I’d love to hear some thoughtful and honest opinions from parents and grandparents — both those with Christian values and those without. How do you feel about children or teenagers reading stories that include Gothic themes, witches, wizards, magic, spells or darker fantasy worlds, such as Harry Potter? For those with Christian values, do these themes conflict with your beliefs enough that you would avoid buying or recommending such books for your children or grandchildren? And for those without Christian beliefs, I’d be equally interested in your perspective. Would witches, magic or Gothic imagery bother you at all, or would your decision be based more on things such as the child’s age, how frightening the story is, the overall message, or simply whether it is a good story? I’m also curious about where people draw the line. Would you feel differently if the story contained witches and magic but ultimately focused on values such as: - friendship and loyalty - courage - standing up against corruption or injustice - making difficult moral choices - good versus evil - finding your own identity and purpose Do you see fantasy magic simply as imagination and storytelling, or does the presence of witches and spells immediately make a children’s or YA book less appealing to you? I’m genuinely interested in hearing both sides, rather than looking for one particular answer. So, parents and grandparents: would a Gothic or magical theme make you less likely to let your child or grandchild read a novel — and does your personal faith or belief system influence that decision? 🤔

’Twas the night before the summit, and through the community, Families were planning their week of curiosity. The calendar was checked. The favorites were marked. Four classrooms stood ready, though still quiet and dark. The flour was waiting. The yarn was nearby. The robot had stories it wanted to try. The guitar was tuned. The questions were brewing. The speakers were busy their notes they were reviewing. Parents were asking, “Which sessions are we doing?” Some planned to cook. Some planned to create. Some wanted the portraits before it got late. Some said, “We’ll watch the replay. We’re always behind.” And I, at my keyboard, with tea close at hand, Was checking each classroom and reviewing the plan. Tomorrow the doors open. The waiting is done. A week of connection, learning, and fun. You do not need perfection. You do not need it all. Choose what fits your family and answer curiosity’s call. Then close out the calendar and get some sleep tonight. Unplug & Play begins tomorrow. It’s sure to delight! Let’s make it memorable. See you there.