Usborne: Books Children Must Read (and They Want To!)

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Through all the ins and outs of homeschooling, the good days, the bad days, the long days and the occasional “never leave your jammies” days it’s interesting to see how there is a consistent core that centers around Usborne Books.

usborne homeschool books

 

NO MORE MELTDOWNS AT THE LIBRARY!  

  • NO MORE GUESSING WHICH BOOKS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT
  •  ENJOY GOING TO THE LIBRARY AGAIN
  • A LIST FOR EACH LETTER OF THE ALPHABET

We are HUGE fans of Usborne Books at our house because… oh man, there are so many reasons! The colorful illustrations, the quality of the writing, even the type of paper they are printed on. And of course, the wide range of really cool topics they cover. Usborne Books seem like a homeschooling family’s best friend because they complement curriculum choices so well.

Books Children Must Read

We make ample use of the local library, but the Usborne books are the ones we buy so that we never have to give them back!

Open a page and dive into a conversation with your kids.

Books Children Must Read

The pictures just make you want to drool.

Best-Usborne-Book-011

The quality of the content? Top Drawer. No commercial tie-ins or movie characters, just lots of interesting facts, analysis, observations and info.

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And there aren’t too many other books that consistently compete so well against the siren song of “technology.”

So what are my current favorites?

Greek Myths for Kids

Illustrated Greek Myths – Actually, I can’t say this is my current favorite, because it’s honestly my ALL TIME favorite.  It’s the first Usborne Book that we bought and it’s still top of my list.  I love the idea of introducing our kids to classic literature at an age appropriate level so that as they grow older the information will become more and more accessible.

Greek myths for kids

Illustrated Greek Myths does that for our six-year-old son…  He talks about Odysseus and Perseus like they are Super Man and Captain America.  He knows (an age appropriate) version of the plot lines and he’s enthralled by the pictures.  On a play date last month, he even sat down to “read” the book to his buddy so that they could re-enact one of the stories. Total Win.

Usborne-Book-001

Book of Famous Paintings – I can safely argue that homeschooling is a great way to redeem Mommy’s education.  I took an Art History class in college, crammed for the test and then proceeded to forget everything I learned.  This beautiful book of famous paintings is my attempt to make sure that our kids don’t suffer from the same fate.

Famous Paintings

Once a week we focus on one of the paintings – I ask them what colors the artist use, what the subject is, and I read the content on that artist or painting. We keep the book near the couch and I see the kids flipping through the pages to see “what comes next.”

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I especially love the little “factoid snippets” that highlight information about the painting – it’s like the audio tour at an art museum that helps to unlock the image.  I totally love those!

Secrets of the Apple Tree

Secrets of the Apple Tree – Maybe because it’s fall, maybe because we’re studying ecology, maybe because I’m craving Apple Butter, but probably because this book is really, really creative.  It’s part of the Shine-A-Light series where the first page tells information about the story…

Secrets of the Apple Tree

…And then if you hold a flashlight to the back of the page it “reveals” an entire new set of information.

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It’s like a secret decoder ring and every. single. time. my kids think it’s SO COOL. Usborne has one for Rain Forests and the Sea Shore as well – we’ll probably see those under the Christmas Tree at our house this year!

How about you?  What are your favorite Usborne titles?

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Special Event!

Interested in learning more about Usborne Books?  You’re invited to join Crystal & Co for a Facebook Party on October 21.  You can learn more about Usborne Books, ask questions about what books might be the best fit for your family, plus you’ll have the chance to win a $50 Gift Card to buy your favorites!  The party will last 30 minutes and there will be two time options – October 21 at 12:00 PM EST and October 21 at 10:00 PM EST.  Simply fill out this form to receive an invite for the time that works best for you!

11 Comments

  1. As a homeschool family, we have a nice collection of Usborne books. You are so right- IMPECCABLE!! I learn something new every time I read one.

    Three of my favorites are Living Long Ago (super awesome for younger kids learning about History), The Body Book and Science Activities. Our 7th grader enjoys the Human Body book too!

    I am really eyeballing that Questions and Answers book you shared and Secrets of the Apple Tree!

    I can’t wait to increase our stockpile! Some of the best books for homeschooling you can find!!

  2. The kindergarten teacher in my is drooling over the fabulous illustrations in Usborne books. Thanks so much for sharing with us their awesome selection!
    ~ Ashley

    1. Ashley- I LOVE their books! We have many!

      You should totally join us for the Facebook party!

  3. Usborne is my go to books when it comes to homeschool lessons. Not only can I count on them to have beautiful graphics to help make lessons come to life but they are also always jam packed with information. We own the Book of Famous Paintings but I will have to check out the rest of the books you mentioned above 🙂

    1. I seriously learned more about our world’s history while reading Living Long Ago with our twins, than I learned in all of my school years of public education.

  4. Christie @ Practical Princess Diaries says:

    I love Usborne books. As a homeschool mom they make learning fun, and easy. We have the Famous Paintings book. I will be looking into the Medieval World book.

    1. That famous paintings book looks like something our 13 year old would be interested in reading.

  5. Susan - Designs of Home says:

    I saw at least 2 books, I think my 4 yr old niece would love! Thanks, so much.

  6. I LOVE Usborne books! I look for them when I can. The girl love them and easy to use. You know you are getting quality when you buy them. I have a lot of them in our home library and would not change it for anything!

  7. Carrie Demas says:

    I am excited to learn more about Usborne Books and to join the Facebook party on 10/21 at 10 PM EST! I filled out the form for an invite! Thank you! 🙂 ~ Carrie Demas

    1. Yay! We are so excited to have you! I can’t wait for the party!

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