason inspired books, Pinterest boards, and podcasts, I quickly learned something new I wanted to start incorporating with my children… reading living books!!! Not just reading ‘for the sake of reading’...but finding LIVING books, they call them, filled with noble characters, life lessons, living ideas that spark imagination, and beautiful illustrations that make a child dream! I naturally gravitate towards these kinds of books for my children, but over the years our library has also inherited a few books with “twaddle,” (or “dumbed-down language and illustrations for children” as Charlotte Mason would allude), so this was an area I wanted to guard and improve!
I decided to declutter my children’s current library, and thrift a whole NEW library filled with living books to inspire and motivate my children! Off I went to thrift at my favorite bookstore, and I absolutely SCORED! In the links below, you’ll not only find the books I thrifted, but some of the reasons I felt they would be both Charlotte Mason approved and worth the read!
(Click on the image below of the book that interests you to purchase through my Amazon affiliate links!) Thanks for your support! :)
What a charming classic filled with beautiful hopes, ideas, and illustrations! "Corduroy," the story of a little girl and a lonely stuffed bear in a toy shop (who is very clearly missing a button), teaches the true value of friendship! Everyone deserves to experience the love of a friend!
"The Cozy Little Farm" is the perfect book for any current, or future homesteader-in-training! Little Johnny and his family have just moved on a farm. His mother and father explain the need for purchasing different animals, along with how they will each contribute to the farm. (For instance, they will need horses to help plow the fields.) By the end of the book, Johnny thinks a puppy will be the next best thing, and what better reason than to have a fluffy playmate!?
"Little Bear’s Friend" has such beautiful illustrations! Little Bear meets a new friend named Emily. Their fun together unfolds, as well as their friendship! In this book, we witness the understandable sadness that comes with saying goodbye as summer ends, and Emily goes back to school.
"The Snowy Day" is a must-have classic, especially during the winter season. The author does a wonderful job of bringing illustrations to life so the young reader can imagine and fully enjoy this snow packed book!!
"The First Encyclopedia of Animals" is packed with interesting pictures and facts about all sorts of exciting animals! I think Ms. Mason would appreciate the vibrant photos and the "twaddle-free" facts.
This United States Coloring Book has a designated page for all 50 states. Each state is paired with a visual of their geographic location, and a variety of interesting facts. There is also a picture of the state for the child to color. I will likely introduce a different state weekly to my children using this book. We have driven through around 35 states together so we will absolutely enjoy the memories and conversations sparked via this book!
This classic book of "Paddington," the talking bear, had my 3 and 5 year old belly-laughing together in the best way! The comedic visuals and illustrations are so lovely, and the storyline is creative enough to tickle your childs’ imagination!
"Guess How Much I Love You" is a darling tale about the love between a father and son! They take turns expressing their love for each other in very creative ways. In the end, we learn that nothing can top a parent's fierce and unconditional love for their children. Any book that promotes the importance of love in the family is a friend of mine!
"Summersaults" is filled with 'child-like' paintings and poetry that is perfect for young children! Sometimes art can feel intimidating, but this book is relatable, and yet still thought-provoking for a young child!
Charlotte Mason encourages the study of great composers. We cannot wait to further explore the life and work of the talented composer, George Gershwin!
"The Little House: Her Story" will forever have a special place in my heart. This book left quite the impression on me with its' detailed pictures and tenderhearted story. You may never look at a house, or the beauty of living in the countryside the same way again! If you and your children are making a transition out of the city to the countryside, this book is perfect for you!
"Poetry for Young People" by Emily Dickinson is perfect for a Charlotte Mason “poetry study" since it includes poems by the same author. It is paired with such beautiful illustrations that help bring her poems to life!
“The Usborne Book of Easy Recorder Tunes,” was a last minute purchase, and I’m so giddy I found it! My children have recorders, so it seemed fitting to teach them these easy tunes and folk songs using this book! It shows the child everything from where to place their fingers, learning music notes, and more! If this book doesn’t interest my children, I’m already interested…and ready to play!
"Usbornes First Thousand Words in Spanish" is perfect for introducing a foreign language! This book is packed to the brim with interesting illustrations and opportunities to find different labeled items in very detailed pictures. I know my children will enjoy using this book as they further explore the Spanish language!
Leo Lionni is an author that really made an impression on us. His stand out illustrations and creative story lines provided opportunities to discuss great life lessons. These three books talk about not letting physical possessions hold you down, humorous dreaming of the unknown, and working together as a team to overcome trials!
Vermeer? Monet? Whistler?! I hit the artist JACKPOT!! Charlotte Masons’ love for the arts is made evident with her encouragement to expose young children to the work of different artists. These books are perfect for introducing different artists and their own artistic styles. I’m really looking forward to learning more about these talented artists alongside my children!
I hope you all enjoyed this “twaddle-free,” Charlotte Mason-inspired thrift haul! I’m always amazed at the abundance of beautiful books I discover when at the bookstore, and I aim to pass my love for books down to my children. I hope this inspires you to find LIVING BOOKS to fill your children’s library and feed their imagination! The love of reading is one of the biggest gifts we can give our children, and it’s never too late to start! One day, I have a feeling…they will thank us!
Cool, Calm, and Collectedly Yours,
