Hello! By now we all should be settling into our various summertime routines. I have been a busy girl with performing a local theater production of The Wizard of Oz. I am Auntie Em and having a wonderful time! This week has also been Vacation Bible School at our church, so lots of activities with a lot of kids, (which is my favorite thing)! L
Last time we talked I started a list of my favorites for reading-out-loud time with your children/grandchildren. So, here are a few more:
It Started With a P by Brittany Pomales, this is a hilarious book about a young king who, on the morning of his birthday party, decides everything that starts with the letter P must go! This cleverly written and creatively illustrated book is wonderfully entertaining for kids and grown-ups, and will also lead to all kinds of learning and discussion opportunities. Teaching the alphabet? Trying to boost vocabulary? Dedicate a whole week to all of these words starting with a P that “must go!” Talking about behavior and consequences? This is a super fun book to do just that! However you choose to incorporate this book into your life, you will not be disappointed. I loved it and bought a copy for home and school.
If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney, is a MUST in every Christian school classroom, homeschool, church and home! This book challenges the reader to let Jesus’ love shine through you! Imagine what a day might look like if Jesus came to school with you. If he sat with you in class, ate lunch with, and invited everyone to play at recess. In a fun and sweet way, this book helps us learn how we can be like Jesus to our friends and teachers, and spread His love to all, so no one feels too small! This book will open up many opportunities for discussions about we should treat the people around us. A great memory verse to go along with it could be, “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22: 37-39.
Sunshine Makes A Difference by Ellen Kolman is a sweet story where feathers and feelings fly when Sunshine, a young hedgehog’s joyful singing wakes a bitter elderly owl named Mr. Hoot. Upset he has angered the old owl, Sunshine runs to Grammy where she shares the owl’s history. Inspired to share the love of Jesus with Mr. Hoot, Sunshine, with Grammy’s help creates a special gift. Will Sunshine’s gift of loving kindness melt the old owl’s heart? This book teaches empathy and kindness in a fun and understandable way for young children. Companion activities include painting pictures of the forest, stars, and woodland animals. Lessons on owls and hedgehogs will bring the story to life. Have an elderly neighbor? Bring them flowers, garden produce, or a greeting card, something so they know they are not forgotten. Galatians 6:2 says, “Share each other’s troubles, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Thank you for spending a moment of your summer with me. Happy reading with your little ones!
Love, Ellen