Big Sister and Little Sister, Chalotte Zolotow [ill. Martha Alexander]

The Fisherman’s Daughter, Mary R. Zook

Heidi, Johanna Spyri

This precious story is set on an Amish farm and illustrated by richly colored paintings. Follow Susie Mae as she tries to be “just like Mama.” The book closes with a beautiful reminder that we must all be “just like Jesus.” This is a highly recommended book for little mamas-in-waiting.

The King’s Daughter and Other Stories for Girls, [A.B. Publishing, Inc.]

Upon her birth, every daughter receives a special gift from God: her first kiss. It’s an immensely special gift, and she must guard and cherish it carefully for the right man. This is the story of a young princess with wise parents who cherish her and desire God’s best in her life.  She is courted by many suitors—they are handsome, strong, smart, rich, romantic—but the princess does not feel that any are worthy of her kiss. Will the right man ever come? This story, illustrated by whimsical and colorful paintings, is a beautiful introduction to the importance and reward of purity.

Miss Fannie loves hats!—and her closet is full of big, beautiful hats. When she is asked to donate a hat to the church fundraiser, Miss Fannie can’t decide which to choose.—Each one has special memories attached to it. Most special of all is the pink straw hat with the silk roses, the famous hat Miss Fannie wears to church every Easter. Could she possibly she give that away? “With Christ all things are possible.” This is such a sweet picture-book for girls of all ages! I love the portrayal of Miss Wanda caring so gently and lovingly for her old mother at home (not “a” home). It’s a beautiful example this culture needs.

This whimsical story follows a young girl and her family as they love, learn, and work together on their farm.  When Mama is the gentle teacher, life is a wonderful adventure!  The delicate watercolor illustrations are extremely detailed and a delight to study.  A hard cover edition is available from Trivium Pursuits.

A New Coat for Anna, Harriet Ziefert

It is a a quiet summer day in Brambly Hedge, but inside the mill all is disruption. Poppy, a sweet little mouse-wife and mother to three, is having a difficult time. The clattering of the mill, the choking clouds of flour, and the countless stairs keep Poppy’s babies awake and the poor mother exhausted. The mill is no place to raise a family, but what can be done? Her husband Dusty and the other mice of Brambly Hedge concoct a wonderful plan. Can they keep it a secret until the babies’ Naming Day? This is a sweet story about a community’s support of family. Jill Barklem’s interest in natural history and rural custom and craft is richly evident in the text and whimsical illustrations. This book is out of print.

Treasures of the Snow, Patricia St. John

Understood Betsy, Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Aunt Francis tries her best to understand little Elizabeth and raise her up most scientifically, succeeding in making her timid, insecure, sensitive, and manipulative.  Elizabeth is afraid of many things, but, above all, she dreads those “Putney cousins from Vermont”—those dreadful people who speak so queerly and make children do chores! When Aunt Francis must go away suddenly, Elizabeth is sent to those very cousins! She is sure nothing worse could happen, but instead the world blossoms for her. She learns to drive horses, churn butter, dress herself, make applesauce, love school, read aloud (for fun!—who would have thought?), make maple sugar, begin a sewing charity, and otherwise live heartily and fully. “Betsy,” as she is now called, still loves Aunt Francis, and when she comes back, Betsy must make a very difficult decision. Will she go or stay?

nonfiction

1 is One, Tasha Tudor

Counting needn’t be a dull exercise: the magic of counting lies in what you count. Here we have downy ducklings, dancing girls, twinkling stars, rosy wreaths and drying gourds. What fun we’ll have counting everything we see!

A is for Annabelle: A Doll’s Alphabet, Tasha Tudor

Annabelle, a sweet and elegant doll, will take your little daughters through the delights of the alphabet. With charming detail and exquisite watercolors, Tasha Tudor paints cloaks, dresses, hats, and all the lovely wardrobe of a doll.

Beautiful Girlhood, Revised By Karen Andreola