I don’t often call a book life-changing, but The Clockmaker’s Son by Jenny Phillips truly deserves that title. Lucy and I recently finished it together, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever read. It’s published through The Good and the Beautiful, the homeschool program we love—but you don’t… Continue reading 🌟 Be of Good Cheer: Why The Clockmaker’s Son Is One of the Best Books I’ve Ever Read with Lucy
Tag: books
From Picture Books to Chapter Books: Watching Her Grow at the Library
The other day I took Lucy to the library, and I found myself standing in one of those quiet-but-loud parenting moments—the kind that makes your heart swell and ache all at the same time. Not so long ago, our library trips meant a cart (and sometimes even an armful) overflowing with picture books. We’d march… Continue reading From Picture Books to Chapter Books: Watching Her Grow at the Library
Stories That Shape Us: The Gift of Shared Storytelling
From the moment Lucy was born, stories have been part of her world. If I wasn’t holding a book in my hands, I was telling her stories of my own. Bedtime, breakfast, car rides—it didn’t matter where we were, there was always room for a story. That love for books has grown into something deeply… Continue reading Stories That Shape Us: The Gift of Shared Storytelling
Reading: Pathways Beyond the Page
Reading is so much more than just reading. It’s a spark that lights up endless passages and pathways in the brain, creating connections that reach far beyond the page. Lately, I’ve had the joy of watching Lucy’s reading blossom into something even more incredible—cross-referencing. The other day, she was working on a journal prompt that… Continue reading Reading: Pathways Beyond the Page
Holy Cheese Nibblits, Kids Really Do Hear Everything
A friend of mine recently watched Lucy for the afternoon. At one point, she had some music playing, and So What by Pink came on. She didn’t think much of it—Lucy loves music, and kids usually don’t notice or process the lyrics… right? Well, not Lucy. My friend said she kept peeking at Lucy in… Continue reading Holy Cheese Nibblits, Kids Really Do Hear Everything
Holy Cheese Nibblits! Why We Love Geronimo Stilton 🧀📚
If you’ve never met Geronimo Stilton, you’re missing out on one of the funniest, most creative, and wildly entertaining children’s book series out there. These stories follow Geronimo—a mouse who works as a journalist and often finds himself solving mysteries and getting into hilarious situations. Not only are the books brimming with humor (Lucy’s current… Continue reading Holy Cheese Nibblits! Why We Love Geronimo Stilton 🧀📚
Tiny Books, Big Stories: A Classic Start for Little Readers
There’s just something timeless about classic literature—and these beautifully illustrated board books are the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the stories that have stood the test of time. These Baby’s Classics board books are technically geared for children ages 0–3, but we’ve found them to be just as enjoyable well beyond that… Continue reading Tiny Books, Big Stories: A Classic Start for Little Readers
Poetry with a Purpose: Beauty, Literacy, and Phonics All in One
Each morning, Lucy and I begin our day with poetry—and these moments have quickly become a treasured part of our homeschool rhythm. The Good and The Beautiful has created two poetry readers that are so much more than beautiful books. They’re gentle invitations into the world of rhyme, rich vocabulary, and moral depth. And best… Continue reading Poetry with a Purpose: Beauty, Literacy, and Phonics All in One
Our Favorite Faith-Based Storybooks (That Aren’t Cheesy)
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes mid-story while reading a children’s devotional or Christian picture book, you’re not alone. We’re a Jesus-loving family who also appreciates good writing, beautiful illustrations, and books that speak to children’s hearts without sounding like a PowerPoint presentation. Over the years, we’ve found some gems—books that actually move us, inspire… Continue reading Our Favorite Faith-Based Storybooks (That Aren’t Cheesy)
📚 Words That Paint Pictures: Why Vocabulary-Rich Books Matter
There’s a quiet magic that happens when a child is immersed in quality literature. It’s not flashy or loud—it’s subtle and steady, like a stream that carves out beauty over time. And if you listen closely, that magic starts showing up in the way they speak, the way they think, the way they see the… Continue reading 📚 Words That Paint Pictures: Why Vocabulary-Rich Books Matter
Raising Light 