The Book Mum LLC

08/17/2026

If we must...

07/30/2026

Reading is the rebellion.

In a world that tells us to consume faster, books teach us to linger.

In a world that rewards endless scrolling, books invite us to become rooted.

In a world full of noise, books whisper.
And somehow, those whispers change us more than all the shouting ever could.

When we raise readers, we're raising children who know how to think before they react.

Who know how to wonder instead of simply consume.

Who aren't afraid of quiet.

Who know that imagination is not something technology invented, and it isn't something technology can replace.

A home library is more than decor.
It's a declaration.
It says
Here, stories matter.
Here, ideas are welcomed.
Here, we believe that wisdom is worth seeking.

I've watched what happens when children grow up surrounded by beautiful books. Those stories become part of them. They shape the way they see the world. They teach compassion before life demands it. They awaken courage before courage is required.
They remind us that truth, goodness, and beauty still matter.

That's why I keep filling our shelves.

That's why we keep reading aloud.

That's why I keep choosing real books in a world that keeps asking us to replace them.

Because reading is more than an academic skill.
It's an act of hope.
It's an act of resistance.
It's an act of faith that the slow work of stories still shapes hearts.

Reading is the rebellion.

07/02/2026

One of the things I love most about Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books is how they make history feel personal. Rather than simply telling us about the past, Laura invites us into the everyday lives of ordinary people. We experience their joys, hardships, traditions, and celebrations right alongside them. In both Farmer Boy and Little Town on the Prairie, she paints such a vivid picture of Independence Day celebrations that it's easy to imagine what those days were like for families over a century ago.

As we get ready to mark America's 250th birthday, I've been using those stories as a starting point with my youngest daughter. Together we're learning about the people who lived during our nation's early years, the choices they faced, and the many voices and experiences that have shaped the country over time. We're reading books, decorating our home, getting involved in our community, and creating simple activities that help history feel real and connected to everyday life.

More than anything, I want these moments to become memories she'll carry with her. I hope she continues to be curious about the past, has a love of learning, and an appreciation for the stories of the people who came before us.

The truth is, you don't need elaborate plans or expensive activities to make history come alive. Some of the best lessons happen around the dinner table, curled up on the couch with a good book, or while baking, crafting, and talking together. Those ordinary moments are often where the deepest learning happens, and where a lifelong curiosity about history quietly begins.

Are you doing anything special to help your children or grandchildren learn about America's 250th anniversary this year? I'd love to hear what books, traditions, or simple activities your family is enjoying together.

06/26/2026

When was the last time you put down the phone, picked up a sheet of paper and a pen, and wrote someone a letter?

What started with a simple goal for myself, to send out 100 Christmas cards last December, unlocked a joy I had almost forgotten about. The joy of old-fashioned correspondence with a handwritten letter, tucked into a pretty envelope, and sealed with the love and hope that it makes it to its destination.

I thought it would be a one time holiday project, but instead, I accidentally unlocked a whole new hobby. Because I needed another hobby. 🤪

Now my daughter and I spend a few evenings a week filling envelopes with little bits of joy, handwritten letters, stickers, bookmarks, recipes, and little surprises for our happy mail pals. She gets so excited to check the mailbox, hoping for something fun for us to rip into.

There's something so special about slowing down, creating something by hand, and brightening someone else's day with a stuffed envelope of happy mail. It has become one of my favorite hobbies, and I love that my daughter enjoys it just as much as I do.

Have you ever had a pen pal or sent happy mail? If not, what's stopping you?

As screens blur the line between work and home, some people are slowing down and disconnecting by looking to communication devices from the past.

06/22/2026

Ahoy there, little readers!

Looking for a fun and unique adventure for your little one? The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch, in partnership with the St. Louis Public Library, are hosting a FREE Storytime event for families with children ages 0–5!

This special experience combines the magic of books with the excitement of exploring a real riverboat, perfect for curious young minds!

Don't miss this unforgettable storytime adventure on the river! Check the event for more information and a link to register.

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