Why Kids’ Books Matter (with Jen Wilkin)
Melissa and Courtney talk with Jen Wilkin about their mutual love of children’s books and why reading to children can be a key part of discipleship (as well as a delight!).
They talk about what books they loved as children and the ones they read to their own kids. They consider the benefits and limitations of children’s Bibles and discuss why they’ve written books for kids.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett
- The Chronicles of Narnia (series) by C. S. Lewis
- Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman
- Go, Dog. Go! by P. D. Eastman
- The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey
- Arlo Takes Off by Betsy Childs Howard
- Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
- B Is for Betsy by Carolyn Haywood
- Betsy-Tacy (series) by Maud Hart Lovelace
- Chronicles of Pydain (series, includes Black Cauldron) by Lloyd Alexander
- The Dark Is Rising Sequence (series) by Susan Cooper
- Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry
- The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
- Andy and His Big Question: A Story About How God’s Love Always Comes First by Courtney Doctor and Bo Doctor
- Made like Me: A True Story from the Beginning of Everything by Jen Wilkin
- His Grace Is Enough by Melissa Kruger
- Count It All Joy by Melissa Kruger
Related Resources:
- How Storytime Shapes Your Children
- Parents: Use Children’s Literature to Point Toward Christ
- Classic Christian Picture Books Every Family Should Read
- A Complete Classical Christian School Reading List: Grades 1–8
Discussion Questions:
1. What was a favorite book you remember reading as a child? Why did you enjoy it, and how did it influence you?
2. We often think of books as a source of entertainment or education. How can they also be a form of discipleship?
3. What are some books you’ve enjoyed reading with the children in your life? What virtues have you seen those stories promote or cultivate?
4. How can we prioritize reading with the children in our lives, even after they become independent readers? Why is reading together so important relationally?
5. When choosing books for your children (or yourself), what do you tend to prioritize (educational value, enjoyment, literary quality, or something else)?
6. With so many books available, how do you find quality options for your family (and yourself) and discern what’s worth spending your time reading?
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