August is here and that means a new school year is quickly approaching. Even littles that may not yet be in preschool or Kindergarten can tell that this time of year is abuzz with stores full of school supplies and older friends and siblings preparing themselves for a fresh start.

Our reading list this month is packed with school-related read alouds that you can enjoy with your littles.

Most of us parents know that reading to and with our children is important. Reading is one of my three year old daughter's favorite things to do together. It's the only time she will sit (still and quiet) with me for any length of time. When she and I read together, I experience what the research experts say are the benefits of reading with our littles:

So much of our lives and society is compartmentalized and segmented. It’s easy to think, “Worship happens at church; pastors are responsible for biblical teaching and discipleship. Learning about the world happens at school; teachers are responsible for disseminating knowledge. Experiencing relationships happens at home and with friends; parents are responsible for teaching their children about love, grace, and forgiveness.” While these assumptions and responsibilities are in part correct, they do not fully represent how Scripture prescribes our lives.