Family-Minded Children's Books

It is often hard to find family-minded books for any age group, but perhaps especially for little ones.  Amongst all the angst over a new baby arriving (because you're not the youngest anymore) and the portrayals of every role-reversing, feminist ideology, we have found three Little Golden Books that really are golden in their portrayals of the value of fatherhood, motherhood, and children.  Enjoy…

 

"Little Mommy" by Sharon Kane

(a Little Golden Book Classic)  Beginning with the words, "This is my house and I am the mommy.  My children are Annabelle, Betsy, and Bonny," this sweet book shows a little girl playing with her dolls.  It depicts obedient dollies, the mother (little girl) doing domestic tasks, home educating (!!!), visiting with another 'mommy,' and the serving dinner to the 'daddy' (played by her brother).  Overall, the book has a fabulously sweet nurturing tone.

 

"The Bunny Book" by Patsy Scarry, illustrated by Richard Scarry

(a Little Golden Book Classic)  "'What will our baby be when he grow up?' asked the daddy bunny."  Super sweet book with super sweet pictures.  The whole bunny family takes turns guessing what that baby bunny would like to be when he grows up.  But the baby bunny doesn't agree.  Although he can't articulate it yet, the baby bunny knows just what he wants to be.  "The baby bunny will be a daddy rabbit!  That is what he will be—with lots of little bunny children to feed when they are hungry."  The book goes on to spend 5 pages describing with words and pictures what a wonderful joy it will be!

 

"The New Baby" by Esther Wilkin, illustrated by Eloise Wilkin

(a Little Golden Book, formerly titled "Baby Dear")  I don't know if this one is in print.  The copy we have is from 1990.  This is a VERY pro-baby, pro-motherhood book depicting a little girl emulating with her doll her mother's caring for the new little one in the family.  Multi-generational and sweet.  Both mother and daughter are dressed modestly and femininely (gotta' love the mother's hairstyle!)  "We smile at our babies and talk to them.  Mommy says this is the way our babies know they are the most wonderful babies in the world."

Courtship Encouragement Part 1

Posted by Tyler to his blog: IrishRagamuffin.  Excellent!!

 

 

"Throughout the courtship Perry and I have realized how much influence our courtship has upon others. As well as how many are watching it, seeing it's outcome, but maybe more importantly, what we and our families do throughout the process. Also, God has used it so that people I don't even know are wondering what 'courtship' is, and asking questions/talking about it. Anyways, I've been throwing around a couple ideas in my head for awhile now to blog about. And, Perry and I decided that we would both blog about our courtship, or courtship related topics on our blogs now and then. Especially for our Arizona people, who aren't here to to see it firsthand. If by chance you have a question relating to what are doing, feel free to comment. Also, for a disclaimer: Just because we are in a courtship, does not automatically makes us the "Courtship Gurus", but rather, we just like to talk about what God's been doing in our lives.


-Encouragement for the Young Men- (which also will encourage the Young Ladies) :)
So for us young men, we have the big question of when am I ready? A lot of times, we are afraid to being the topic up, or even (gulp) ask a Father about courting his daughter. Obviously, there is a season where we are preparing (like, our whole childhood and teen years, especially the latter) to be a Priest, Prophet, Provider, and Protector to a young lady and a future Family. I'm not going to necessarily tell you when you're ready, or give you a check list right now. But more of an encouragement, that when you are ready, don't be afraid to ask (even if you don't have the 50k job or are 'young') a father of someone you're interested in (God leading you to that person). Fathers can seem intimidating, but in one sense, they're on your side. What I mean is, they would love to have their daughter's' court and marry in life. Of course the big question fathers have is who and what makes him worthy? Making initial contact is the scariest thing of the whole process, but when you are to that point of being ready, be yourself, stay humble, and be bold. I wasn't to nervous when I did this, but I did lose some sleep over it, fortunately Mr. W was very gracious, lighthearted in a way, and just about as excited as I was. Fathers should be very careful and serious, but also not be so intimidating to potential young men that they're afraid to even ask.
Always strive to be an approved workman who is not despised because of his youth. Meaning not despised because he is an approved workman (or suitor). :)"