Nap Time Reading

We read almost anytime James or Jade lay down for naps or bedtime. James always looks forward to it and is highly disappointed if it's too late for a story. Over the past few years I have found many books that teach lessons that I want my children to understand. We go to story time at the library each Tuesday morning and the children pick out books. I've realized as James asks more questions about things that going to the library has been a great opportunity to find a book to answer his questions.

This particular book, A Friend by Anette Bley, I purchased from Usborne Books. My friend, Kendra, came over and showed me the great books from this company and I absolutely love them. One of my favorite things is that this book was originally written in German. They have a whole selection of children's books from authors all across the globe, but translated to English. Since I'm starting home preschool with James this fall, one of my plans is to use these books when we study about different countries. They show the characteristics of people, what's important to them, and just a different way to learn about people of other nations that I think he will relate to better than statistics, government, and landscape. I minored in Folk Dance at BYU so I know that has influenced my desire for this. Also, Germany is where most of my ancestors came from. So, it has a lot of meaning for me to share something from my ancestral country with my children.





James has really enjoyed this book ever since we got it last year. He often chooses it for reading together and it shows all kinds of friends we can have, young and old, close or faraway. The last page asks the reader questions for them to answer themselves. James from the first time I read it until now gives the same answers.

"Who is your friend...

...when you want to dance and laugh?"

James: "Colton."

"...when everything is new and strange?"

James: "Axle."

"...when you're in trouble?"

James: "Mommy and Daddy."


He is a sweet little boy.