Today (where I live) was one of those warm days that makes you think spring might actually be coming, sometime, maybe. Depending where you live, you might still be in the depths of winter, or you may be beginning to think about autumn if you find yourself in the southern hemisphere. Perhaps you’re in the tropics, where seasons are a foreign idea. Wherever you are, we’re glad you’re here. 

Around the Web

An Introduction to Sheltering Mercy: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms

Ryan Whittaker Smith introduces his new book.

• Here’s the thing: I never planned to write a book. At least, I never thought anyone would publish a book I had written. Despite being a self-professed book nerd, I’ve always considered myself a filmmaker first and foremost. Books were something I read, collected, discussed. I didn’t have the time (or the confidence) to write one myself. But, over the span of six months beginning in the fall of 2020, two unexpected things happened.
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2022 Schneider Family Middle-Grade Roundup

Janie at Redeemed Reader explores the books recognized for the Schneider Family award this year.

• The Schneider Family Book Award is given by the American Library Association for outstanding books “that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience. Last week we posted our roundup of the winning title and honor titles in the picture-book category. This year’s award-winners for middle-grade readers all picture disabilities: also called neurodiversity (autism, asperger’s, ADHD, etc.)
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How to Teach Your Child Perseverance

Karen Whiting gives us tools for teaching perseverance.

• Perseverance is the drive or continued effort to reach a goal or overcome obstacles despite difficulties. It’s also considered the ability to persist and not give up. Some people call it grit. A baby tends to have natural persistence in learning to crawl or walk despite bumping into objects or falling down. Encouraging persistence helps a child try again and not give up on a failed attempt. 
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To See Someone, Love Someone

Trevin Wax reminds us how to see.

• “Simon, do you see this woman?”
  That question from Jesus to Simon the Pharisee pierces me every time I read it (Luke 7:44). At one level, it doesn’t make sense. Of course Simon sees the woman! He’s scandalized by what he sees her doing.
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Around the Warren

The Dangerous God

Lindsay Murphy explores the not-safe-but-good God we follow.

• If you’ve been around the Story Warren for any length of time, chances are you’ve encountered the famous passage in CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe where Lucy asks if Aslan is safe.  The beaver replies, “ ‘Course he isn’t safe.  But he’s good.”
  I usually hear this passage quoted in reference to the various trials and sufferings we face as believers.  Following Jesus isn’t safe.  It’s the craziest, riskiest thing you could ever do.  But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized “not safe” meant “dangerous.”  And it comforted me.
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D, by Michel Faber

A.C.S. Bird reviews this middle-grade novel.

• The hidden-picture nature of this engaging middle-grade novel accounts for some portion of its appeal: Can you spot the echoes of Charles Dickens, C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, Lewis Carroll, and J.K. Rowling? (Not to mention a host of others with whom I’m likely unacquainted. Literary influences cited by the author alerted me to The Wonderful O, by James Thurber, which I plan to investigate soon.)
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Something to Do with Your Kids

If you’re anything like millions of other families, you’ve watched Encanto this winter. And if you have, you might need some printable coloring pages to entertain you while you sing along with the soundtrack.

Something to Watch

Ever wonder why Interstates are numbered the way they are? C.G.P Grey has an explanation for you.

Thanks for reading. We’re on your side. 

–The Story Warren Team

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Carolyn Clare Givens

Carolyn Clare Givens is displaced Northerner exploring the foreign ways of the South. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her two literary cats, Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane. She's the author of The King's Messenger and Rosefire and in her free time helps run Bandersnatch Books.

You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.

Latest posts by Carolyn Clare Givens (see all)

• The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 32 - September 30, 2023
• The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 31 - September 23, 2023
• The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 30 - September 16, 2023