Staff Favorites: Family Books

Reading together as a family is a great way to make memories, learn together, and start great conversations. We often say at camp that shared experience builds trust, and what better way to share an experience than to open a book together? 

We asked our full-time staff to share books that they love to read as a family and books that talk about families. Here are a few of our favorites broken down into three different categories.

Read Together Books

Little Green Peas by Keith Baker – “For those with toddlers, the Little Green Peas books have been family favorites this fall. The whimsical illustrations are jam-packed with action, resulting in lots and lots of things to talk about. There’s also a ladybug hiding somewhere on each spread. Who can resist cute baby peas?” – Jesse “Schmoe” Garner

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann – “These are a couple my momma used to read to me to show me my worth and also ones to make me laugh. I recommend these as books that allow for kids to explore nature. Also, to show the undying love parents have for their kids, until the time kids will need to take care of their parents. We are raised for such a time as this.” -EJ “Pops” Hibbler 

God’s Great Plan by Melissa Cutrera – “We currently love this picture book! It lines out the Gospel with beautiful visuals and easy to read rhyming poetry. While my daughter, Claire, is still too young to understand it, I can’t read the book without crying—just a great picture of God’s love for us and His incredible plan for salvation from the very beginning. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.” – Coleson “Mish” Lechner

You are Special by Max Lucado – “This is an incredibly powerful kids book about identity and self-worth. It’s easy to understand and profound enough to school an adult.” – Jessica “IcyHot” Anthony

The Treasure Tree by John and Cindy Trent and Gary and Norma Smalley – “This was one of our family’s favorite books when our children were elementary age. We were first introduced to this wonderful book at the Woods family camp when the Cove Kids counselors read it to our children. Your kids will love this creative and fun book in which four animals (otter, beaver, golden retriever, and lion) teach personality traits and how to respect and appreciate each individual for who they are.” – Julie “Meow Mix” Livesay

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis – “My girls grew up hearing their dad read them chapters every night before bed. It fostered a love of reading and helped them see themes of God’s salvation story through this amazing fantasy book!” – Susan “Singing TeddyGram” Andreone

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle – “This is a great read-aloud for the whole family, but it’s also about a family. Meg’s love for her dad and brother means she’ll risk pretty much anything to get them back. You’ll still be talking about scenes from this book long after reading it.” – Julie “Meow Mix” Livesay

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom – “Amazing book about an amazing family.” – Jan “Sugar Pop” Robertson

Devotional Books

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones – “No questions asked… it’s amazing. My wife, Carrie, and I both tear up when we read it to our kids. Even if you don’t have kids, I would recommend reading it. The author’s ability to tie the stories of the Bible into one big story is incredible.” – Chad “Run By Ya” Larsh

Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science by Louie Giglio – “This is a family devo book about how God’s creation tells His story!” – Jessica “IcyHot” Anthony

Books For Parents

The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch – “This book has good insight on putting technology in its place in the home, and using it to help in parenting, not hurt.” – Michael “Bird” Atkinson

The Storm-Tossed Family by Russell Moore – “Moore is one of the most tweetable Christian authors out there. He has a way of challenging your faith to grow in just a few short words. In this book he explores what Jesus has to say about the family and how the gospel changes family forever.” – Julie “Meow Mix” Livesay