I’m always looking for good kid’s books….on the topic at hand.  Often, I want to gift the boys with a book, and sometimes Nana just wants to add to my own “library” book shelf for when they visit.

When fall arrived, I searched for books about why leaves change colors, when Thanksgiving rolled around, I looked for books that simply and truthfully explained the first Thanksgiving and why the tradition has been carried on.  At Christmas, of course, I found books that told of Jesus’ birth and the first Christmas.  Now that spring is around the corner and Easter is about 40 days away (LENT begins Wednesday, March 5) I’m wanting children’s books that tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection.   And sadly, that has not been easy to find.

I actually didn’t have any books here for the kids about Jesus and the cross. I bought one last year and it is at their house, but I was ashamed when I realized that I didn’t own one myself!  When I looked at the store in a rather large book department, there was not ONE BOOK that actually told the real Easter story.  There were books about chicks and rabbits, colors and plants, and even puppies or eggs….but not one children’s book about Jesus Himself.

Amazon carried some and I ordered three. 

I’m so thankful that my kids have made it a priority to read to their kids.  The boys love reading time with mommy and daddy, and that makes me happy and grateful.   The boys actually get excited about new books- Daddy takes them to the library and Barnes and Noble on a regular basis.  My daughter-in-law told us about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and they receive a new book each month and open it with anticipation!  Mama has books all over the house for them to conveniently access.

There are simple things we can do as parents/grandparents to ensure that our kids see books/learning/information as GOOD and that receiving (the right) book can be such a gift:

1. Make reading time at home fun and cozy and simple.  Create an area that’s peaceful and inviting- just the place to curl up and read and talk.
2. Model reading:  let your kids see you read.  Use a book, a recipe, a magazine…. actual print on paper is probably best.
3. TURN OFF DEVICES.  Model/teach our kids that we can relax and learn without stimulation from a screen.  There is so much research supporting the idea that our kids need time away from screens.  We do too.
4. Take regular outings to the library and explore.  Let them experience story time and plays/theatre at the library.  Let them wander and explore and browse through different sections of children’s books. 
5. Go to your local bookstore for the same reasons…..there are so many cool interactives at Barnes and Noble and local bookstores for kids….and for us.
6. Use a family devotional book.  This is such a precious way to “read” together- using scripture and words of Truth, in print.   Lead in faith.
7. Give books as gifts and make a big deal out of it!  If you show excitement about a new book, they will feel excited too. 

As we BOOK TIME WITH OUR KIDS, let’s encourage excitement and anticipation over time together with a good book.   It’s beneficial for learning and discerning information, it’s helpful for creating conversation, and it’s good for their developing brains.  And honestly, it’s just as good for US as it is for them.

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