Sharks, Squids, & Scrolls — oh my!
We tried a serious, respectful picture, but you know…toddlers…
What does the iconic Washington D.C. bring to mind for you? Politics, protests, memorials, cherry blossoms?
This isn’t a post about how to take your kids to DC, but I’ll share several of my favorite experiences, along with two kids’ book recommendations.
Without any further ado…
The Smithsonian Natural History Museum (or as we called it, the Science museum)
I’m focusing on the ocean exhibit here (or we’ll be here all day haha ;) Strolling by models of prehistoric sharks and preserved giant squids reminded me of how small I am in this great, big world! This museum deepened my respect for our oceans and desire to respect them in return. As a person of faith, I also viewed the experience through the lens of God’s ingenuity, intelligence, and creativity.
You might like to check out Deep, Deep Down by Lydia Lukidis. I was delighted to discover it in the Smithsonian bookshop. I learned about Lydia through the Fall Frenzy contest last year, and I knew almost nothing about the Mariana trench before reading this book with my son. But after seeing a giant preserved squid in the Smithsonian, how could you not? Deep sea creatures aren’t as monstrous as they are fascinating, intelligent, and at times even beautiful.
My son holding Deep, Deep Down by Lydia Lukidis.
Library of Congress
Moving on to a book lover’s paradise … maybe you’re one of those nerdy girls like me who grew up in the 90s, and Belle’s library from Beauty and the Beast gave you the chills? Well, I’ll admit I felt a little like Belle at the Library of Congress.
Behold the largest library in the world! It’s breathtaking. It also reminded me of visiting St. Peter’s basilica in Rome.
Bible Museum
Last but not least, as a follower of Jesus, I got chills exploring the history and development of my faith, alongside visitors from around the world with different faith-expressions. (And I spent a lot of time in this bookshop afterward :)
Biographies can be empowering for kid readers! Similar to She Persisted, this book is a collection of inspiring biographies of women of faith (from Ruby Bridges to Bethany Hamilton). I’ve more often heard biographies of men, so this felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s inspiring to read how these women were compelled to take great risks, such as Susan B. Anthony, who fought through much hostility for our right to vote.
I could share much more about the Bible Museum, but I’ll end with these amazing pictures: Below, an original scroll of the book of Isaiah (125-100 BC), a collection of Psalms from Spain (1400-1425 AD), and two latin bibles associated with Martin Luther, the reformer (1542, 1544).
I hope you might make it to DC sometime! Or I’d love to hear what you enjoyed seeing the most when you visited. There truly is something there for everyone.
Also, if you’ve been following Blue, chapter three is available to read for FREE today!
A boy on a shark and a girl on a horse race on the water. Join the adventure at GlobalComix.
