For our American and Canadian readers out there, happy respective holidays this week! I hope you enjoyed some fireworks (or avoided them successfully if that was your intent). For everyone else, I hope you had happy days not celebrating the establishment of your nation this week.
That right there, my friends, is how you diplomatically offer salutations. I hope your summer—or winter, in the Southern Hemisphere—is going well!
Around the Web
Road Trips
It’s the season of Road Trips (btw, we have activity books for the Green Ember series that pair beautifully with audiobooks and car rides!) and Sharon Rockwell is reflecting on the ways they mirror life.
- I love road trips. Recently we were traveling in a remote area where we saw a road sign that read simply “Rough Road Ahead.” It wasn’t long before I felt the impact of a road that was in such poor condition that I knew we were in for a long, bumpy ride. I slowed down sensing that I could easily get caught in the potholed surface. We bottomed out a couple of times. I slowed down even more, dodging divots, sometimes slipping, and praying for smoother surfaces ahead as I tried to maintain control.
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Math-Themed Novels and Chapter Books
Erica at What Do We Do All Day has a collection of novels and chapter books for the mathish among us (or maybe those who need a little nudge!)
- Did you know there are lots of great math-themed novels, chapter books and short stories where calculations play a central role in the story? My math-loving kid helped me compile this list of books where mathematical concepts are front and center.
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The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores
Janie at Redeemed Reader has a review of an engrossing and educational middle-grade novel.
- In The Pecan Sheller, a spirited 13-year-old girl learns to stand up for herself against an oppressive factory system.
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Discipline, Delight, and Staying on the Path
Glenna Marshall takes a lesson from a hiking trip.
- My husband and I took our kids on a hike not too long ago, and before we hit the trail, we warned both of our sons to stay on the path at all times. The woods were filled with poison ivy, and one of my sons is quite the explorer.
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Around the Warren
Review: The Monks Make Amends
Aimee Davis reviews a picture book by Sylvia Dorham.
- Frustration with others is a way of life. Our sinful nature always tends towards “me first” and that struggle is no different whether you are one or ninety-one. There are a myriad of articles and advice out there to parents suggesting the best ways to guide children with handling their emotions and this innate selfish desire. Over the years I’ve found that one of the best ways to spark this conversation with children is through story.
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A Lowly Young Squire
Caitlyn Falde has a tale to tell.
- “The princess has been taken by the Great Dragon!” the king cried out. Everyone in the village gasped. The dragon was feared by all. Who would dare to rescue the daughter of the king?
No one. Except… a lowly young squire.
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Something to Do with Your Kids
If you do want to celebrate some of the holidays this month, try out these suggestions for fun ways to do so!
Something to Watch
You guys know I’m obsessed with language and probably share too many videos from the RobWords channel, but this one is truly fascinating—all about how babies learn language!
Thanks for reading. We’re on your side.
–The Story Warren Team
You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 25 - July 12, 2025
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 24 - July 5, 2025
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 23 - June 28, 2025
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