This book, y’all. If you’re looking for something to uplift you, give you some insight into human nature, and maybe even help you understand God a little better, this is the one.
And it’s such an easy read, your kids will love it, too. In fact, it would make a fantastic read-aloud for the upcoming season.
I’m not a big reader of Christian fiction . In fact, this may well be the only Christian fiction I’ve ever read on purpose. But Passing Lincoln was hands-down my favorite book of the year.
Happy Valentine’s Day! The love is coursing through Lit Mama’s veins, my friends! Oh. Yeah..
I want you to know, my lovely readers, that I truly do appreciate you. I’m here to help you. I totally mean that. So if you haven’t been feeling the V-Day love yet today, don’t worry–I got you. In fact, to show you how much I love ya, I’ve come up with whole big bunch of yummy good stuff just for you.
Not the least of which is an awesome giveaway.
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The season is upon us, my friends. And I realize that even though I’m not that girl, you might be already making your lists and checking them twice.
I get you. I am well aware that I should also be doing that. But just… let me get through Thanksgiving first. Because I gave a huge crush on Thanksgiving–all that wonderful cooking and kitchen experimenting and familying (yeah, I just made that word up). Yeah yeah. So I don’t really start thinking about Christmas for myself until after Turkey Day.
But for you, my amazing readers–I have been thinking about Christmas for you. And I know if you’re a Lit Mama fan it’s because either you have bookworms in your life or you are trying to encourage bookworms. Well, I have the stuff.
Did you doubt me?
I woke up to the pattering of rain against my roof and windows. It’s funny, during winter you kind of dread that sound. It could be ice. It could become snow. It will definitely be cold. But with warm weather seeming determined to stick around, the sound was soothing and welcome. Our lives are just as affected by the seasons now as they were thousands of years ago when our ancestors worshiped the sun and planned their year around the turning of the seasons. Go outside today and remember that. It’ll make you feel more connected.
Still, no matter the season, rain is important to us, and mostly we’d rather have it than not. Because gardens. And water supplies. There’s a lot your littles can learn from and about rain, and there are, of course, books you can read with them to help them learn. And there’s nothing like a cuddly, rainy day on the couch exploring the pages of a few good books.
Fiction
This poetic masterpiece is a gentle question-and-answer book about what happens during a storm, including where different animals go. You can’t get much cuddlier than reading this book with the sound of rain plonking in the background. This book is not only excellent for making a child feel safe while explaining storms to them, the format also helps littles make their own observations about what is going on outside. The illustrations are downright gorgeous, too. The little girl asks what the turtles, chipmunks, and birds do during a storm, providing you with a few options if you want to do a craft to go with the book. In fact, there’s a simple paper plate turtle craft at Glued to My Crafts that I think you’ll enjoy and won’t take too much work on your part.
This book. Wow. I have to warn you, it is wordy for a picture book. But oh, these words. From the hazy heat of a summer day to the first crack of lightning to the rainbow following the storm, this book is such a great intro to description your little will swoon. Take your time. Read it slowly. Enjoy the lyrical description of a thunderstorm and how it affects several people. Then make a thunderstorm of your own from construction paper and ribbon, like this:
Pretty self-explanatory–jut cut out some cloud and lightning shapes, let your littles glue them together however they want, and tape some curly ribbon to the back so it looks like falling rain. Yeah yeah.
If you’re looking for sparer text and beautifully painted pictures, look no further. This book is full of onomatopoeia, and could be a great way to get into a discussion about figurative language. Also, it just plain sounds pretty. If you’re looking activities to go with it, check out my post 11 Awesome Activities to Do in the Rain.
Finally, my favorite. More onomatopoeia. Told from the first person, this book goes through the water cycle as if the water were tell you its story. But you can just look at the cover and see how lush and breath-taking the illustrations are. And this one provides many options for activities. Set up an evaporation experiment. Create a cloud in a bottle. Break out your watercolors and paint the storm taking place around you.
Nonfiction
I love these Nat Geo books, because they give simple introductions to their topics. This one is meant for younger readers, but it can be a great starting place or refresher course for any age. Plus, the pictures are really amazing.
This book is a flap book that answers some pretty amazing questions, like what raindrops really look like, why rain makes the air smell different, and why gardens need water. Plus, kids love flap books. All of them do. It’s something about the hidden knowledge, I think. So don’t think this is only for preschoolers, because even though you know I Shudder at the thought of reading levels, the book claims to be for up to second graders. Which means anyone can read it. Anyone at all. Just like any other book.
Favorite. This book has everything in it. Plus, puzzles and ideas for scientific activities. Um, win. I wouldn’t even bother with a library copy. This one’s an owner.
It’s pretty easy to turn a rainy day into a cozy, fun-filled one if you have the right tools. And you know the Lit Mama, the toolbox always includes books. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go cuddle 2 sweet and beautiful boys and get them to make some crafts with me.
Love wins,
KT
