Teaching Kids Art Through Picture Books

Birthdays are pretty exciting to kids, and it doesn't have to be their birthday for them to eagerly anticipate the celebration. Mom's birthday, Dad's, a sibling's, or a friend who has invited them to a party all are reasons to get really happy about birthdays. 

At our house, birthdays were always celebrated whether you were a child or a grownup. We still decorate with streamers and balloons, funny hand-made signs ("Happy Birthday," proclaimed one written by my teenaged son to his sister, "23 is such a prime number!") a selected meal, presents, and a birthday cake of the birthday person's choice. I wanted our kids to know they were dearly loved and an important member of our family and God's family. It is my prayer that these birthday traditions helped them feel seen, known, and loved by God and also loved by us.

Cake decorating is NOT my forte, but one year when I was feeling particularly ambitious, I made a princess castle cake for my daughter, which she in turn improved on and made...