Diogenes: Story of the Greek Philosopher

Sometimes even topics which seem far away in time and remote from the lives of children today suddenly become fascinating due to an especially well-written book. I really enjoy books that make history (and general knowledge) accessible in such a great way.
~ Diogenes: Story of the Greek Philosopher, told and illustrated by Aliki, belongs among such gems - a delightful picture book which is easily enjoyed by all ages and a well-crafted story right from the beginning:

"Long ago, in distant, ancient Greece, there was a man named Diogenes who dressed like a beggar and lived in the streets. Yet he became known as one of the greatest philosophers of his time. 
This is how it happened."

Books for Young Boys (exciting stories they can read themselves)

These are two favourite series of older easy readers that many boys love and enjoy. My own son, who is just finishing the third grade,  is certainly no exception!
Exciting stories they can will want to read themselves.

The Butternut Bill books, by Edith McCall, are wonderfully engaging, funny and exciting. Even I was eager to find out what would happen next! Yet, at the same time, they are easy to read, perfect for the elementary years.
Butternut Bill is a frontier boy who lives with his grandmother, his beloved donkey Lazy Daisy, and his pet bird Jolly Joe. Together with their pioneer friends they weather a storm, meet bears in the woods, catch catfish, and witness the first train coming to their small western town.
Accompanied by lovely drawings, these stories are of so much better quality than many "early readers" today. They are a great way to ignite an early love of reading in boys - and girls alike.

Books in this series:

~ Butternut Bill
~ Butternut Bill and the Bee Tree
~ Butternut Bill and the Big Catfish
~ Butternut Bill and the Bear
~ Butternut Bill and Little River
~ Butternut Bill and the Big Pumpkin
~ Butternut Bill and His Friends
~ Butternut Bill and the Train

The illustrations are superb!

The Billy and Blaze series, by C.W. Anderson, is another great series of books for readers who are beginning to enjoy stories beyond the very early readers; the layout is pleasing and not overwhelming.
 A boy and his pony experience many exciting adventures together. Adventures that will not only thrill horse enthusiasts!
Classics with good, wholesome values.

Girls will very much enjoy these, too!

Books in this series:

~ Billy and Blaze
~ Blaze and the Gypsies
~ Blaze and the Forest Fire
~ Blaze Finds the Trail
~ Blaze and Thunderbolt
~ Blaze and the Mountain Lion
~ Blaze and the Indian Cave
~ Blaze and the Lost Quarry
~ Blaze and the Gray Spotted Pony
~ Blaze Shows the Way
~ Blaze Finds Forgotten Roads

From My Book of Mottoes

"That what does not get structured narratively suffers loss in memory"

                                     ~ Jerome Bruner