Four Older Book to Read to Your Kids in the New Year

When we bought our 1950s-era house, it came with a vintage pool table in the basement. A few weeks ago, my husband opened the table to fix some jammed balls. While inspecting the inside, he discovered an old newspaper, neatly folded and tucked away.

The newspaper was a 1970 edition of The Niles Daily Star. It was filled with fascinating cultural snapshots from that day—shockingly low grocery prices and one especially questionable recipe for a sardine and bean salad.

My mom decided it would be hilarious to recreate the sardine salad for me at our family Christmas dinner. I fully expected it to taste as gross as it sounded—but to my surprise, it was actually delicious. The dish reminded me of a really good tuna salad, and I genuinely enjoyed it.

That unexpected experience reminded me that we can learn surprising things from old printed papers. We don’t always need to chase the next new thing; sometimes, revisiting the old is good for us, too.

As we enter a new year, I hope to instill timeless values and truths in my kids by reading them good, old literature.

Here are a few of our family’s favorites that I highly recommend reading with your kids this year:

1. The Pilgrims Progress Illustrated Adventure for Kids by Phil A. Smouse. This version of the book is told in a way that kids can easily understand, and has brought great conversations with our kids.
   

   "There are many paths that intersect with the Narrow Way, but beware for those paths are crooked and wide. This is how you can tell the right path from the wrong path: the right path is the only path that is straight and narrow. And that Narrow Way is the only way you must go." There is also an animated film on Amazon Prime that I would highly encourage you to see with your children after reading the book.
   

2. The Answers Books for Kids by Ken Ham This book series takes the Christian faith deeper by explaining scientifically how and why we can trust that the Bible is true. It answers tough questions that kids ask about topics like creation, dinosaurs, the flood of Noah, evolution etc.

   I think it is super important for Christian parents to talk to our kids about the why and the evidence that supports why we believe what we teach our kids. If we do not, our kids may parrot what we say but miss the reality of it. We can teach them to defend the faith at an early age, so that when they grow up they will not be confused or swayed by cultural lies, but rather deeply rooted and grounded in the truth.
   

3. Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime by Janet & Geoff Benge This is one of my favorite stories in church history. Reading this true biography with your kids will open their eyes to the adventure that following Jesus can be. It also will challenge them to persevere into the calling that God places on their lives, and give them a heart for international missions.

   Gladys Aylward was a maid that felt called to become a missionary in China. However she was rejected from the China Inland Mission because they did not think she was capable. But Gladys did not let that stop her. She found her own way to China, facing incredible challenges along the way. She eventually saved hundreds of orphans lives by helping them escape from invading army. God used her bravery and selfless obedience in a big way. It will definitely inspire your entire family.
   

4. God's Design for Sex by Carolyn Nystrom This four-book series addresses sex at age-appropriate levels and encourages parents to view the topic as an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time talk. It covers subjects such as gender identity, appropriate physical boundaries, and where babies come from, all within the context of God’s design.
   

   In a sex-saturated and confused world, our kids are going to hear cultural lies about this topic—it’s not a matter of if, but when. As parents, it’s vital that we are the first to start these conversations and create a safe, shame-free environment for questions. I highly recommend choosing the book in the series that best matches your child’s age and reading it together this year.

That folded newspaper hidden inside our old pool table reminded me that wisdom doesn’t expire. Sometimes the things we assume are outdated still have value—and can even surprise us in the best ways. The same is true when it comes to what we place in front of our children.

Reading to our kids is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways we can pass those truths on. Through stories, biographies, and thoughtful conversations, we are inviting them to slow down, think deeply, and anchor their lives in what lasts. As the world continues to shout for their attention with the next new thing, my hope is that our children will learn to love what is good, true, and enduring—and that these old stories will quietly shape their hearts for years to come.

*Edited by Chat GPT