Making Time for Books by Jessie Weaver
Before we left the hospital with our newest bundle of joy in December, we were required to watch a DVD.
Great, I thought. One more delay keeping me from my soft bed, toddler, and Christmas celebration. (Have you ever slept on a hospital bed? I'd rather just go straight home after delivery so I can sleep on my own pillowtop mattress.)
The DVD was actually sort of interesting, though. It was an encouragement to read to your children. A kindergarten teacher told that she could tell whether a child had been read to or not before their entry to school. The difference between the vocabulary level of a child who had been read to and one who hadn't was thousands of words!
As someone with a BA in English and a total bibliophile, I was thrilled to hear these stats. I've been reading to my daughter since she was a few days old. The small toddler period where she would not sit still for even a short picture book tore me apart.
Now, at two-and-a-half, Libbie will listen to a whole stack of books. She relishes trips to the library, "reads" books in her bed at naptime, and can recite most of Green Eggs and Ham.
As a parent who is striving to instill Christian values in her children, I do filter what she reads. She does not read books where rude behavior is tolerated or celebrated. Nothing with language I deem inappropriate. While we do read an abundance of books of every kind, I especially try to choose books that teach biblical stories or stress the love of Christ.
Here are some of our favorites so far:
- Gigi, God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh
- Daniel and the Lions (Beginner's Bible Series)
- This Little Light of Mine (picture book)
- The Jesus Storybook Bible
- Lift and Learn New Testament Stories
- Just Like Jesus Said series by Melody Carlson
- Little One, God Loves You by Amy Warren Hilliker
I'd love to hear your suggestions for other God-honoring books for children. My oldest is a toddler, so that's is where my list comes from, but I'd be grateful to have a list for my kids as they grow!
Comments (2)
My daughters love to read to. There are probably too many books I could suggest but a few of our favorite authors are Max Locado (just in case you ever wonder is a favorite) Kenneth N. Taylor and Lisa Bergren- hope that helps!
Posted on May 16, 2011 10:19 AM
One of Aaron's favorite's right now is Noah's Crew Came 2 x 2 by Mindy MacDonald. There are two others in the series about the 12 disciples and the fruits of the spirit that I haven't gotten yet. Good bibical message in a way kids' understand!
Posted on May 16, 2011 11:49 AM