During lockdown, Cheryl Harray, the Southern Presbyterians Children and Families Advisor, wrote this reflection on ‘Reading and Chocolate’:

“During lockdown, many of us read more books (and ate more chocolate!) It was great to hear from families where story time took on an even more important part in the rhythm of each day: parents reading picture books to young children on their laps, tucked up on the couch, in bed or at the table, everyone expectantly listening to the next chapter of longer stories, older siblings reading to younger or on their own for hours at a time. All this is music to my ears as an ex-teacher so please don’t stop! Encourage your families to make it a lifetime habit and joy.

Or as the well-known Australian author Mem Fox says: “When I say to a parent, “Read to a child” I don’t want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate.

So what are some GOOD BOOKS to read?

During lockdown, Sally Lloyd Jones, the author of the well-known Jesus Story Book Bible suggested a list of TOP TEN READ ALOUD BOOK PICKS (and 10 helpful reading aloud tips too)

She also suggested 10 GREAT FAMILY READ ALOUDS (and 10 great reading quotes)

How many of these have you read?

In your childhood? Or more recently with the next generation or two of children? Have a look and a read!

AND CHURCH LEADERS…. Have you ever read a favourite picture book in church and noticed how adults enjoy the experience as much as the children?

A well-chosen picture book can be a wonderful resource for all ages as we explore faith together, making connections between important themes and theological ideas.  But what do you do when you have used your handful of favourites? How do you find more ‘good’ ones? Here are a couple of favourite places I go.

Picture book theology website has more than 500 picture books with more added each month. Each is reviewed with a summary and notes if there is a youtube or kindle version available (good for the big screen)   Books can be searched by theme via a comprehensive alphabetical list at the bottom of the page. Here is the link to one of the latest topically relevant ones ‘Who is my Neighbour Mr Rogers’

Storypath offers a similar resource with picture books through to youth fiction.  Books are accessed easily on the toolbar tabs of Theme, Scripture, and Lectionary links. The book’s information and review includes a set of faith talk questions which could be very helpful for all age reflection after the storytime.