During this strange year of instability, twists, turns and surprises, I noticed a few bright sides to the COVID crisis, including a renewed appreciation for family, friends and those small things that make life beautiful. On the downside, many of us battled screen overdosing in our homes. Early in the COVID lockdowns, I gave my children extra screen privileges, but their eyeballs seemed to be glued to their screens far too often. How did extra privileges lead to constant consumption under my watch? So, a few months in, I made an effort to plant around my home other enticing invitations that would lure my children away from their screens. One of my favorite invitations: a good story.
Even if COVID restrictions are easing in your area, we have the summer ahead of us with more unstructured hours in the day, so I’d like to share some of my favorite book suggestions for summer reading. I only include a handful of titles per age group so as not to overwhelm you right now when you are probably getting too many survival tips! Included here are stories that ignite our children’s imaginations — lively books they will love for the rest of their lives. These books are not only entertaining, but they spark conversations and questions about human nature, our purpose and our relationships. I’m suggesting a few well-written fictionalized saints’ lives and the autobiography of a Corrie Ten Boom.
One often-overlooked benefit of reading stories: they allow us to touch indirectly on losses or emotions that seem too big to face directly. We face these difficulties through the experiences and reactions of fictional characters. This past year, just about every child has experienced the loss or disruption of their routines and roles (as athletes or students, for example). Some children have suffered devastating losses — deaths, relocations, fractured relationships. So, I also include some titles that allow our children to face losses or setbacks once removed.
Consider choosing a few selections for family summer read-alouds. Reading to your children and teenagers has many benefits. It’s good for their vocabulary, attention span and brain development, and spending time together hearing stories improves family rapport and communication. Even after your child can read independently, consider having a special read-aloud time built into your family’s calendar and daily routine.
Preschoolers
“Animal Folk Tales of America“ (Sterling, $12.95) adapted by Tony Palazzo: A beautifully illustrated book of American tall tales, including Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, The Jumping Frog, Davy Crockett, Johnny Appleseed and Sweet Betsy. The characters in folk tales often possess exaggerated character traits. Ask your child how the characters seem “bigger than life.”
“James Herriot’s Treasury for Children“ (Macmillan Young Listeners, $22.99): A country vet narrates this timeless and charming collection of stories set in Yorkshire, England. Ask your child why the vet’s work was so important for the farmers and the animals. How did the vet demonstrate the virtues of compassion, love, and joy?
“How to Heal a Broken Wing“ (Candlewick, $16.99) by Bob Graham: In a story of compassion and possibility, a little boy and his mother are walking in a big city when the boy spots an injured bird. Others don’t seem to notice the bird, but the boy rescues it and brings it home. Ask your child why so many people didn’t seem to see the bird. (They were too busy and distracted.)
Read the rest of my book list over at Our Sunday Visitor!