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Top Thanksgiving Books for Kids & Families to Read This Season

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*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog As the crisp autumn air settles in and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, it's the perfect time to gather your little ones and dive into some heartwarming Thanksgiving stories. Over the years, I've curated a collection of books that not only celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving but also teach valuable lessons about gratitude, kindness, and tradition. Whether you're homeschooling, looking for bedtime stories, or seeking classroom resources, these books are sure to become cherished favorites in your home. Why Thanksgiving Books Matter Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it's an opportunity to reflect on our blessings and share those moments with loved ones. Introducing children to Thanksgiving-themed books helps them: Understand the significance of the holiday. De...

The Good and the Beautiful Homeschool Curriculum: An Honest Parent Review

If you've been researching homeschool curriculum options, chances are you've come across The Good and the Beautiful. When we first started homeschooling over four years ago, I was overwhelmed with all the choices out there. But after a lot of searching and comparing, we landed on The Good and the Beautiful—and we haven’t looked back since.

This post isn’t sponsored or affiliated in any way. I’m simply a homeschooling mom who has used this curriculum consistently with my children, and I truly believe in the value it offers. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to switch things up, I hope our experience gives you a helpful and honest look at what The Good and the Beautiful is all about.

Why We Chose The Good and the Beautiful

When we first started homeschooling, I knew I wanted something that was open-and-go but still rich in content. I also wanted something visually beautiful and engaging for my kids. That’s when I discovered The Good and the Beautiful. Their mission to bring goodness, beauty, and truth into learning resonated with me deeply—and it truly shines through in everything they create.

The curriculum is faith-based, academically strong, and visually stunning. For our family, it checked every box. And after using it for years now, I can confidently say it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made on our homeschool journey.

What We've Used (So Far)

Over the years, we’ve used quite a variety of resources from The Good and the Beautiful, and every one of them has been a hit in our home. Here's a breakdown of what we’ve tried and loved:

Language Arts

We’ve been using their Language Arts curriculum from the beginning. It’s incredibly thorough—covering reading, grammar, spelling, phonics, vocabulary, and even art and geography in one! It’s beautifully laid out and easy to follow, which makes it perfect for both the child and the parent.

My son especially enjoyed the engaging stories and illustrations. The short lessons and natural integration of subjects made learning enjoyable without feeling like a chore.

Math

Their math curriculum is another favorite. We’ve used multiple levels now, and my son has consistently enjoyed the hands-on activities, colorful illustrations, and real-world examples. The spiral approach helps solidify concepts over time without becoming repetitive.

Plus, the included Math Box with manipulatives has been a game-changer for visual and kinesthetic learning!

Reading & Writing

Their reading books are so well-written, gentle, and wholesome. We've collected quite a few over the years, and I love that I can trust the content. The books are engaging and build a strong foundation for reading skills.

We also used their Creative Writing Notebooks, which helped my son develop confidence and creativity in his writing. The prompts are thoughtful and paired with beautiful artwork, which makes the process fun and inspiring.

Nature Notebook & Drawing Book

The Nature Notebook and Drawing Book have been such peaceful additions to our homeschool rhythm. These are some of the most calming yet educational resources we’ve used.

They encourage children to observe the world around them, sketch what they see, and learn about nature through hands-on experience. My son loves drawing in his nature journal during quiet time or while we’re out at the park or in the backyard.

Science Units: Paleontology & Space

We’ve explored a few of their science units too, including Paleontology and Space Science. The units are structured as family-style learning, so we could do them together while adjusting the depth of the content depending on the child’s age.

The illustrations, easy-to-follow lesson plans, and hands-on activities made it feel more like an adventure than a lesson. We all learned so much together!

What’s Coming This Year

This year is extra special because my daughter (who just turned 6) will be using The Good and the Beautiful for the first time. She’s starting with the Kindergarten and Level 1 materials, and I’m so excited to watch her grow using the same curriculum her brother thrived with.

She’s already in love with the colorful books and nature-themed illustrations. Knowing that the curriculum is designed with such care and intention gives me a lot of peace and confidence going into the year.

Free PDFs vs. Physical Books

One thing I really appreciate about The Good and the Beautiful is that they offer many of their Language Arts curriculum levels as free PDFs on their website. This is such a generous offering and perfect for families on a tight budget or those who like to print and customize their own materials.

However, we’ve always chosen to purchase the physical books. For us, having everything printed and bound, with beautiful, high-quality images, is absolutely worth the cost. I find that it saves me time, reduces prep work, and creates a more polished and enjoyable learning experience for my kids.

The physical books are ready to go right out of the box, and I love being able to sit down with my kids and jump right into a lesson without having to print or prep anything.

Pros of The Good and the Beautiful

  • Visually Stunning – The artwork is beautiful and truly elevates the learning experience.

  • Open-and-Go – Easy for parents to implement without spending hours prepping.

  • Wholesome Content – Safe, clean, and uplifting materials I feel good about.

  • All-in-One Language Arts – Combines multiple subjects into one curriculum.

  • Family Style Science – Perfect for teaching multiple kids at different levels together.

  • Affordable Options – Free PDFs available for many subjects.

  • Strong Academics – Challenging enough to grow your child, but not overwhelming.

Things to Keep in Mind

While we absolutely love this curriculum, it might not be for everyone. Here are a couple of things to consider:

  • πŸ“ It’s Structured – While it’s not rigid, it does follow a structured format. Some unschooling or child-led learning families might find it too planned out.

  • πŸ’¬ Christian Worldview – The curriculum is faith-based, which we love, but it’s important to note in case your family prefers secular materials.

Final Thoughts

The Good and the Beautiful has been a constant blessing in our homeschool journey. From their gentle yet thorough approach to the breathtaking design and thoughtful structure, it’s a curriculum I’m always happy to recommend.

If you’re just starting out or looking for something that blends academic excellence with beauty, creativity, and strong values—this might be exactly what you need. Our experience with The Good and the Beautiful has been nothing short of, well... good and beautiful.

Whether you’re teaching one child or many, this curriculum truly supports you as a parent and educator. I’m excited to see how my daughter blossoms with it this year, just like her brother did.

Have questions about how we use it or want to hear more about a specific subject? Feel free to drop a comment below or reach out—I love connecting with other homeschool families and sharing tips and experiences. πŸ’›

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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.

~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️

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