The Warren & the World is Story Warren’s weekly newsletter, providing a round-up of our favorite things from around the web as well as a review of what was on our site over the past week. We’re glad you’re here!
Around the Web
The Amazing Life Of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Some of my favorite books growing up were the Little House on the Prairie series. This article has some short stories of the real Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life as well as photographs of the whole family at various ages.
- There are few books we love more than The Little House on the Prairie series, and we’ve always been curious about the real people behind the characters. We did a little research and here’s what we found out about them…
The Heart of Mom Anger
Melinda Means writes at the Mom Initiative about the heart issues we have and the repairs available for them..
- Angry? Me, angry? I never thought so.
In fact, if anyone was a “nice girl” it was yours truly. A people-pleasing, don’t rock the boat, smile-always-on-my-face nice girl.
Everyone said so. I took pride in my desire to make everyone happy (even though I never achieved that.)
And then I became a mother.
How to Help Your Children Walk Away
Sue Schlesman writes about the good that comes of teaching your children to walk away..
- Oh, the years of dropping them off, watching their backs recede into classrooms, concerts, try-outs, music lessons, programs, youth groups, interviews and summer jobs. Always, I watched their backs moving away from me, toward challenge and personal growth. From climbing on tour buses for sleep-away camps to boarding planes for missions trips and study-abroad semesters, I’ve stood transfixed by the symbolism of the backs of my children.
Mental Illness in Children’s Books
Melissa Taylor of Imagination Soup has a list of children’s books for families dealing with mental illness.
- If you’re facing mental health illness in your family or you know someone who is, you might want to read of these children’s books.
Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are just some of the mental health conditions (illnesses) that face our children and loved ones. Reading books (bibliotherapy) will build both understanding and empathy for yourself and others.
Around the Warren
Rebel Without a Qualm: The Counterculture of Gratitude
We pull out an old Zach Franzen piece for a good summer 2016 airing–it’s worth reading again.
- I recently read an article urging Christians to be more countercultural. By countercultural I think the author meant that Christians ought to get arrested more often and sing “in your face” anthems at their parents and/or capitalists. Of course, we know that a protest culture isn’t precisely counter to our culture. It’s as mainstream as a discontented child screaming and grasping in a ToysRUs. Still, Christians ought to be more countercultural, and certainly this extends to our artistic and creative offerings. One way to push back at our culture is through the simple elevation of gratitude.
Christmas in July
Kelly Keller brings us Christmas in July.
- Do you have crazy local commercials where you live? You know the ones — the type that come on Saturday morning and clumsily implore you to BUY BUY BUY whatever it is they’re selling over the airwaves. We have a car dealership here in North Carolina that uses a dog in all their commercials. The dog looks less than thrilled at the automobiles, but the humans persist.
Well, in the tradition of those crazy car dealerships and funny local commercials, I’ve decided that today marks “Christmas in July” here at Story Warren. Do you get to Advent and think, “goodness, I wish I had moved on a couple of those storybook recommendations before now.” Well friends, here’s your chance. Do it now. Below, I’ve recommended a few of my favorite Christmas books.
Something to Do with Your Kids
For those hot, hot summer days, something you didn’t know you needed–an erupting ice chalk paint recipe.
And Something to Watch
Organ: the full-body contact instrument. Check out this Bach Suite:
Thank you for reading. We’re on your side.
Carolyn Clare Givens is a displaced Northerner exploring the foreign ways of the South. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her literary cat, Lord Peter Wimsey. 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.
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 13, Issue 12 - April 12, 2025
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- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 10 - March 30, 2025
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