Baskets and Boxes of Books by the Door
Boxes and baskets are filled with books at our house. Some boxes have books to give away to the local Little Free Library. Others contain books “to be read”. One huge basket sits by the front door. With a gold and white handle, this particular basket is filled to the rim with books for children. From my own book, “Licky the Lizard” to books by local authors, new authors and well known authors, there is a great variety to choose from.
Picture books with animals, shapes and numbers. Early reader books with basic words to learn. Well known classics are in the baskets and boxes, too. Being able to pick the right one is important to the young ones wanting to read. Encouraging the child to make their own choice is special.
When grandson Rowan or any other child visits, there are always plenty of stories to be read and shared. If we decide to go outside and sit on the porch to read, we can choose from the books in the baskets and boxes and have one or more stories ready to read.
Looking out of my home office window, recently I have noticed toddlers and parents taking walks in the early morning and the late evening. Perhaps the evening walk helps settle the youngsters for bedtime. There are some toddlers carrying books and stuffed animals. I can imagine the fun times enjoyed by all as the young one reads to their stuffed animals.
I am thankful for the authors and the stories they create and share. Someone asked me if I make a lot of money as an author. My reply was this. “I don’t write to make money. I write to share the love of God and the love of reading and writing.” So, no, I don’t write to make money.
Seeing children of all ages choosing a book, holding the book gently in their hands and asking someone to read to them is priceless. Watching adults reading to children, children reading to adults and children reading to children brings wonderful joy.
Today, I will be ready to share books from the boxes and baskets in my house. Some books may have ragged edges from many hands holding the book, and other books may look brand new. The brand new ones are waiting to be read.
Do you have a special place to keep books? Do you share your books with others?
Keep reading and keep sharing books,
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
I love the imagery of the boxes and baskets of books in your home! 🙂 what a library of treasures for children of any age to enjoy! I used to collect children’s books, especially when I was teaching preschoolers but, over the years I have shared many of those to libraries, children, little libraries, and younger moms who might need books for their children. I have a limited few now and will keep them until they need a new home!
Diane, how wonderful you share books. My husband and I donate books to various places. We have several Little Free Library donation places in our area. What a blessing to share! What a blessing to have books to read! Have a wonderful weekend!
It is so important to teach kids to love books. My youngest daughter asked everyone coming to her baby shower to bring their favorite children’s book. So now the little ones has tons of books for her to cherish as she grows.
What a wonderful idea for a baby shower! We are trying to figure out what to do for our daughter-in-law who is expecting the second grand baby in November. Due to COVID, we can’t plan a big baby shower. The idea of giving books is great! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Our neighbor had a drive through parade for her baby shower. A parade of cars drove by her house honking and delivering gifts while she and her husband stood in front of their house and a family member received the gifts.
I love this idea!!!! Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
I love this, Melissa! Because I also love birds and books, I think of our home as a nest of books! In any given room we have baskets and shelves and stacks of books. You have inspired me to look up to see if there are any free libraries in our area.
Love that Nancy!
“A nest of books!” Beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂 Hope you find some Little Free Libraries in your area.
I love sharing books, too! A friend of mine gives her kids books (that she and her husband write in) instead of cards on birthdays and other holidays.
A great idea! Books instead of cards. I love books signed with special messages. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Reading is so important. It grows the mind and feeds our souls–at least the books you’re talking about do that. Great idea–baskets of books!
Yes, reading is important. I’m adding more books to the baskets and boxes of books in our home. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
I love the idea of collecting books to give away. I landed on teaching preschool because of my love for early literacy; in my view, literacy opens doors for children in every single subject/ gifting/ age/ ability.
I agree. Literacy opens many doors. I am thankful for family, friends and teachers who shared their love of reading. Have a blessed day! 🙂
I love the thought of the memories you’re creating with each book experience!
Thank you Ava. Many great memories can be created with reading. Have a blessed day! 🙂
I like how you said, “I write to share the love of God and the love of reading and writing.” I’ve always had a love affair with books and thankful to pass that love on to the next generations coming after me.
Thank you Karen. I am thankful there are others who share the love of reading and writing. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Many of my favorite childhood memories revolve around books. Love this post.
Thank you Diana. I have many favorite childhood memories around books, too. What precious memories! Have a blessed day! 🙂
What a wonderful post, Melissa. You sparked so many wonderful childhood memories. xo
Thank you Jill. I’m glad the message sparked wonderful childhood memories. Have a blessed day! 🙂
What a delightful way to share your books. Who is more delighted? You watching the children enjoy reading the books, or the children delighting in picking and choosing another book to read? What fun!
I am filled with joy watching the children choose books to read and share. I love reading and sharing children’s books. 🙂 Have a blessed day!