Yayyyy! School is almost out and summer vacation is about to begin!

Let’s talk about summer reading and activities. Kids need to read or be read to during the summer. Local libraries have great summer reading programs and resources. But, what about us parents or grandparents who want our kids to read or hear books with a clear Christian message. Where do we go? Who do we trust? Well, because I have been networking for several years now I have become friends with quite a few wonderful Christian authors with beautiful books. These I have bought myself and have read them to my Readers Theater Classes (K-2nd grade) and they loved them.

Ellen’s Summertime Best Book Pics

The Best Trophy by Jenn N Wilson linktr.ee/jennifernoelwilson

This sweet story shows friends praying for each other and teaches friendship is more important than winning. Jenn also hosts 60 second prayer focuses for our kids. I love this because nothing is more important than praying for our children and grandchildren.

Barnaby the Runaway Sheep, A Parable of the Lost Sheep by Maria Antonia linktr.ee/ofmariaantonia

I loved this book so much I bought one for Easter for my youngest grandson! This adorable book is about a sheep name Barnaby who has a loving Shepherd and young farmer who care for him, but Barnaby is afraid of shearing time. So he runs away, and his Shepherd looks and looks for him till he is found. This book comes with real life information about sheep and sheep shearing. It also has discussion questions for spiritual application. My kids did a craft with a cotton balls and glue sticks. I drew a picture of a sheep and the kids rubbed the glue stick all over the sheep and then tapped the cotton ball on the glue so it sticks and leaves fluffy cotton ball pieces behind until their sheep was nice and fluffy!

A Feather of the Brightest Color by Kirthana J. Fanning

This book comes with a beautiful blue feather that you can let your child hold while you read the story. It is a sweet story about a little boy who prays for his village that has become unkind and uncaring. As he prays he begins to see a miracle of color and change in the people of his village. It teaches a great lesson in answered prayer. It also opens up for great discussions about prayer and who we can pray for. You can find Kirthana and her books at www.kirthanajfanning.comwww.kirthanajfanning.com

Kirthana also has a YouTube Christian TV channel for children that is super great for kids and parents, it’s called Read, Believe, Grow TV! Find her channel at https://youtu.be/2AcItkIE228?si=o4oVRZNx7m1KpaWY

Seeds of Sunshine by Ellen Kolman is a great summertime book because we can go on nature hikes and look for butterflies and blow dandelion puffs! There are so many cute activities and crafts that can enhance your reading experience with my book.

Sunshine snack: top yogurt with walnuts and blueberries

Sunshine puffs: If no dandelion puffs are available, blow bubbles and talk about how our words fall over everyone around us just like the puffs and the bubbles

Sunshine craft: On yellow construction paper draw or cut out a large circle representing the dandelion flower. Rub glue stick along the edge of the circle and glue on cotton balls all the way around to create the puffs. As you glue them on one at a time name a kind word we can use everyday. If you have cut out the circle add a green stem to complete your dandelion/turned puff.

Next time I will choose more books and fun activities….So stay tuned and have a great start to your summer!!!!

Love Ellen