"The Gentle Pen" Summertime Reading with Kids!

“Why This Summer Should Be About Books, Not Screens – And How Liv McLean’s Stories Can Help” www.livmclean.com

Summer break has officially arrived. School is out, the days are long, and the sun is warm. But for many families, the first question that pops up—right after “What’s for lunch?”—is:

“Can I have the iPad?”

Let’s be honest: screens are everywhere. They’re convenient. They’re entertaining. And sometimes, they give us five blessed minutes to drink coffee in peace. But the research is mounting, and so is the reality in our homes—too much screen time is taking a toll on our kids.

The Problem with Too Much Screen Time

Recent studies from pediatric and psychological experts have shown that excessive screen time can lead to:

• Shortened attention spans

• Delayed language development

• Increased anxiety and irritability

• Disrupted sleep

• Reduced empathy and social interaction

• Decreased creativity and imagination

And perhaps most concerning of all? Screens often replace something vital—a real connection with the people who love them most.

The Simple, Magical Fix: Shared Storytime

Here’s the good news. You don’t need to book an expensive camp or download a parenting app to reconnect with your kids this summer. You need a quiet moment, a cozy spot, and a book.

Reading together—just 15 minutes every morning and evening—can make a significant difference.

It builds vocabulary. It sparks imagination. It strengthens emotional bonds. And it gives your child the most precious gift you can offer: your undivided attention.

Why Liv McLean’s Books Are Made for This

As an author and illustrator, Liv McLean has poured heart, humour, and heritage into every one of her stories. These aren’t just bedtime books—they’re miniature adventures wrapped in warmth and wit, designed to captivate kids and parents alike.

Here’s what makes them extra special:

• Relatable stories for real kids: Whether it’s Barrel Racer Hazel showing grit and gumption on the farm, or Tommy and the Broken Window learning about honesty, each story reflects emotions and life lessons kids understand and need.

• Visual storytelling: Liv’s books are filled with beautiful hand-painted illustrations—watercolour or acrylic—that look like they belong in an art gallery. Kids don’t just hear the story, they see it come to life.

• Built for connection: These books are intentionally written to be read with children. There’s rhythm, repetition, humour, and heart—perfect for reading aloud and talking about afterward.

A Summer Challenge for Families

This summer, try something different:

📚 Replace screen time with story time.🌞 Start and end each day with a book.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Make it a shared ritual—something your child looks forward to.

You might start with Netti Spaghetti and Noni Macaroni (for a laugh), or Finnie Minnie Meow (for something sweet and soothing at bedtime). Or maybe Barrel Racer Hazel if you’ve got a little horse lover in your house.

And here’s a promise straight from Liv:

“If you make time to read with your kids, then leave us a review - I’ll keep writing and illustrating books worth reading.”

The Real Reason to Do It

Because one day—when your child is older, and you’re no longer tucking them in at night—they won’t remember the show they watched on their tablet.

But they’ll remember sitting next to you, hearing your voice, laughing at Tommy’s mischief, or cheering for Hazel as she raced her horse to the finish line. They’ll remember the closeness, the comfort, and the connection.

Stories are sticky. Screens are not.

So let’s raise a generation of readers. Let’s turn pages, not just scroll. Let’s gift our kids the magic of imagination—and the immeasurable value of time spent together.

Start your reading journey today at LivMcLean.com or find Liv McLean’s books on Amazon, Kobo, and Barns and Noble.

More books are coming—keep reading, and we’ll keep creating.