3 Great Book Series For Kids That Aren't The Usuals

1. The Secret of The Ginger Mice

This book is part of a trilogy and, while I have not yet read the two that come after it, this book was an absolute favorite from the moment I first read it. It's one of those books where the kids can enjoy the adventure and the adults will be intrigued by the plot as well. The story follows the adventures of triplet mice, Allistair, Alice, and Alex and the new friend they meet named Tibby Rose. There are pirates, spies, and wandering gypsies. It's a simply charming read.

2.  The Hank The Cowdog Series

There are currently 68 books in the series, most of which have also been put into audio dramatization with readings by the author and they are awesome!!! They follow the humorous tales of a dog on a ranch in Texas and his doggie pal, Drover, and the ranch's owner, family, and ranch hand Slim. They're just plain funny for people of all ages, whether they've ever lived on a ranch or farm or not, and when you 3/4ths of the way through and the plot really gets to boiling it never fails to surprise everyone and get the whole room laughing! 10/10 highly recommend.

3. The Children's Books by Patricia St. John

The author spent many years both as a doctor in Morocco and later as a kind house mistress for a boarding school for children of missionaries in the early 20th century. She wrote these books to read aloud to those children, and they stand on their own feet just as well. They talk to kids from the point of view of kids and adults without a speck of patronizing, and Patricia St. John has a way of putting complex life lessons into simple stories that are easy for everyone to comprehend. The books are captivating for an audience and make great read alouds. I recommend starting with my personal favorite, Rainbow Garden, which tells the story of a young girl from the city named Eileen who goes to live and learns to love with a large and rambunctious parson's family -and their interesting neighbors- in the country while her socialite mother goes abroad. 

These are just some of my favorites and I'm always on the lookout for new ones for the kids in my life! :)