Starred Reviews
*The Song of the Stone Tiger by Glenn McCarty
By Betsy Farquhar |
Magical woods, fairy stories, music, and sacrificial friendship offer Thomas and a stone tiger hope as they walk through the valley of the shadow of ...
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*Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel
By Hayley Morell |
Nothing will stop Mother Shrew’s quest to fetch wild honey from the moon for her sick son, Hugo. *Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth ...
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*The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
The World Entire tells the little-known story of the Portuguese diplomat who rescued almost 30,000 refugees during World War II. *The World Entire: A True ...
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*Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park
By Hayley Morell |
Cheerful rhyming illustrations celebrate the making of Bee-bim Bop! *Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Ho Baek Lee. Clarion Books, 2008. 32 pages. ...
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*The Traveling Taco by Mia Wenjen
By Hayley Morell |
Young readers will learn more about the origins of their favorite foods in The Traveling Taco! *The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of ...
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*The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Balak valiantly takes up his father's mantle to be the teacher of nomad land; along the way, he himself is taught much. *The Teacher of ...
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*Earl and Worm: The Bad Idea/The Big Mess by Greg Pizzoli
By Megan Saben |
Earl and Worm are neighbors with opposite personalities who sometimes agree and sometimes don't, but manage to accommodate their differences and develop a real friendship. ...
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*The Winter of the Dollhouse by Laura Amy Schlitz
By Janie Cheaney |
The Winter of the Dollhouse is a cozy story with fantasy elements addressing generational relationship, longing, loss, and reconciliation. *The Winter of the Dollhouse by ...
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*Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet
By Hayley Morell |
Young readers are invited by a narrator into Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon. *Three Tales of My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet, illustrated ...
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*Putin vs. Zelensky: The Russo-Ukrainian War by Ben Thompson
By Janie Cheaney |
Putin vs. Zelensky focuses on biography to give readers a grasp of the fraught history between Russia and Ukraine, and how the current conflict developed. ...
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*The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull
By Hayley Morell |
Young readers are introduced to The Black Mambas: The World's First All Women Anti-poaching Unit. *The Black Mambas: The World's First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by ...
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*Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
An emotionally-resonant cautionary tale about the allure of bright red fruit even when signs of danger lurk alongside. Note: this book contains sensitive topics, including ...
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*The Golden Necklace by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sona is determined to find out who stole her friend's golden necklace in order to clear her brother of suspicion in this new mystery series ...
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*Library Lion by Michelle Knudson
By Megan Saben |
Library Lion is a worthy picture book not only about libraries, but also about loving your neighbor. *Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin ...
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*Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown by Xochitl Dixon
By Betsy Farquhar |
So much of God's creation is wonderfully, marvelously brown, including people! *Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown by Xochitl Dixon, illustrated by Sara Palacios. WaterBrook, 2024. 40 pages. ...
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*Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard
By Janie Cheaney |
Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel is an excellent visual presentation of a classic story. *Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel adapted and ...
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*Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple
By Megan Saben |
Ribbit! The Truth about Frogs is an engaging nonfiction picture book that answers lots of good questions and helps the reader admire these fascinating amphibians. ...
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*A Big Change Happened by Darby Strickland
By Betsy Farquhar |
A big change happened for Wallace, the whale, and his mama. It's scary, but God is with them. *A Big Change Happened by Darby Strickland, ...
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*The Peddler and the President by Ann D. Koffsky
By Janie Cheaney |
Through the lens of a lifelong friendship, The Peddler and the President makes the fraught history of modern Israel accessible to chapter-book readers. *The Peddler ...
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*Kitten Red, Yellow, Blue by Peter Catalanotto
By Megan Saben |
Kitten Red, Yellow, Blue is a very fun picture book that plays with color while showing the activities of sixteen kittens who serve alongside their ...
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*The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of Romans by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dive into the book of Romans with your kids using The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of Romans. *The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of ...
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*Peek-A-Boo! by Allan Ahlberg
By Hayley Morell |
Rhyming text invites young listeners into a game of peek-a-boo with a British baby boy in 1940s England. *Peek-A-Boo by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet ...
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*Rivers by Simon Chapman
By Janie Cheaney |
Rivers is a stunning picture-book exploration of Earth’s waterways. *Rivers: Culture, Civilization, and Commerce by Simon Chapman, illustrated by Qu Lan. Big Picture Press (Candlewick), ...
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*The Heart of Adventure (Mistmantle Chronicles)
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Mistmantle Chronicles is an action-packed and beautifully written series of five books that follow the adventures of Urchin, a young and brave red squirrel ...
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*Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry
By Hayley Morell |
In evocative, lyrical prose, Jackie Hill Perry shares her spiritual journey in Gay Girl, Good God. *Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I ...
