Why Read Good Stories?

Literature is built on a grand paradox:  It is a make-believe world that nonetheless reminds us of real life and clarifies it for us.  - Leland Ryken

Literature takes reality and human experience as its starting point, transforms it by means of the imagination, and sends readers back to life with a renewed understanding of it and zest for it because of their excursions into a purely imaginary realm - Leland Ryken

That is why it is so important to fill children's minds with literature from a Biblical worldview.  It will shape them for life.

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan G. Thomas

What would it be like to spend a whole day with the Boy Jesus?  This sweet book is narrated by a young child who imagines what he would do if Jesus were his guest. Would he be just your size? Would he like to have tea with you? Would He like to share your toys?  In this book, children learn in a thought-provoking way what Jesus meant when He said "When you do it to the least of these, you do it unto me."  The illustrations are warm and beautiful, very pleasing to the eye. This story is great for children ages 3 and up.

The Hobbit

What do you think makes a good story?  I believe a good story is one that draws you in for the adventure and pulls you into the lives of the characters. What about the best stories, the ones that leave a permanent mark on your heart, that you are sad to see come to an end, and fill you with a special kind of wonder?  These special tales don’t come around very often it seems, but when they do you really aren't the same once you have closed the book and said goodbye to the people in them. What makes these particular stories so unforgettable?  There are certainly many qualities to be noted.  They have a way of fleshing out themes from Scripture by bringing them to life in the characters. They enamor us with the beauty of Biblical truth. They affirm the honor and nobility of doing what is right.  They inspire courage in our hearts to fight the darkness of this world, no matter what it costs us.  In short, they awaken something in our hearts, a longing desire to live our own stories, even the mundane parts, for something bigger than ourselves… for the glory of God.

That is the kind of stories J.R.R. Tolkien wrote.  Today, I am writing about one of my favorite books, The Hobbit. (Later I will write about The Lord of the Rings, and equally favorite story of mine!) I must confess that as a young reader, I didn't like fantasy at all.  I liked the Chronicles of Narnia, but that was it!  I never had an interest in trying Tolkien, but thanks to two of my brothers, I have overcome my prejudice.  Last summer, I read The Hobbit for the first time.  It instantly became one of my top favorites.  Fantasy, when done rightly and Biblically, can be a powerful tool.  One of the greatest Christian classics of all time that has brought encouragement to Christians through the ages is Pilgrim's Progress, a fantasy-like allegory of the Christian journey.  Fantasy is excellent for bringing to life more abstract concepts, fleshing out for us what it means to live Godly lives.

Tolkien had a stunning gift with stories and incredible skill at deeply weaving dying virtues into the fabric of the characters and situations.  In The Hobbit, you meet a very much reluctant Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who loves comfort and quiet and keeping to himself who one day has adventure and purpose thrust upon him against his will.  Through the story you see him grow in courage, strength of purpose, and see him get outside of himself to put others needs before his immediate comfort.  Things like courage in the face of terrible fear, faithfulness to one's word, honor, resourcefulness, committal to finishing what needs to be done even when you're ready to quit, and wisdom to know what needs to be done are exemplified in this gripping yet humorous tale.  I love this story!  It has been a great encouragement to me as I have found myself needing more bravery and courage for things I never thought I would have to do.  Due to the rich depth of the lessons and the intensity of certain situations in this book, I would not recommend this for younger readers.  It would be best for teenage readers, and the older the better so that the value of the book is more fully appreciated.

Patricia St. John Children's Series

At the beginning of my teen years, I read several books that forever left an impression on me. One particular series of books that I loved were written by Patricia St. John. There are five books in this series: Star of Light, Treasures of the Snow, The Tanglewoods' Secret, The Secret at Pheasant Cottage, and Rainbow Garden.  Each book draws you in right away, not because they are exciting but because the children in each story capture your heart.  The children of the stories go through growth and struggle, and through it they are brought to know the Savior Who loves them.  I loved the settings of these books.  They have distinctly timeless feel to them that I've rarely experienced in stories.  These are wonderful books to read aloud as a family or for children to read on their own. I would recommend them for ages 8-10 if read aloud or 11-14 as silent readers.

Inspiring Courage

Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. - C.S. Lewis

A Big Treasury of Little Animals by Pheobe Dunn

This charming collection of animal stories will be a delight to read to young children. The collection was written and illustrated by Pheobe Dunn, who used her photographs to illustrate the book. Each story tells of a young child and their newly- acquired pet, humorously entertaining you with animal antics and feelings.The child in each story learn responsibility, as well as the joy that come from investing in a pet. I love the fact that the stories were written in the 1980s, because they remind us of the simplicity of childhood before the rapid growth of technology. The photographs are beautiful and engaging and have a whimsical feel to them. They make wonderful bedtime stories for children ages 3-7.

Inspiring Great Readers

“Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.” — Louisa May Alcott

I am very passionate about inspiring people to read great books, especially children. What you read shapes you, so it is important to feed children a hearty diet of the best stories. The purpose of this blog is to share book titles and reviews of stories that I have read and loved - books I feel everyone should read. My posts will vary in age range and genre. I hope you will enjoy these books as much as I have!