Children’s book recommendations with Audrey Peacock
Audrey’s Bookshelf
Good stories, curious minds, and a little wisdom from a retired gifted teacher.
Pull up a chair. Let’s find a book worth sharing with a child you love.
I’m Audrey, a retired teacher with more than 20 years in education, including 12 as a gifted specialist. Children’s books and the conversations they open still have a special place in my heart.
This is my little corner for parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone who enjoys watching a child discover something new. You’ll find book recommendations, questions you can borrow, and simple ways to follow a child’s curiosity.
Find your shelf
What shall we read together?
Start with the kind of story you’re looking for. A book may belong on more than one shelf—good stories give us plenty to explore.
Share a story
Read-Aloud Favorites
Stories that are a pleasure to share, with memorable characters, inviting illustrations, and plenty to talk about along the way.
First on this shelf: Madeline
Explore Madeline →Make room for feelings
Big Feelings & Brave Hearts
Books that open gentle conversations about courage, kindness, friendship, belonging, and being yourself.
Start with courage: Madeline
Meet a little girl with a big spirit →Follow a question
Books for Curious Minds
Books that invite children to wonder, imagine, notice patterns, explore possibilities, and consider another point of view.
This shelf is growing. Recommendations coming soon.
Featured on Audrey’s Bookshelf
Small girl. Big spirit. Meet Madeline.
Written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans
A spirited little girl, a Paris setting, and an unexpected turn make Madeline a lovely starting point for reading together and talking about courage and individuality.
Visit her book page for my teacher’s perspective, conversation starters, a simple Paris activity, and the Amazon link.
Take a closer look at MadelineA teacher’s eye. An aunt’s heart.
Enjoy the story. Follow the curiosity.
My gifted education background shapes the questions I bring to a book, but this bookshelf is for any curious child. I look for stories that invite children to notice, imagine, and see another point of view.
Each book page gives you a closer look at the story, ideas for conversation, and an optional activity. Use what fits your child and the moment. There’s no need to turn story time into a lesson.
I’ll add more books as this collection grows, and the featured spot will give us a place to share a fresh recommendation. The books already here will keep their own pages so you can return to them.
For now, open a book and enjoy the child beside you. You don’t have to ask a single question for that time to matter.
Happy reading,
Audrey