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*The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli takes readers on parallel quests through 8th-century China and New York’s Depression-Era Chinatown. *The Nine Moons of ...
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*The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Clover isn't supposed to play on the other side of the fence, but what about climbing to the top to meet a new friend? *The ...
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*The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
By Megan Saben |
The Scarlet Pimpernel is an oft-overlooked classic full of mystery, action, and romance for teens and adults. *The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. Signet, 2000 (originally ...
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*Yellow and Pink by William Steig (Retro Reads)
By Megan Saben |
Yellow and Pink is a simple, thoughtful picture book about two marionettes who discuss whether they are the result of intelligent design or a series ...
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*I Kissed the Baby! by Mary Murphy
By Megan Saben |
I Kissed the Baby! is a sweet board book perfect for those first few months. *I Kissed the Baby! by Mary Murphy. Candlewick, 2004. 24 ...
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*Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
By Hayley Morell |
A cheerful rhyming celebration of babies around the world, each possessing Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. *Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes ...
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*A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
By Hayley Morell |
Bear's solitary existence is disrupted by a visitor for bear. *A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, 2012. 56 ...
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*The Redeemed Reader Book by the RR Team
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Redeemed Reader team wrote a book! It's about reading with your children and teens. But we couldn't exactly review our own book. What follows ...
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*Reading Between the Lines by Gene Edward Veith, Jr.
By Betsy Farquhar |
Don't understand literature? Reading Between the Lines is an excellent crash course in a Christian—and scholarly—understanding of literature. Reading Between the Lines: A Christian Guide ...
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*Frog’s Rainy-Day Story and Other Fables by Michael James Dowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Frog’s Rainy Day Story is a collection of modern-day fables exposing contemporary follies in an amusing and discussion-worthy way. *Frog's Rainy-Day Story and Other Fables ...
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*Heckedy Peg by Audrey Wood
By Megan Saben |
Heckedy Peg is a picture book about a brave mother who loves her children and cleverly wins them back from evil clutches. *Heckedy Peg by ...
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*The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
In The King of Attolia, Gen must bring all his grit, cleverness, and convictions to bear as he works to earn the right to be ...
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*Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kamet and Costis, two characters from earlier in the Queen's Thief series, take center stage in Thick as Thieves. *Thick as Thieves (Queen's Thief, #5) ...
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*The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Queen of Attolia is both diabolical and lovely; Eugenides loves her despite the choices she must make on behalf of her crown. *The Queen ...
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*A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sophos, newly king of Sounis, takes center stage in A Conspiracy of Kings, the fourth Queen's Thief book. *A Conspiracy of Kings (Queen's Thief, #4) ...
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*All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
By Megan Saben |
All-of-a-Kind Family describes the joys and trials of a Jewish family with five girls in New York City in 1912. *All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor. ...
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*Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
By Betsy Farquhar |
Joyful Noise is just what the title indicates: a joyful noise in delightful poetry form. Bonus: it's all about bugs. *Joyful Noise: Poems for Two ...
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*The Watcher: Inspired by Psalm 121 by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Two children learn much about the Watcher who watches over them in this poignant picture book. *The Watcher: Inspired by Psalm 121 by Nikki Grimes, ...
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*Faith Builder Catechism by Kevin Hippolyte, Jared Kennedy, and Trey Kullman
By Betsy Farquhar |
Level up your family devotions with Faith Builder Catechism, a family devotional well-suited to today's readers. *Faith Builder Catechism: Devotions to Level Up Your Family ...
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*John Calvin’s Illustrated Institutes by Martin Williams and Joy Williams
By Janie Cheaney |
Calvin’s Institutes in a graphic-novel format introduces young readers to the tenets of Reformed theology. *John Calvin's Illustrated Institutes: Knowing God and Knowing Ourselves by ...
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*How to Tell a True Story by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Tell a True Story ponders how “truth” is perceived and what it may cost to reveal it. *How to Tell a True Story ...
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*The Long Road Home by Sarah Walton
By Megan Saben |
The Long Road Home combines beloved themes from the parable of the prodigal son and Pilgrim's Progress in a lovely picture book for upper elementary. ...
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*Once a Castle by Sarah Arthur
By Hayley Morell |
Readers return to Sarah Arthur's fantasy world with a whole new adventure and cast of characters in Once a Castle. *Once a Castle by Sarah ...
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*The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson
By Hayley Morell |
1940, England: as war threatens, one family journeys to Wisconsin for a fresh start in The Blossoming Summer. *The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson. ...
