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 as well as 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.

Books Mentioned:

• The Book of Virtues
• The Chronicles of Narnia
• Are You My Mother? 
• Go, Dog, Go!
• The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings
• Arlo Takes Off
• Caddie Woodlawn
• B is for Betsy
• Betsy-Tacy Books
• Chronicles of Pydain (Includes Black Cauldron)
• The Dark is Rising Sequence
• Hannah Coulter
• The Jesus Storybook Bible
• Andy and His Big Question: A Story About How God’s Love Always Comes First
• Made Like Me: A True Story from the Beginning of Everything
• His Grace Is Enough
• Count It All Joy

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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