As I prepared for the release of Different Like Me, I prayed God would use the book as a conversation starter.

These precious moments are divinely led, but we can create space for conversations and teaching moments by making reading more than a part of our bedtime routine.

One of the best reviews I received after the release of Different Like Me, came from a mother of a 5-year-old boy who said, “It gets better every time.”

I’ve received messages that say little ones are asking to read Different Like Me multiple times a day. These young image-bearers are exploring the illustrations as the text invites them to identify and rejoice in our differences and our sameness as God’s beautifully diverse and purposefully connected people.

One parent said Different Like Me has helped her 6-year-old daughter, who has been going through a tough time, put words to her feelings.

Another parent shared how God used the illustrations, which show diverse children working together and include children with special needs as heroes not just sideline images. After discovering their son would be going blind, they used the blind character to assure their son that his recent diagnosis would not change his value as a person.

When readers are allowed time to explore picture books before and after reading, they can practice critical thinking skills, strengthen their ability to process and voice their feelings, learn how to identify social cues from others, and develop a strong sense of empathy.

As an avid reader, I encouraged my sons to appreciate picture books by changing the way we approached reading time.

1. Plan reading times during the day, not just as a part of a bedtime routine.

Setting a quiet time for reading during the day or early evening, before everyone’s worn out and ready for bed, can help young readers recognize the value of reading time.

2. Make reading a family event.

When children see us turning off our technology and reading alongside them, they can see how reading is an important part of growing up.

3. Open up discussions to share what each family member is reading.

By inviting children to share what they have read, we help them develop their comprehension and communication skills.

4. Make the book selection process exciting, interactive, and relaxing.

When shopping for books, invite children to take their time. By scheduling an hour or more at a bookstore or for guided online shopping, we can enjoy quality time with a child. Setting a relaxed pace can help them learn how to make decisions by reading book blurbs online and on the back of books.

Ending a shopping trip with a sit-down treat can give your child an opportunity to share their selections and explain why they picked the titles. These intimate moments can set the foundation for healthy and holy communication between you and your child as their world expands.

5. Create space for conversation when reading to children, especially at bedtime.

Rushing through a story when everyone is already worn out after a full day can cause tension that actually hinders children from enjoying books. When we make reading a priority, we can schedule extra time that allows us to savor the experience and the relationship building that can be enriched by sharing great stories with our children.

6. Approach reading as an experience.

* Before reading the book, set aside a few minutes and invite your little reader to take a closer look at the cover and flip through the pages of the book.

* If the book has a Bible verse noted as its theme, you can read the Scripture aloud and set aside time to read the same verses in context from the Bible before or after you read the book.

* Read through the whole book at a pace that allows children to scan the illustrations.

* After finishing the book, look at the cover and invite children to share what they like about the cover.

* Flip through the pages and ask readers to share what they like about the various scenes.

* Examine the characters’ expressions and body language, read the text, and discuss what the character might be feeling.

* If you want to go deeper, you can ask your child open ended questions. For example, if a character is sad you would ask: What do you do when you feel sad? What would you tell this character if you wanted to help them feel better?

7. Lead children to the Bible to explore the theme in God’s Word.

As a Christian children’s picture book author, I include at least one Bible verse from which I built the message of each story. I provide suggested Bible readings and questions for parents and teachers to explore Scripture to discuss with young readers. When I released Different Like Me, my fellow children’s author and sister in Christ, Mindy Baker, created a wonderful resource for children’s ministry leaders and parents to use with my book.

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When we equip and encourage children to explore picture books, we can teach them how to improve their communication skills which can improve their relationships with others.

Using books as conversation starters widens our world and can empower readers to connect stories to their lives, practice applying God’s Word to everyday circumstances, and realize that His truth is always relevant.

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In His service,

Xochitl Dixon

Our Daily Bread Writer &

Author of Different Like Me and

Waiting for God: Trusting Daily

in God’s Plan and Pace

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