Want to know my favorite books of all time?? Lamplighter books! Lamplighter is a publishing company that takes very old and rare books, puts them into print, binds them with beautifully crafted covers, and then sells them with the sole purpose of drawing hearts to the Lord. I bought my first title somewhere around 7 years ago after hearing Mark Hamby (founder of the company) speak at a conference. Mr. Hamby has a heart on fire for spreading the Gospel and encouraging believers. His testimonies are inspiring, faith-filled, George Muller- like stories of trusting God to provide even when it seemed impossible.
The Lamplighter website is easy to use and organized well, listing titles by age recommendation and also by gender. Each book link includes a description of the story, and an idea of the character trait it addresses (selfishness, pride, faith, etc). There are monthly book clubs that allow for increased savings. Though the books are not cheap, I promise they are worth the extra money for the quality of the book itself and the treasure each story holds. If you ever see a “Scratch and “Dent” section, buy them! The price is reduced, but the quality is still great. These are books that received minor flaws in the binding process. Much of the time you can’t even find the error.
My family and I began giving these to my kids for Christmas years ago. Admittedly, the books would be put to the side for the new toys they received. These books were written in the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s, so you can imagine the language is a bit more challenging (another aspect I love as it exposes them to new concepts and vocabulary). I always read these books aloud in order to explain any vocabulary with which they weren’t familiar. The kids always enjoyed them and asked me to read “one more chapter!” After a few years of reading them, my children have developed a true love for these books and now say they are some of their very favorite gifts! This year my kiddos picked them up themselves and began reading them on Christmas Day!!
Not a reader? One of my girls enjoys listening much more than reading, as she says she “gets more out of it.” Lamplighter has amazing audiodramas. These are much different than your typical audiobook- think “movie for your ears.” The audiodramas are performed by talented actors and actresses and are complete with sound effects. These are perfect for everyday car rides or long trips. I’ve even played them while the kids eat lunch. These dramas can get pretty intense, so check the age recommendations!
Mark Hamby also has a fabulous podcast titled, “Fastened Like Nails.” Each time I listen to him, I walk away with new information and encouragement. He is one of those wise people who is always filling his mind, particularly with the Word of God.
I’m going to list some of our favorite Lamplighter books, though I’m convinced you can’t go wrong with any of the titles.
Illustrated:
- Teddy’s Button by Amy Lefevre (Rylee listened to me read this aloud when she was six. Shortly after, she began confessing sin and gave her life to the Lord.)
- Sanji’s Seed by B.J. Reinhard (I probably read this yearly.)
- Tales of the Kingdom by D. And K. Maines
- Tales of the Resistance
- Tales of the Restoration (Some of the chapters in the Kingdom Tales series can be a little rough, but don’t give it up! They are totally worth it! 9-14 year olds)
- Hedge of Thorns by John Carrol
- The Three Weavers by Annie Fellows Johnston (This is a great book for girls! We read it when mine were younger and are now revisiting this as they are getting older.)
- The Beggar’ Blessing (a true story retold by Mark Hamby)
Chapter books:
- Mary Jones and Her Bible (incredible and based on a true story) by Mary E. Ropes
- The Children of Cloverley by Hesba Stretton
- Hero Prince and the Odd One by Amy LeFeuvre
- Little Threads by Elizabeth Prentiss
- Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince by Sidney Baldwin
- True to the Last by Evelyn Everett-Green (so so good!!)
I know I’ve listed these Lamplighter books under the “Children’s Books” section, but I have gleaned so very much from them as well. I wish I had time to read all of them aloud. What special moments we have shared discussing these books as a family!
Let me know if you have any questions about particular books I haven’t listed, because we may have read and loved them. Our family would greatly enjoy hearing which books you have read or are reading so feel free to message, text, or call us!
Visit the Lamplighter site here:
