Our whole family got together and decided to share what we have been reading this month. From the youngest to the oldest, we’ve each chosen one book that we think you – or someone you know – would love. Even Ryan gets in on the fun. (He’s a good sport.)
We hope that you enjoy our suggestions. What have you been reading lately? Let us know in the comments!
For the babies…
Get your pointer finger ready for DK’s My First Words. We love having a small “first words” board book on hand to point out the bright, well-defined pictures of common items from grapes to telephones. You add the sound effects, questions, and counting. The possibilities are endless.
For the sweet toddlers…
Audrey recommends Brinton Turkle’s Rachel and Obediah. She especially loves acting this story out, running around the house as fast as she can and being rewarded two silver coins, one of which she gives to her good-sport-of-a-brother.
I love this story because it highlights a little girl who speaks up for herself, works hard, excels, and is gracious in her victory. What a wonderful example for my little girl. (It’s a sailor-be-warned story for big brothers, though!)
For the bird-lovers…
This five-year-old boy can do an incredible Mourning Dove call. He opens his window in the morning and literally has an exchange with a Mourning Dove that sits on the Catalpa Tree in the front yard. And he learned it all from The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs book.
I am so glad that I purchased this a few months ago. I wanted our children to have a resource of reliable bird songs without splurging for those major multi-card systems (they are intense). This is just right for us with its realistic bird songs and beautiful illustrations and descriptions of each bird. We prop it on the window ledge for quick access when we spot a feathered friend.
For absolutely anyone…
Our voracious reader recommends Five Little Peppers and How They Grew. My mother read this delightful book to me when I was girl. It is one of my fondest childhood memories. I read it aloud to my children last year and we absolutely loved it together. Lia read it again this year and snatched it right off the shelf when I asked her for a recommendation. This one comes to you with a big smile.
For the tweens…
The Penderwicks is our 11-year-olds top recommendation when she’s talking “books” with someone. She just loves those make-you-laugh-aloud kids. The personalities, the mishaps, and the friendships are so much fun. Jeanne Birdsall has written a series following this family through time. We all think that it’s this century’s Little Women. You’ll have to tell us if you agree.
For wives…
My friend, Mary, and I just finished working our way through Barbara Rainey’s “Letters to My Daughters: The Art of Being a Wife” together. We both agreed that Rainey’s words of wisdom helped us think more realistically and more biblically about marriage. It spurred many wonderful conversations – not just about marriage – but also about our security in Christ and our growth as His redeemed daughters.
Here’s an idea: give this book (it’s a gorgeous hardcover work of art) to a newly wed and offer to read it together. Schedule 4 or 5 get-togethers in which you’ll talk about it along the way. The book itself is helpful, but with your added thoughts and friendship, nothing could be better!
For the history buff…
Ryan recently discovered the joy of audio books. This month, he recommends Bill O’Reilly’s Killing Lincoln. It reads like a thriller, but it’s jam-packed with historical answers to all of your “What happened to Abraham Lincoln?” questions. Every once in a while, I’d listen in and was fascinated by all of the interesting details that the textbooks forget. (And I must say, it caused me to ask myself, “Why do I expect everyone to like me if everyone didn’t even like Abe?” Big life lessons.)
Now, it’s your turn: This month, I recommend reading _________. Let us know in the comments! 🙂
