Endorsements
If youve ever wished your most beloved literary heroines could come to life and guide you through your parenting journey, youre in luck. In Mothering by the Book , Jennifer Pepito pairs her own hard-earned insights with truth, advice, and transformative life tools from the classic characters we know and love. The result? Wit and wisdom for every mother, everywhere.
Erin Loechner, author of Chasing Slow
Jennifer Pepito is a mother of unparalleled principle and passion. With vulnerable reflection and seasoned wisdom, she shows us how literature can not only entertain and educate, but also help us reframe our values, revive our confidence, and recapture the magic of motherhood.
Ainsley Arment, author of The Call of the Wild + Free
In Mothering by the Book , Jennifer Pepito declares that literature can shape your worldview, dispel narcissism, and allow you to walk in another persons shoes, if only for a few brief pages. Her words will call you to courageous parenting by pointing you back to the books of your childhood.
Jamie Erickson, author of Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt , Trust God, and Teach Your Child with Confidence and Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow
Mothering by the Book is a beautiful collection of wise insight and gentle guidance from a mentor. Jennifer generously offers stories from her life alongside classic literature and Scripture to speak right to a mothers heart. Mothering by the Book is inspiring, engaging, and practical; it reminds us that were not alone, and that there is always hope.
Leah Boden, author of Moments on Mothering
In Mothering by the Book , Jennifer Pepito rejects the common veil of perfect motherhood to reveal a beautifully messy and inspiring journey that my mama heart immediately recognizes as truth. Her words are a balm that leaves me feeling seen and known. By uniquely tying the lessons of lifes trials and triumphs to living literature and Gods Word, Jennifer Pepito gifts mothers a sincere hope while reminding us of the incomparably fierce power of a mothers love.
Amber ONeal Johnston, author of A Place to Belong
I loved reading about Jennifers experiences as a mother of many. Her deep understanding of our fears and motivations made her story not only familiar but hopeful. Mothering by the Book is full of the ups and downs of walking with Christ in the midst of crazy large-family logistics.
Cindy Rollins, author of Mere Motherhood
This is not just another parenting book; Jennifer has captured something deeper and more profoundhow to overcome the pestilent fears that rob us of experiencing joy, peace, and fulfillment. This book will transform you, your marriage, your relationship with your children, and most of all, your relationship with God.
Jeannie Fulbright, MFA, author of the YOUNG EXPLORER SERIES
Jennifer Pepito shows us how we can rewrite the story of fear in our own lives so we can shepherd our children well. Masterfully weaving together beloved books, Scriptures, and vulnerable truths from her own life, Jennifer helps us create an environment of peace, joy, fun, and presence in our families.
Christine Marie Bailey, author of The Kindred Life
As a mother who deeply cherishes the formative value of rich literature not only in my childrens lives but also in my own heart, I adore this book. Jennifer weaves some of our familys favorite read-alouds along with biblical truth throughout this book to equip readers to choose faith over fear. Her profound insight on motherhood and carefully chosen examples from literature breathed fresh insight, encouragement, and joy into my heart. Mothering by the Book is a true treasure for all mamas.
Dr. Ashley Turner, author of Restorative Kitchen
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
2022 by Jennifer Pepito
Published by Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55438
www .be thanyhouse . co m
Bethany House Publishers is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2022
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-3740-5
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2016
Scripture quotations identified AMP are from the Amplified Bible (AMP) , copyright 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
Scripture quotations identified KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Scripture quotations identified NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Cover design by Kelly L. Howard
Jennifer Pepito is represented by Ingrid Beck.
Baker Publishing Group publications use paper produced from sustainable forestry practices and post-consumer waste whenever possible.
Dedication
To Emelie, Eden, Elias, Ethan, Emmett, Ella, and Ezra.
Being your mom is my greatest joy, and Im so grateful for all the love and grace you have shown me on this journey.
To Scott. Im so glad we get to grow old together.
To the younger me and all of you who see yourself in my story. Dont be afraid, God is with you.
Contents
Endorsements
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Foreword
1. Let Literature Free Us from Fear
2. Overcome the Fear of Being Alone through Journaling
LITERATURE COMPANION: Pride and Prejudice
3. Overcome the Fear of the Baby Years by Staying Present
LITERATURE COMPANION: Baby
4. Overcome the Fear of Failure by Speaking Life
LITERATURE COMPANION: Charlottes Web
5. Overcome the Fear of My Children Being Behind through Balance
LITERATURE COMPANION: Understood Betsy
6. Overcome the Fear of Children Leaving the Faith through Family Identity
LITERATURE COMPANION: All-of-a-Kind Family
LITERATURE COMPANION: The Railway Children
8. Overcome the Fear of the Future by Not Complaining
LITERATURE COMPANION: Little House on the Prairie Series
9. Overcome the Fear of Not Having Enough through Thankfulness
LITERATURE COMPANION: Little Britches
10. Overcome the Fear of Not Being Able to Manage by Building Good Habits
LITERATURE COMPANION: Cheaper by the Dozen
11. Overcome Fear by Running after Purpose
LITERATURE COMPANION: Freedom Train
12. Overcome the Fear of Leading through Forgiveness
LITERATURE COMPANION: Endurance
13. Overcome Fear by Knowing Scripture
LITERATURE COMPANION: The Hiding Place
14. Sing to Shut Up Fear
LITERATURE COMPANION: The Door in the Wall
Acknowledgments
Notes
Back Cover
Foreword
As a shy introvert, I have been called to a life in the public arena, where I am constantly forced to live outside my comfort zonespeaking to large groups, mingling with many strangers, smiling through hours of sharing myself as women stand in long lines to chat after I am through speaking. I cherish the life I have, but sometimes it is a bit of a stretch for my personality.