Our March Reads!

The month of March was an exciting month on the book front. Most of these books were included in Our Morning Basket, others were parenting picks. Here’s a rundown of the books we enjoyed during the month of March:

1. 10 Secrets to Becoming a Worry-Free Mom (Cindi McMenamin) – Popular speaker and author Cindi McMenamin shares from personal experience–and the wisdom gleaned from many other moms–how you can be a mom who encourages rather than nags. Pray, love, and care for your children’s needs and their futures. Replace your worries with peace, and rest fully in God’s strength. Start now on the path to worry-free parenting–a path that leads to positive, affirming relationships between you and your kids.
   An excellent read. This book was one of my parenting selections for the month. Full of great tips on how to be worry free in all areas of parenting; I loved the Biblical application and “Putting Into Practice” sections throughout the book. If worrying is part of your daily habit, you’ll definitely want to add this to your 2016 reading list! (See a full review of this book HERE.)
2. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (Shakespeare) – The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. The central psychological drama of the play focuses on Brutus’ struggle between the conflicting demands of honor, patriotism and friendship.
   We’re studying Rome and Caesar in our history lessons. What better time to read this historic play? I was surprised at how quickly our children adapted to the language of Shakespeare and delved into the story. A great read, and a bonus for our learning day.
   
3. Antony & Cleopatra (Shakespeare) – Antony and Cleopatra is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. The plot is based on Thomas North’s translation of Plutarch’s Lives and follows the relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony from the time of the Sicilian revolt to Cleopatra’s suicide during the Final War of the Roman Republic.
   A second read from our Morning Basket, this was another extension of our history lessons. I confess I had never heard of this play. (Bad teacher!) Thus, this was a new, fun read for all of us.
4. Tucker’s Countryside (George Selden) – Chester Cricket needs help. That’s the message John Robin carries into the Times Square subway station where Harry Cat and Tucker Mouse live. Quickly, Chester’s good friends set off on the long, hard journey to the Old Meadow, where all is not well.
   The sequel to last month’s read, A Cricket In Times Square, the children and I were anxious to continue the adventures of our animal friends. A charming story through and through.
5. Pieces & Players (Blue Balliett) – Thirteen extremely valuable pieces of art have been stolen from one of the most secretive museums in the world. A Vermeer has vanished. A Degas has disappeared. And nobody has any idea where they and the other eleven artworks might be . . . or who might have stolen them.
   I ‘discovered’ this author several years ago, and got my children hooked. Anytime a new book is released, we’ve already requested a hold at the library. This story didn’t disappoint. Full of mystery, and introductions to many new artists, Pieces and Players is a wonderful story.
6. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM (Robert O’Brien) – Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma.
   A classic from my childhood, I couldn’t wait to share this story with my kiddos. I love this book, and enjoy it every time I open its pages. We added this to our Morning Basket during the month, and couldn’t put it down. Now, for the film!
7. Triggers (Amber Lea & Wendy Speake) – Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses examines common parenting issues that cause us to explode inappropriately at our children. Moving beyond simple parenting tips on how to change your child’s behavior, authors Amber Lia and Wendy Speake offer Biblical insight and practical tools to equip and encourage you on the journey away from anger-filled reactions toward gentle, biblical responses.
   My second parenting read of the month, this book is written by fellow homeschool moms in Southern California. I love it, and would recommend this book to ALL parents. Full of Biblical wisdom and practical application; this one is a keeper! (Read the full review HERE.)

April’s stack of books is already piled high and we’re ready to get moving. Here’s to sunshine, picnic blankets, and a comfy spot to read!

 Chime In!: Fiction or nonfiction, do you have a book suggestion for us? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this month’s reads, and ideas for our 2016 book list.

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