Stories Shape Us | What Stories are we Sharing With our Kids?
Recently, I had the opportunity to join a couple of podcast conversations about nature, imagination, the newest Green Ember book, and how stories prepare our children.
As children grow, they experience challenges. They’re going to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. They’ll experience betrayal, loss, fear, death, and hardship.
A lot of kids are forced to walk through those things far earlier than expected. My heart is to love them in that, and to give them armor for the fight. We can’t say: “Don’t worry about it, everything’s fine, there’s nothing to fear, the bad guy just needed a hug.”
Because children know better than that. They know the world is broken. There are real monsters. There is a real enemy. Stories can help prepare them for that reality.
The good news is: there is a Hero greater than any hero you’ve ever read about. He’s also the Author of the story.
Stories allow children to experience challenges vicariously before they walk through them in real life.
In another conversation, we discussed how books shape the moral imagination far more deeply than we sometimes realize. Great stories don’t merely entertain us, they are where we form our affections. They teach us what is worth loving.
Listen to these podcasts now:
- How Does Nature Inspire Great Stories? | Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible
- S. D. Smith & ‘The Green Ember’ | The Banderpod by Bandersnatch Books
- An Interview With S. D. Smith | Britt’s Book Bin (written interview)
Now on Audible!
In case you missed it – Green Ember Lost Tales: The Lost Legend is now on Audible. You can also find the audiobook available at our family store, downloadable in .mp3 format, perfect for Yoto or your favorite listening device. Read along with the SIGNED softcover!
Children (and adults) don’t need stories that pretend darkness isn’t real. We need stories that tell the truth about the world while arming us for the fight. I write these stories to make us brave.
I’m on your side,
Sam
My picture is brave Picket speaking to Captain Frye. I like the picture because it is an example of standing up with confidence. Keep writing! -Savannah, age 8
