BJU Press Blog

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Best Books for Vacation

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Is your family taking a trip this year? Whether it’s a weekend at the beach, a cross-country camping trip, or a visit with family, your kids will need some books to keep them occupied along the way. During the summer, encourage your children to read what they enjoy—for the sheer love of the story! For your next vacation, check out this list of books that they won’t be able to put down.

A King for Brass Cobweb (ages 6–7)

Filled with lush, beautiful pictures, A King for Brass Cobweb by Dawn Watkins is just right for early readers who need plenty of engaging visuals with their text. Large print, simple words, and delightful characters make this adventure perfect for reading aloud or independently.

The Mice of the Herring Bone Series (ages 6–7+)

What’s a better vacation book than a swashbuckling tale of pirate seadogs and clever mice? Mice of the Herring Bone by Tim Davis is the first book in a set of five seafaring tales that are sure to delight any child who’s ready for chapter books!

The Nick Newton Series (ages 9–12)

This lighthearted, futuristic adventure series follows the antics of an inventive boy from the country of Thauma. Nick Newton Is Not a Genius by S. E. M. Ishida is an excellent choice for kids who are into science and technology since it blends a love of STEM with a fascinating mystery. The second book in the series, Nick Newton: The Highest Bidder, is a fun, encouraging novel about friendship, persistence, and applied creativity.

Brave the Wild Trail (ages 9–12)

Is your family headed westward to cattle country or south to Florida? Milly Howard’s Brave the Wild Trail is a historical cowboy adventure set in the South, featuring the bullwhip-wielding Florida Crackers who used to drive herds through the Florida wilderness. Vicious outlaws, wild animals, and other dangers of the trail will keep your kid glued to the page.

False Coin, True Coin (young adult)

In this historical fiction novel, False Coin, True Coin by Lois Hoadley Dick, a young girl faces the perils of seventeenth-century London. As the daughter of a jailkeeper, Cissy meets the Christian hero John Bunyan when he was imprisoned for preaching Christ. She also meets a young outlaw who steals her heart. Making the right choices is not easy for Cissy, especially when peril, plague, and persecution confront her at every turn.

You can purchase these novels and lots more books for vacation from the Journeyforth website or on Amazon. Explore the available titles with your kids and have them make a summer book wishlist. Happy reading!

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Rebecca is a work-at-home freelance writer, novelist, wife, and the mom of two bright-eyed little ones. She credits her success in writing and her love of books to her own mom, who homeschooled three kids from pre-K through high school.

Appreciating Librarians for National Library Week

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appreciating librarians
National Library Week is a time when libraries actively reach out to remind the public about the value of library services. Since many homeschool families already rely heavily on local libraries, you probably don’t need to be reminded. Instead, take some time to give back to the librarians who serve your local community.

Explore some ways that you and your kids can show appreciation to librarians this week!

Make a Small Donation

Most libraries operate on a tight budget—a constraint that many homeschool families understand well. Explain to your kids that even a five-dollar donation to the library can be a big help, aiding with the cost of purchasing a new book or repairing an old one.

Some libraries conduct book sales and other fundraisers. If you have gently used or like-new books that you and your kids no longer need, consider donating those to your local library’s book sales or other initiatives.

Write a Note

A sincere “thank you” is a free and meaningful way of showing appreciation to librarians. Talk to your kids about all the tasks that librarians accomplish, and include some of those specific details in the note.

Things librarians do:

  • Organize and maintain the current collection of books
  • Buy new books for you to enjoy
  • Buy and maintain media such as CDs, movies, audio books, and more
  • Plan and oversee children’s events, including story time for kids and other activities
  • Host community programs and training services
  • Answer questions about books and other resources

Bring a Gift

Librarians are readers too! Like you, many of them love curling up with a snack, a cup of tea or coffee, and a good book. Appreciating librarians could involve bringing them a small gift—a box of assorted tea, some hot chocolate packets for the break room, or a selection of baked goods to share.

Talk to the Librarian

Many librarians say that they wish library visitors would ask them more questions! They’re busy, yes—but they love helping you! As you teach your children about appreciating librarians, encourage them to ask for book recommendations or to tell the librarian about a library book they recently enjoyed.

Visit the Library Often

Librarians love to see you using the library. When you leave with a huge stack of books, movies, and CDs, it’s exciting for them! When you use libraries regularly, their funding is more secure, and those free services are more likely to remain available.

Keep Your Library Clean and Neat

Of course, whenever you visit, be sure to treat the library’s facilities, products, and people respectfully. Instead of reshelving books yourself, put them in the appropriate reshelving area. A librarians may have to spend days looking for a book that a well-meaning patron left on the wrong shelf. Keep food and drinks out of the library. If you use the provided toys, pencils, or paper in the children’s section, be sure to put everything back where you found it when you leave.

Libraries open up a whole world of affordable books and resources, so that everyone can learn and have fun! Use Library Week to thank those hard-working librarians and to encourage your kids to discover new books.

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Rebecca is a work-at-home freelance writer, novelist, wife, and the mom of two bright-eyed little ones. She credits her success in writing and her love of books to her own mom, who homeschooled three kids from pre-K through high school.

Christmas Books to Read and Treasure

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Christmas books
It’s Christmas week. Mom comes to find me, her hands clasped around something behind her back. The gift is often wrapped, but whether it is or not, she usually makes me close my eyes, adding to the suspense. Except it’s not a complete surprise—I know what’s coming, but not because I’ve gone around looking for my presents like some of your kids do. This special just-before-Christmas gift has become a tradition in our family.

