Reading, Writing & Pondering

The Story of George Washington by Patricia A. Pingry is a part of the "Story Of" reader series from Worthy Kids. This is a great series to get children thinking about United States history. The Story of George Washington helps children see the basics of who George Washington was, learn the basics of the story of the cherry tree, see his influence on the beginning of our country and know that he was our first President. While some of the words may be a little big, as a whole this is a great book. Parents can fill in some of the gaps orally if questions are asked and explain in more details or help children find the answers they are looking for.  With Presidents Day coming up in February, this would make a great book to put in a toddler's library. The book contains about 200 words, is 24 pages long and has brightly-colored eye-catching pictures. The book measures about six inches square so would be easy for small hands to hold and turn the pages. The Story of George Washi...

Which Shape Should I Be? by Pamela Kennedy is a cute board book for young children teaching all kinds of shapes. There are nine shapes for children to learn in Which Shape Should I Be? Whether it is the basic square or circle or stars or hearts, this book helps young children identify them. The books makes sort of an interactive game out of it on each page which I think makes it rather fun. At the end of the book, children see that God not only made shapes but made them each a certain shape and all are special based on Psalm 139:14. The pictures show children in all shapes, and colors, and some with disabilities. This sturdy board book measures about 6 inches square and has thick cardboard pages for little hands to turn on their own. Which Shape Should I Be? is a book that I think is great for young children--up to about four years of age. I like that it teaches children about shapes. I also like that it teaches children that God makes us all differently and we aren't meant...

The Jesus Calling series of books by Sarah Young have been my devotions for the past few years. My son and I have also done the regular children's devotional books. I was excited to see there is a special Jesus Calling:The Story of Christmas book. Jesus Calling:The Story of Christmas has twelve devotional readings for young children. At the start of the book, after the presentation page, Sarah Young write a one page letter to parents and grandparents telling about her family and why she wrote the book as well as her hopes for the book. I especially liked this added touch. The book then goes into the brightly illustrated pages with the devotions, most of which are on two pages. Each devotion has a Scripture reading, followed be the devotion and ending with a reminder of who Jesus is and what he does in the Jesus Calling section. I think Jesus Calling:The Story of Christmas would be a great addition to any family's Christmas readings and traditional books to use year after ...