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I remember lamenting to my son’s second grade teacher a few years ago about the book choices he was making at the library.
It wasn’t that they were bad or inappropriate, but I felt like he wasn’t living up to his full reading potential.
She looked back at me sweetly and gently and said, “But is he reading?”
When I quickly responded yes, she returned by saying, “That’s the most important thing right now.”
Of course, I realized she was right. In the early years, and at any time in our children’s development, it’s important to make sure they are reading and developing a hunger to read more.
Of course, forcing books down their throats as parents isn’t going to help and that objective, but we can help by ensuring they have great books readily available whenever they do feel like reading.
As we here at Tommy Nelson celebrate Children’s Book Week, we want to do all we can to share not only some amazing resources we hope everyone in your family will love, but also offer helpful ways to encourage and foster a love of reading in each of your kids:
Children’s Book Week 2015 Roundup
It Will Be Ok
Whether we like it or not, growing up brings change. For many children, this conjures fears that are sometimes real and sometimes imagined. How can kids learn that even when they face new and unfamiliar situations, they don’t have to be afraid?
Little Seed and Little Fox are facing changes and brand new circumstances―and they don’t like it one bit! Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how new or fearful their circumstances, God is always with them.
Henry Hodges Needs a Friend
At some point, almost every child struggles with feeling like they don’t fit in or are left outùjust like Henry Hodges. Henry is a lonely little boy on a lonely little street who longs for a friend. One day, his mother and father take him to a pet rescue shelter and his lonely world is changed! Told in a playful rhyme with adorable illustrations, this book will be a favorite among children and parents who love dogs and, ultimately, will comfort and encourage children who struggle with feeling accepted and finding friends.
The Kid Who Changed the World
Also from Andy Andrews, The Kid Who Changed the World tells the story of Norman Borlaug, who would one day grow up and use his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people. Two billion! Norman changed the world! Or was it Vice President Henry Wallace who changed the world? Or maybe it was George Washington Carver? But what about Susan Carver?
This engaging story reveals the incredible truth that everything we do matters! Based on his book The Butterfly Effect, Andy’s timeless tale shows children that even the smallest of our actions can make a difference in someone’s life. In turn, that person makes a difference in someone else’s life, and the blessing is passed from person to person. Through each character’s story, readers will see that they, too, can be the kid who changes the world.
Building God’s Kingdom Books
There are few faith-based books aimed at boys. This new inspirational brand for little boys resonates with the hot construction trend. Construction and trucks remain an evergreen interest with boys, making these books strong standalone titles. Parents will love these fun stories that help kids learn about the being kind and helping others in a bright and active way.
Diggit Saves the Day
It’s time to get to work! The trucks have gotten their assignment and are ready to build! But they come across a surprise―a tiny squirrel named Earl who has lost his way. How will they do their jobs andhelp Earl find is way home? Dozer, Diggit, Stretch, and Tipper must use their special traits and work together to help Earl and to bring glory to God.
Tipper Tells a Lie
It’s time to get to work! The trucks have gotten their assignment and are ready to build! But as they prepare to head to the construction site, Tipper tells a lie. And Tipper’s lie catches up with him . . . How will they do their jobs and learn about why God says it’s so important to be honest? Dozer, Diggit, Stretch, and Tipper must use their special traits and work together to get their job done and bring glory to God.
For more great ways to encourage a love of reading within your family, check out these posts from our other Tommy Nelson Mommies:
* How to Get Your Kids Reading over the Summer
* The Road to Reading: Incorporating Books into Your Travels
* 5 Ways to Make a Splash with Summer Reading
What are some of your kids favorite picture books to read together?
