Teaching About God's Kingdom Through Books

Today I'm sharing about a creative activity I did with my kids a few years ago. I have to admit that normally these sorts of time-consuming crafty activities are not on my radar, but we happened to have a few Thrive Market boxes and had just finished reading Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend by Cynthia Rylant, which features a family making a cardboard box castle. 

I did the cutting and assembling, and then let my oldest two paint the castle (one on either side). We kept cardboard around the outside edges so they could paint a river, and we made a drawstring bridge for the moat. 

I was pleasantly surprised that playing with their small dolls and cars alongside the castle kept them entertained in the shade of the garage throughout a hot summer week. 

WHY TEACH ABOUT CASTLES & KINGDOMS?

Probably my favorite part of this little project was how it led to conversations about kingdoms, kings and queens, knights and princesses. Understanding about a kingdom ruled by a fair and just leader helps prepare them for conversations about the Kingdom of Heaven. I'm learning that I don't need to make explicit connections just yet (unless they come up naturally), but that I can teach them about the honor and respect one should give to the rulers of the kingdom, knowing that these connections can help my children understand the honor and respect we give to Jesus, King of Kings.

HOW CAN STORIES HELP TEACH ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD? 

My hope is that as we expose our children to stories of knights and princesses, kings and queens, we will help them understand their role as beloved children in God's Kingdom. 

PICTURE BOOK LIST

Here are a few picture books I've found so far that I believe do a great job of introducing children to the concept of royal kingdoms, knights who adhere to moral codes of conduct, and princesses waiting upon a worthy suitor:

• The King of All Things by Shay and Catherine Gregorie (Young readers)
• Princesses of Heaven by Fabiola Garza (Young readers)- my thoughts here
• Saint George and the Dragon retold by Margaret Hodges
• The Interior Castle of St. Teresa of Avila: A Mini Catholic Primer (Young readers)
• The Squire and the Scroll by Jennie Bishop (Middle grade readers)
• The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop & Susan Henson (Middle grade readers)

Here are a few humorous books that will capture your child's imagination regarding kingdoms and brave knights/dragons:

• Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
• Dragon was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio
• The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie dePaola 

CHAPTER BOOK LIST

And here are a few chapter books for older readers that have characters seeking the good of their kingdom or realm in a way that inspires heroic virtue! 

• Chronicles of Narnia
• Lord of the Rings Trilogy
• The Green Ember Series
• The Wingfeather Saga

CATHOLIC SHOWS

We also love a few shows that bring home the idea of Heavenly knights and princesses:

• God's Knights (a Brother Francis show)
• God's Princesses (a Brother Francis show)
• Littlest Saints–St. David the Warrior

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