Posted on June 5th, 2024

Summer is the perfect time to immerse your children in stories that nurture their faith and instill strong values. 

Curating a family Christian summer reading collection can turn long, sunny days into opportunities for spiritual growth and bonding. 

By selecting books that teach Christian values, you can ensure that your kids enjoy entertaining and educational reads that reinforce their faith. 

In this post, we will explore why creating a family Christian summer reading list is beneficial and highlight five must-have books that should be part of your collection. 

Additionally, we'll provide practical tips for making the most out of your summer reading adventures.

Why Create a Family Christian Summer Reading Collection

Creating a family Christian summer reading collection offers numerous benefits. Here are several reasons why you should consider it:

Reinforce Christian Values

A well-chosen summer reading list for kids can reinforce the Christian values you teach at home. Through engaging stories, children can learn about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and other virtues. These narratives make abstract concepts tangible and relatable, helping kids internalize these values in their daily lives.

Encourage Spiritual Growth

Summer reading is an excellent way to encourage spiritual growth. Books that focus on Christian themes can deepen your child's understanding of their faith and encourage them to explore their relationship with God. These stories can spark meaningful conversations about faith and morality, fostering a deeper connection to their beliefs.

Enhance Family Bonding

Reading together as a family can enhance bonding. It provides a shared activity that everyone can enjoy, creating opportunities for discussion and reflection. Family reading time can become a cherished tradition that strengthens your family's connection and creates lasting memories.

Promote Literacy and Comprehension

A summer reading collection also promotes literacy and comprehension skills. Reading regularly helps children improve their vocabulary, understand complex ideas, and develop critical thinking skills. By choosing books that are both educational and faith-based, you can support their academic growth while nurturing their spiritual development.

Provide Positive Role Models

Christian children's books often feature characters who model positive behavior and strong moral principles. These role models can inspire children to emulate virtuous actions and attitudes in their own lives. Through the adventures and challenges faced by these characters, kids learn valuable lessons about integrity, compassion, and perseverance.

Now, let's explore five must-have books that should be part of your family Christian summer reading collection.

5 Must-Have Books Teaching Christian Values

These five books are perfect additions to your family Christian summer reading collection. They each teach important values through captivating stories and beautiful illustrations.

1. Larry the Llama Learns About Love

"Larry the Llama Learns About Love" is a delightful story that teaches children about the importance of love, one of the fruits of the Spirit. Through Larry's adventures, young readers learn how to show love and kindness to others, reinforcing the message that love is a central tenet of the Christian faith.

2. Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns about Joy

In "Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns about Joy," children follow the journey of Spiker, a little spider who discovers the true meaning of joy. This charming story teaches kids that joy comes from within and is a gift from God. It's a wonderful book for helping children understand that joy is not dependent on circumstances but on a relationship with God.

3. Prickles the Porcupine Learns about Peace

"Prickles the Porcupine Learns about Peace" is a heartwarming tale about finding inner peace and spreading it to others. Prickles faces various challenges and learns that true peace comes from trusting in God. This book helps children grasp the concept of peace and how it can be cultivated in their hearts and homes.

4. Positivity Is My Superpower

"Positivity Is My Superpower" is a fantastic book that teaches children how to manage negative emotions and cultivate a positive mindset. Through engaging stories and practical tips, this book encourages kids to focus on the positive aspects of life and rely on their faith to overcome challenges. It's an excellent resource for helping children develop resilience and optimism.

5. Mighty Strong Little Words

"Mighty Strong Little Words" is a beautifully illustrated book that highlights the power of words. It teaches children how their words can impact others and encourages them to speak with kindness and love. This book is a valuable tool for helping kids understand the importance of thoughtful and compassionate communication.

Now that you have your family Christian summer reading collection, let's explore some practical tips to enhance your experience.

Family Christian Summer Reading Tips

To make the most of your family Christian summer reading collection, consider these helpful tips:

Set a Reading Schedule

Establishing a regular reading schedule can help ensure that you make time for reading every day. Choose a specific time, such as after breakfast or before bedtime, and make it a daily habit. Consistency is key to fostering a love for reading and making it a part of your family's routine.

Create a Comfortable Reading Space

Designate a cozy and inviting reading space in your home. Fill it with comfortable seating, good lighting, and a variety of books. This special reading nook will make reading time more enjoyable and encourage your children to look forward to their reading sessions.

Discuss the Stories

After reading a book, take some time to discuss the story with your children. Ask open-ended questions about the characters, plot, and lessons learned. Encourage your kids to share their thoughts and feelings about the story. These discussions can deepen their understanding of the values being taught and reinforce the messages of the books.

Incorporate Related Activities

Enhance the reading experience by incorporating related activities. For example, you can create art projects, write stories, or role-play scenes from the books. These activities can make the stories come alive and help your children engage with the material in a fun and meaningful way.

Involve the Whole Family

Make summer reading a family affair by involving everyone in the process. Take turns reading aloud, or have older siblings read to younger ones. Family reading time can strengthen your bond and create shared experiences that everyone will cherish.

Visit the Library

Take advantage of your local library's resources by borrowing books for your summer reading collection. Libraries often have a wide selection of children's books, including faith-based stories. Regular visits to the library can also instill a love for reading and exploration in your children.

Encourage Reading Outside

Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather by encouraging your children to read outside. Whether it's in the backyard, at the park, or on the beach, reading in nature can be a refreshing and enjoyable experience. It also provides a change of scenery that can make reading time more exciting.

Wrapping Up

A family Christian summer reading collection can transform the summer months into a time of spiritual growth, learning, and family bonding. By selecting books that teach Christian values, you can provide your children with enriching and inspiring stories that reinforce their faith and character. Remember to establish a regular reading routine, create a comfortable reading space, discuss the stories, and incorporate related activities to enhance the experience.

The five must-have books we've highlighted— "Larry the Llama Learns About Love," "Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns about Joy," "Prickles the Porcupine Learns about Peace," "Positivity Is My Superpower," and "Mighty Strong Little Words"—are excellent additions to your summer reading list for kids. These books offer valuable lessons in love, joy, peace, positivity, and the power of words, making them essential reads for any Christian family.

Janet Ashmore offers a collection of fully-illustrated children's books, dedicated to providing stories that teach Christian values and inspire young minds. If you're looking to expand your family's summer reading collection, consider exploring our selection of books.

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For more information or to get in touch, please visit our website, or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to helping you create a meaningful and enjoyable summer reading experience for your family.