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*Magic in a Drop of Water by Julie Winterbottom
By Betsy Farquhar |
Magic in a Drop of Water is a beautifully-illustrated, engagingly-written picture book biography of a pioneering woman ecologist. *Magic in a Drop of Water: How ...
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*Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang
By Megan Saben |
It's hard for Luli to play with other children when none of them can understand one another until she practices the common language of hospitality. ...
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*A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
By Hayley Morell |
Beauty and the Beast, with echoes of other fairytales, is spun together with Chinese folklore in an an excellent YA fantasy: A Forgery of Fate. ...
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*Wind Watchers by Micha Archer
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wind Watchers celebrates the beauty of the Wind using beautiful illustrations and a gentle text. *Wind Watchers by Micha Archer. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025. 32 ...
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The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle by Anne Renaud
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a fun picture book biography to enjoy alongside everyone's favorite frozen treat (bonus: it includes science activities!). The ...
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*The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Crayon Man boldly and boisterously tells the story of how Crayola crayons were invented. *The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of ...
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*Benny on the Case by Wesley King
By Janie Cheaney |
Benny on the Case introduces a sleuth with Mosaic Down Syndrome and an indomitable, loyal partner. *Benny on the Case by Wesley King. Simon & ...
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*The Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison
By Megan Saben |
The Dragon Lord Saga is a graphic novel series overflowing with wild adventures, humor, and hopeful heroism. *The Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison. Rabbit ...
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*Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. Williams
By Hayley Morell |
A beautifully illustrated, well-written guide to the Bright Stars of Black British History for middle grades. *Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. ...
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*The King’s Cadets and Little Joe by Joe Sutphin and Kevan Chandler
By Megan Saben |
The King's Cadets and Little Joe is a chapter book for fans of Little Pilgrim's Progress. The King's Cadets and Little Joe by Joe Sutphin ...
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Three Picture Books to Make You Think: Echo, Home, and A Cup of Quiet
By Janie Cheaney |
In Echo, a spoiled little boy learns that real friendship doesn’t mean total agreement. *Echo by Adam Rex. Dial, 2025, 46 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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*Pippa and the Singing Tree by Kristyn Getty and illustrated by P. J. Lynch
By Betsy Farquhar |
Pippa and the Singing Tree lyrically celebrates the joy of Creation's song and invites us to join in. *Pippa and the Singing Tree: Joining the ...
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*52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia J. Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
52 Weeks in the Word thoughtfully guides students through reading the New Testament in a year. *52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia ...
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*The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mario DeMatteo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel faithfully adapts Corrie Ten Boom’s story for graphic-novel fans. *The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel by Corrie Ten Boom, ...
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*Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger
By Betsy Farquhar |
Otto and the Story Tree is a winsome reminder of the importance and power of stories, both for the hearer and the teller. *Otto and ...
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*Surviving Vesuvius by Christopher Harrisson
By Janie Cheaney |
Surviving Vesuvius is an intimate look at an ancient disaster. *Surviving Vesuvius: A Lucky Escape from the Tragic Fate of Ancient Pompeii by Christopher Harrisson, ...
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*Eric’s Greatest Race by Tim Challies
By Betsy Farquhar |
Eric's Greatest Race is a lively graphic novel-style biography of a man who followed Christ to the Olympics and to China. *Eric's Greatest Race by ...
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*Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson
By Hayley Morell |
A charming whimsical picture book with a very important message: Don't Trust Fish! *Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat. Dial ...
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*Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan
By Megan Saben |
Toad is busy helping other drivers, but sometimes the helper needs help. Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan. Tundra, 2024. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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*Embergold by Rachelle Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Embergold is a thought-provoking fantasy for teens that includes true love, sacrifice, and dragons. *Embergold by Rachelle Nelson. Enclave Escape, 2025. 325 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*The Storyteller’s Bible by Kathryn Butler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Storyteller’s Bible weaves the gospel into 35 theologically-rich stories from scripture. *The Storyteller’s Bible: Celebrating the Greatest Storyteller of All by Kathryn Butler. B&H ...
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*How Elegant the Elephant by Mary Ann Hoberman
By Janie Cheaney |
How Elegant the Elephant teams a beloved poet with a Caldecott-honor author to create a winning collection of animal poems. *How Elegant the Elephant: Poems ...
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*Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes is a beautiful anthology of poetry inspired by Scripture. *Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes. Paraclete Press, 2025, 160 ...
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*Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems is a striking and deeply spiritual collection of poetry worth savoring. *Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki ...
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*Painting Wonder by Katie Wray Schon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Painting Wonder, an outstanding example of a picture book biography, is a sure winner for all Narnia and Tolkien fans. *Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes ...
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*Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett
By Megan Saben |
A birthday book from Alex's grandma is transformed into a very different kind of story: Battle Bunny is the hilarious result. *Battle Bunny by Jon ...
