July 4^th celebrations will start this week with the official birthday of the USA being this Friday, July 4, 2025!   The United States of America is officially 249 years old this year, counting from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But the complete story of America’s age is more complex than a single date might suggest (USAHeaven.com).   Much sacrifice, hardship, and determination led to the freedoms and the life we have here in the United States of America.

As we Book Time With our Kids this summer, let’s include some relevant reading that connects to all of the fun celebrations we participate in.   Let’s enjoy the cookouts, the parties, and the fireworks, but let’s also be intentional to explain why we celebrate this day and to express gratitude.

A book that I got for the “grands” is The Berenstain Bears:  God Bless Our Country.  In the story, the family is getting ready for a July 4^th  parade, and Mama Bear mentions that this is a birthday party for our country.

Papa Bears says, “Our country was born long ago when the settlers who came here decided they didn’t like being ruled by a king who lived in a faraway land…They created a brand-new country of their own, with ideas that suited the brand-new country.  They wrote down their decision on a famous paper and signed it on the fourth day in July.  That’s why the Fourth of July is our country’s birthday”  Berenstain Bears, God Bless Our Country.   He goes on to explain that we are blessed because this country provided a place where folks from all over the world could come and be truly free.

Mama Bear adds this: “It reminds me of the Bible verse, “He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Those words are about Israel, not our own country.  But we are grateful for this rich and fruitful place.”

I like that this book teaches us about the 4^th of July, but I like the fact that it teaches gratefulness even more.

There are stickers included in the book, and there are three talking points at the end.  After the talking points there are two “Get out and do it” suggestions!  The second idea suggests this:  Create a thank-you card or poster, telling God thanks for the blessings He has given our country.  Ask Him for continued blessings.

There will be lake parties, pool parties, cook-outs, parades and fireworks.  There will be a lot of fun events for us to join.  And I think it’s important for us to remember:  Our kids won’t understand the freedoms we have unless we point them out.  Most of our kids don’t know anything else.  Our kids won’t understand how blessed and fortunate we are unless we teach this…talking to them about what freedom is and how rare and precious it is.   Our kids won’t understand what it means to live with gratitude and grateful hearts unless we model grateful hearts. 

So, this 4^th of July (History.com), let’s consider using books.  Let’s Book Time With our Kids to help us remember and give thanks and to help our littles realize that we are a blessed nation…  thanks be to God!

Children’s Books about July 4^th, Amazon.com

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