What is this gift? You can probably guess by the title of my post, and if you’re thinking “a book,” you’re right. More specifically, it is a Christmas book.

Christmas books come in all shapes, sizes, and genres. Some are beautifully illustrated with poetic words that are great for reading aloud; others require imagination to see the delightful story. Among my favorites are illustrated retellings of the original Christmas story.

In hopes that your family might be inspired to create a new tradition, here are some Christmas books that are favorites for Mom and me:

“The Quiet Little Woman” by Louisa May Alcott

The touching story of a young orphan girl who longs for friendship, love, and belonging, this short story can be read in one sitting, but if you do a read-aloud session, I’d recommend sharing the reading between a couple of participants. Mom and I prefer reading every other page so that we can both enjoy viewing the illustrations in our copy. Read reviews on Goodreads.

Benjamin’s Sling by Eileen Berry

My autographed copy of this Christmas picture book actually traveled home with me one Christmas break. When I found out that Mom had gotten her sister to wrap the book and ask me to transport it home, I had a good laugh! This retelling of the nativity is told through the eyes of a shepherd boy and is written in poetic form. Buy the book.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Christmases past, present, and future are reflected on in this classic novel, and Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge is brought face-to-face with the effects of his actions. You have probably seen different film versions, as I have; but the book is almost always better! Download the free eBook from Amazon.

“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry

Your teens could get caught up in the mushy love of a young couple secretly planning gifts for each other, but don’t let them miss this story’s deeper message. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. Read reviews on Goodreads.

The Secret Santa of Olde Stonington by Mark Kimball Moulton

A native New-Englander, Mom taught me to love this story with its poetic flow and impressionistic-like illustrations. The title might give the impression that the book is about Santa Claus, but don’t worry.  It’s a good read-aloud book that tells how an old man tries to meet the needs of others in a small seaport village in the 1700s. Read a review on Goodreads.

Christmas Crossroads by Elizabeth Raum

What path would your child takes on the way to visit Jesus on the very first Christmas? This novel for seven- to nine-year-olds lets readers choose the actions of one of three children who are traveling for that very purpose. Each decision point brings a twist in the plot and a new adventure and provides a unique way for kids to imagine what the first Christmas would have been like for someone their age. Buy the book.

The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

My grandmother introduced me to this Christmas book, but Mom and I have also enjoyed it together. One dark night a new tradesman comes to town. The local children have a secret wish for the kind of business they hope he’ll open—a candy store. Woven into this imaginary story is the significance behind the candy cane’s shape and colors. It’s a fun story to end with a sweet treat! Read reviews on Goodreads.

Chickadee Winter by Dawn L. Watkins

A favorite author from my childhood, Dawn Watkins skillfully communicates the essence of childhood dreams, memories, and concerns in this classic story. It recounts young Jack’s homesickness during the Christmas season and the special role his grandfather plays in making new memories. Buy the book.

What Christmas books would you add to this list?

6 Books for Curious Preschoolers

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Since we have a little one on the way, I decided to get a head start and shop for some books that my son and I can read together over the next few years. I found some great options for curious toddlers and preschoolers. I like these books because they cover everyday things that children interact with and love to learn about. They’re simple—the kind of book you can go back to over and over again and never get bored.

Freight Train by Crews

Less is more. Modern illustrations and minimal text leave the door wide open for mom or dad to inject their own “choo choo” effects as the train barrels down the tracks toward its destination.

Amazing Airplanes by Mitton and Parker

Planning a trip? This fun book about airports and airliners will make your preschooler an expert before check-in. I would have loved this as a curious kid who was fascinated with the baggage-claim carousel.

City Signs by Milich

The title says it all. This book is nothing but phtographs of signs, signs, and more signs. Ever wonder how some kids figure out what they all mean before they can read?

Hands: Growing Up to Be an Artist by Ehlert

This very creative book focused on making things by hand has photographs that show raw materials, tools, and finished products of various crafts. It explains (in simple terms) how the object was made. A great learning tool!

Meet the Orchestra by Hayes

If you’re like a lot of parents, you probably play some classical music for your kids. This book identifies a wide range of musical instruments and the sounds they make. It’s perfect for reading while listening to your favorite compositions.

If Everybody Did by Stover

This one is a favorite among parents around our office. It answers that age-old question, “What would happen if everyone did that?” Silly illustrations teach valuable life lessons. A must-read for every child.

I’m looking forward to reading these books with my child to capture the many benefits of reading together. I hope my sharing them will help your family find many hours of enjoyable reading time.

Have book recommendations? I’d love to hear them! Drop them in the comments below.

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June Is Reading Month!

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BJU Press JourneyForth book covers

Enjoying a good book while sitting in a deck chair on my patio is one of my favorite summertime activities. The relaxing sounds and smells of nature combined with the warm sun make it easy to be carried away by the pages.

June is reading month here at BJU Press and to celebrate I’d like to highlight some of my favorite blog posts about reading.

Tips for Teaching Reading

Fun Reading Activities

Exciting Book Reviews

Need some extra reading material? JourneyForth is offering 25% off the entire lineup throughout June 2016. From children’s novels to adult Bible studies, there’s something for the entire family. Happy reading!