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*Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence
By Betsy Farquhar |
Beyond Mulberry Glen is a deeply satisfying, enjoyable fantasy that would make a great family read aloud. *Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence. Waxwing Books, ...
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*New House, New Home by Megan Saben
By Janie Cheaney |
Lively text and pictures show what it takes to make a New House, New Home—by our own Megan Saben! (And scroll down for a special ...
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*The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker
By Megan Saben |
A lovely wordless picture book about animals and a giant robot, The Last Zookeeper is reminiscent of the biblical narrative of Noah. *The Last Zookeeper by ...
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*Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes
By Janie Cheaney |
Will’s Race for Home is a classic coming-of-age story set during the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. *Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes. ...
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*A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon
By Megan Saben |
A Pinecone! shows the delight in collecting nature through a child's eyes, with sympathy for the parent who has to deal with the consequences. *A ...
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2025 Caldecott Honor Books: *Home in a Lunchbox, My Daddy Is a Cowboy, *Noodles on a Bicycle, and Up Up Ever Up
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Caldecott honor books feature warm family ties, amazing skills and ambitions fulfilled. Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo. Penguin Workshop, 2024, 32 ...
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*Words By Heart by Ouida Sebestyen
By Megan Saben |
Words By Heart is a powerful and nuanced Story full of Truth, laid on the firm foundation that it is not enough to hide Scripture ...
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*Soul School by Amber O’Neal Johnston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Soul School is a well-researched, thoughtful, and joyful exploration of Black literature for children and teens. Highly recommended. *Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled ...
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*Working Boats: An Inside Look at Ten Watercraft by Tom Crestodina
By Hayley Morell |
With engaging text, cutaway art, and beautifully detailed illustrations, Tom Crestodina introduces young readers to the world of working boats in Working Boats: An Inside ...
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*Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear
By Megan Saben |
Oh, the joy of noodle delivery when acrobatics are involved! *Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. Random House, 2024. ...
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*Go Forth and Tell by Breanna J. McDaniel
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lively and inspirational, Go Forth and Tell shows a woman who took her calling as a storyteller seriously. Go Forth and Tell: The Life of ...
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*The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
By Hayley Morell |
An intriguing, code-breaking adventure introduces young teens to the work at Bletchley Park. *The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin. Viking, 2024. 400 ...
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Newbery Buzz #2: One Big Open Sky
By Janie Cheaney |
Today Betsy, Janie, and Hayley discuss a verse novel we all loved. (See our starred review.) Janie: When we picture wagon trains moving west, we ...
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*Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
*Just Like Millie is a sweet picture book about friendship with outstanding illustrations. *Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*Mr. Fox’s Game of “NO!” by David LaRochelle
By Megan Saben |
Wit and humor are featured in this book that challenges a child's intuitive response. *Mr. Fox's Game of "NO!" by David LaRochelle and illustrated by ...
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*Mishka by Edward van de Vendel
By Janie Cheaney |
Mishka is the gentle, heartwarming story of refugees and rabbits finding home. *Miskha by Edward van de Vendel and Anoush Elman, illustrated by Annet Schaap ...
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*The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza by David Shannon
By Megan Saben |
A simple effort to brighten up the holidays goes way overboard in this Christmas story about pride going before a fall. *The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza ...
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*Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo
By Megan Saben |
Frances is concerned about the organ grinder man who stands on the street corner. Is he cold? Where does he go at night? She can't ...
Read More *The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
The Biggest Story Family Devotional expands on The Biggest Story Bible Storybook to offer a practical and flexible devotional guide. *The Biggest Story Family Devotional ...
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*Little Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Joe Sutphin
By Megan Saben |
A classic Christmas story of an old sinner who finds redemption through visits from four spirits who convict him of his worldly wretchedness. Little Christmas ...
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*Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise
By Hayley Morell |
Whooo goes there? It's Knight Owl and Early Bird in this charming picture book sequel! Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise. Christy Ottaviano ...
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*Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri
By Megan Saben |
A boy struggling after the loss of his mother goes on a fantasy adventure and finds peace in her memory. *Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri. ...
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*One Long Line by Loree Griffin Burns
By Janie Cheaney |
One Long Line illustrates the scientific method through the simple observance of one species of caterpillars. *One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who ...
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*The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Hotel Balzaar, Kate DiCamillo continues her magical Norendy Tales series with intriguing hints of further connections. *The Hotel Balzaar (A Norendy Tale) by ...
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*A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Joyful and thoughtful, A Wondrous Mystery offers 30 devotional readings drawn from Charles Spurgeon's sermons. *A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon, edited ...
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