reading-matters
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Booking and Cooking!
A fun and interactive way to “read” with our kids this summer is to use cookbooks. As we BOOK TIME WITH OUR KIDS, we can turn “booking” into cooking! There are so many benefits to using cookbooks with our kiddoes.… Continue reading
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SIMPLE
Booking Time with Our Kids this summer can be natural and simple….and impactful. Have you heard the acronym KISS, which stand for Keep it Simple, Silly or sweetie or whatever “name” you prefer :)? It’s become a mantra in our… Continue reading
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Books to Join July 4th Celebrations!
July 4th 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… Continue reading
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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
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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
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The Benefits of Books (with our guys!)
We recognize as parents, grandparents, caregivers, and aunties and uncles that reading with our littles is GOOD for them; it’s beneficial for their developing minds and it’s good for their hearts too, providing quiet time away from all the other… Continue reading
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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
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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
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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
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Preparing for Holy Week
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV Sometimes I have… Continue reading
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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
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Hunting for Easter (not just eggs :))
Hunting for Easter eggs can be fun, and yes, we hid eggs for our kids to find when they were young. Where did this idea come from? I learned a lot when I started looking into this tradition! “Easter eggs… Continue reading
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Sharing EASTER, with Books
The EASTER STORY; written by Autumn Ward, Illustrated by Joseph Goode This year, Easter Sunday will fall on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Easter is one of the central holidays, or Holy Days, of Christianity. It honors the Resurrection of Jesus three days… Continue reading
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What is it About RHYMES?
Hands down, I gravitate towards a children’s book that contains rhymes. It’s fun to read a creative story with rhyme with our little ones. Why do we enjoy this so much and why do our little ones “know” what is… Continue reading
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Incorporate (Your Idea of) Good Music
MUSIC can be good for the soul. We may have varying opinions about what qualifies as “good” music, but most of us listen to music because it brings us pleasure, as a part of worship, or it helps us relax… Continue reading
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It’s Good for Them….and Us
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… Continue reading
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Follow the Breadcrumbs
Reading time with our kids can lead to something even more special. Talking. We just have to follow the breadcrumbs. Personally, I can be a take-charge kind of person. But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the value of LISTENING over… Continue reading
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Tuning-in to Tone
An author creates a TONE within his or her story, based on the purpose of the book. Some authors write mysteries of intrigue to keep us guessing, some write to teach or inform, others write to inspire and give hope,… Continue reading
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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
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MAKE ROOM~ (Prepare Him Room)
Our pastor’s sermon Sunday was titled PREPARE HIM ROOM. There was no “room” at the Inn, or anywhere in town, as Mary and Joseph entered into Bethlehem. As the Creator of the Universe entered into humanity, there was no room. … Continue reading
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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
Nina Wheeling 