I have always enjoyed reading books to children. As early as I can remember, I hoped to be a teacher, so as a young girl, I was eager to begin babysitting. I recall reading to many children through the years, and it was always an extraordinary bonding time. It has so many benefits for everyone involved! It’s a calming activity; it ignites their imagination, prompts excellent discussions, and brings them closer together. I think we’ve all heard that there are so many beautiful benefits children receive when you read to them.

When I finally became a teacher, I carried my love of reading into the classroom while teaching in the primary grades. I was always hunting for outstanding children’s books to read to the kids and add to our classroom library. When I had my children, I continued collecting books for our home, and it has not ended to this day! 

When I began homeschooling, I chose a literature-based curriculum, and read-alouds were a natural part of the day. What I appreciated about this particular curriculum was how they selected wonderful novels that I could read to all of my kids simultaneously. My all-time favourites were The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan and anything from The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis, A Cricket In Time Square by George Seldon and many biographies of missionaries, authors and various heroes of the faith.

I also have many fond memories of reading books written by Sandra Boynton (Barnyard Dance) or Mem Fox (Time For Bed). Fantastic series like Frog and Toad, The Bernstein Bears, Franklin, Moose’s Loose Tooth by Jacqueline Clarke, and If You Give A Moose A Cookie by Laura Numeroff, Eric Carle or Allie MacPhail (I Can’t Sleep and Sammy The Snail) were ever-popular with my kids. All these books gave us fantastic memories that I remember now with gratitude. I have kept many of these books out of a sense of nostalgia, and I’m sure my husband wonders why. They’re worth keeping!

As my kids got older, I wrote my devotionals as a way for us to bond over shared Bible readings, journaling, and activities that are designed to open up our hearts and minds to God and each other. That may be what you need with your sons or daughters! Head to www.castlequaybooks.com for your copies!

But reading with your kids doesn’t have to wait until they’re older! Even when they’re babies, the pictures and colours in books support their development and encourage bonding. It’s something that’s been on my mind a lot lately…how can I support moms in an earlier season of motherhood and want to encourage reading? It’s just a little something I’m working on, and I’m excited to share it with all of you when the time is right. Stay tuned!

Here are a few books I still have around the house!