The Blue Day Book for Kids by Bradley Trevor Greive

We so enjoy the pictures in this book! It is great opening into a conversation about the difference between circumstances and choices!

There will be bad days but we can choose to remember WHO has got the day and to maybe look at it in a different way!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - (Jesus) John 16:33

Nothing To Do by Douglas Wood; illus by Wendy Anderson Halperin

We are not "human doings" :) according to this author in the author's note. Love it!! This book is amazing especially illustrating growing through experiences that often are not achieving what the world would acclaim, something it would describe as "nothing".  This is one of those little reminders to look at everything that a book offers especially the illustrator's notes. The message is beautifully communicated and is perfect to bring up:

"Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." -Psalm 46:10

and discussions on how the busy-ness of American culture can rob us of the worship of doing nothing!

Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor

This book surprised me! I was skeptical about bringing all this fanciness into my world;)  I have several friends who are mothers to girls and they have spoken of this book with fondness in their eyes.  I thought it would just be a fun read that Korwyn and I could use as a basis for future fun adventures.  The communication, bond, and interest illustrated between parent and child in this adorable story is priceless! I loved how Nancy wanted so much to share her view with her family, but most of all how they set aside time to be interested in what interested her.  Her gratefulness was wonderful and the ending superb!

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others." -Philippians 2:4

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

This was one of my favorites when I was in school. I am not sure why I remember it so well but it is a vivid memory.

It is a great read when your kids are just having a stinky day to get them laughing and if your day is bad, you can read it to feel like Alexander has empathy for you;)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." *("even in Australia) * -John 16:33

Riot Brothers sequel by Mary Amato

We read 3 of these books the summer of 2012 each day. Like King Arthur, Cole read the chapter title, Dax read the first page of the chapter, and I would read the rest.  We had SO many laughs with this one! There were many boy elements like bodily functions, etc., so I recommend that parents read it first. (I would read a chapter ahead when they were involved in some other activity). However, there were some good family elements as well. One that we picked up on was how often the older brother found ways to compliment and encourage the younger and how much the younger brother seemed to respect the older. They were also always a TEAM!! They may have gotten into mischief but they were completely TOGETHER the whole time.  I also loved the mom and felt for her as a mother of boys.  I did wonder why the father figure was missing (that could go either way depending on the family situation of the readers).

Farah: Angel food cake (so light and fun)
Dax: Funfetti Cake (such a fun playful book)
Cole: Chocolate Muffins with Chocolate Chips