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A Real Page-Turner
Grab
Book-buying allowance
Car keys
Go
Travel together to a local bookstore (hopefully one with a coffee shop!). Take your daughter’s lead and browse the shelves together. Is she interested in a suspenseful mystery? A funny animated story? A historical drama? A colorful picture book? Create a “maybe list” as you browse and then allow your daughter to choose a book that excites her.
Take your purchase to the coffee shop or a favorite spot for a snack. Get something hot to drink and a sweet treat. Take some time to read the beginning part of your daughter’s story to her, or take turns reading paragraphs or pages to each other.
Grow
Sharing a story is a great way to connect. Ask your daughter these questions:
What do you like about the different characters in the story?
Which character would be a good friend in real life? Why?
What are some things you have in common with the characters?
How do you think the main character needs to grow or change?
Are there any qualities of the characters that you wish you had?
It’s fun to read about imaginary or historical characters and get a window into a different world than our own. Reading gives us the chance to time travel without leaving our chairs. It’s amazing how a limitless number of people, places, and ideas can be expressed through a string of symbols on a piece of paper.
God has shown himself to us through words—the words of the Bible and the Word, Jesus. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). He gave us the gift of words and language so we could receive his truth. Our ability to speak lets us pray, and reading opens the door to the best book ever—the Bible!
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16–17)
God’s Word can change our hearts and change our lives. Talk about ways you can “hide his word in your hearts” (see Ps. 119:11) starting today!
Thank you for the gift of words. We are so glad we have a way to talk to you and read your truth in the Bible. Please help us use our words carefully. We want to encourage others and speak in love and kindness to everyone we meet. Teach us to love your Word so we can be more like Jesus. Amen!