Nina Wheeling

kids-need-books

  • The Value of “Story”

    When Jesus wanted to teach us about God, His love, and His purpose, He used stories!  When He wanted to teach us about how to treat others and how to forgive, He used stories. When He wanted to show us… Continue reading

  • Books, the Best Gifts

    Books are such good gifts. We can teach our kids that books are wonderful gifts by exposing them to books from an early age and showing joy over receiving one. Our grandchildren have so many books, possibly too many books…..… Continue reading

  • Books and Music

    Can playing music while reading actually improve reading comprehension? Music can certainly invoke emotions and memories, and it can also “set a mood”.  As I mentioned in previous blogs, I would often play calm, instrumental music during reading and writing… Continue reading

  • What Doesn’t Dolly Do?

    LINK to register for IMAGINATION LIBRARY When our first grandson was born, we registerd for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. At first, I felt guilty about signing up, knowing that we had ample access to books and libraries. But, when we… Continue reading

  • A Holy Home

    This term was used in the sermon Sunday and it has just stayed with me. Of all of the things I hoped to create in our home when my kids were growing up, it was probably this- a home where… Continue reading

  • Theme Days

    The kids are HOME for the summer and we just may need some fun summer day ideas. Well, the books we already own can give us all kinds of clever ideas to help us create sweet summer memories. Each book… Continue reading

  • Bring Back a Book (from “vacay”)

    Summer has arrived and here in NC, many of us hope to spend a bit of time at the beach or on vacation.  Many of you may call this “the shore”- same thing- we like the whole vibe of those… Continue reading

  • Who was Saint Valentine?

    I’m not sure if I ever really learned the history of Valentine’s Day or the story of Saint Valentine as a child.    Yes, there was a man in Ancient Roma named St. Valentine.  He was a Roman priest and physician… Continue reading

  • An Attitude of Gratitude

    Is an attitude of thankfulness something that comes naturally to us?  Do we need to be taught to live with an attitude of gratitude? Does it depend on circumstances?  Scripture teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances… and that… Continue reading

  • Books Can Set the Tone in the Home

    In literature, “tone” refers to the author’s attitude toward a certain topic. Through specific word choices, an author reveals their opinions, feelings and intentions regarding the text. Tone reflects a writer’s feelings toward the topic, such as formal, informal, serious, humorous,… Continue reading

  • Building Book Interaction

    We know as parents and grandparents that reading to our kiddoes is good for them, and even good for us. But, sometimes we just can’t seem to get our kids to stay focused as we try to complete a story.… Continue reading

  • Creation….Points to a Creator

    “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalms 19:1 October is upon us with its colorful array of leaves. Fall or autumn has always been my favorite season and it’s because… Continue reading

  • WHATEVER WORKS!

    How long should our reading time be? Whatever works for your family. How many books should we read? Whatever works for your family. When should we try to fit this into our schedule? Whenever works! If you’re trying to establish… Continue reading

  • WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS has a Place on Our Bookshelves

    Ten years after his children’s book The Giving Tree was published, Shel Silverstein’s editor Ursula Nordstrom (Harper & Row) convinced him to write a book of poetry. In 1974, Silverstein released Where the Sidewalk Ends, and dedicated it, “For Ursula.”  I am one of the… Continue reading

  • Manners Matter and Books Can Help!

    Manners matter.  They matter for both children and adults. And I don’t believe I’m the only one who feels this way.  Maybe those of us who have “lived a bit more life” feel strongly about this, but I do have… Continue reading

  • Rhymes, Rhythm, and Dr. Seuss!

    Using books with RHYME and RHYTHM is a fun way to keep our kids’ attention when we are reading with or to them. When I read/sing a book with rhyme (like Baby Beluga , Jesus Loves Me or Night, Night… Continue reading

  • Kids and Covenants

    What is a covenant and how is it different from a promise?  And why is the concept of a “covenant” something worth teaching our children?  According to  Crosswalk.com, “Covenants can be loosely compared to promises, but often with more weight… Continue reading

  • Create an Alternate Ending

    We have favorite stories and hopefully, they’re not all from movies….right?  Hopefully, we have lots of favorite BOOKS that we share with our littles! An idea to initiate conversations and to spark creativity is to challenge our kids to create… Continue reading

  • Success with the Easter Hunt (for Books!)

    Hunts can lead to discovery of new things, and that is certainly what I’ve discovered on this little writing journey.   I began this adventure with the hopes of giving parents/grandparents ideas of how we can use books to raise our… Continue reading

  • Teaching “THANKFUL”

    Is an attitude of thankfulness something that comes naturally to us?  Do we need to be taught to live with an attitude of gratitude? Does it depend on circumstances?  Does it depend on our belief system? What I do know… Continue reading

  • The Work of His Hands

    “The heavens declare the glory of the Lord; the skies proclaim the work of His Hands”, Psalms 19:1. Autumn in North Carolina is my absolute favorite season. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the Carolina… Continue reading