Ages 0-4
Julie Fogliano, Children’s Poet
By Betsy Farquhar |
Julie Fogliano's poetry for children expects them to read between the lines, to appreciate a delicate, spare language. And it works. She understands the essence ...
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Small Poems and Peacock by Valerie Worth (and illustrated by Natalie Babbitt)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Small poetry books full of small poems and small drawings: just right for small hands and small listening ears. All the Small Poems and Fourteen ...
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Lauren Castillo’s Art: Nana in the Country, It’s Not Time for Sleeping, Twenty Yawns, The Ramble Shamble Children
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lauren Castillo's bold outlines and childlike compositions make these books accessible to young readers and their parents, too. Her books are universally cheerful and vibrant, ...
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2024 Geisel Roundup: Fox Has a Problem, Henry, Like Always, and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
By Megan Saben |
Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 The 2024 Geisel Award: One Winner and Three Honors The Geisel Award, which honors Dr. ...
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Bible Board Books: Tiny Hands and For the Bible Tells Me So
By Janie Cheaney |
Tiny Hands Series: Hymns, Promises, and Prayers, edited by Hanah Estes, Illustrated by Jessica Hiatt. P&R Publishing, 2023, 14 pages each. Reading Level: ages 0-3 ...
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Two Picture Books on Words and Storytelling: Sholem’s Treasure and The Language of Angels
By Janie Cheaney |
The Language of Angels and Sholem’s Treasure illustrate how great an influence word and history has had on Jewish culture. The Language of Angels: A ...
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Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up: Holy Night and Little Star, 'Twas the Night, The Nativity, and The Animals Speak Today we're highlighting Christian Christmas picture ...
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Traditional Christmas Picture Books: A Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
The Chimney Problem, the decorating dilemma, a pesky pigeon, and a reformed Grinch take center stage in four new Christmas picture books. Those of us ...
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Tomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
Tomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up Tomie DePaola was a truly prolific (and much beloved) picture book creator. His illustrations are recognizable anywhere. We're only ...
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*Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan
By Megan Saben |
A girl and a spider share adventures. Don't overlook this masterpiece of creation that probably lives in your own backyard. *Jumper: A Day in the ...
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While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie
By Betsy Farquhar |
While Everyone Is Sleeping is a sweet bedtime book, perfect for cozy nights. While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. ...
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5 Ways to Encourage Art Appreciation with Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
When are children old enough to begin appreciating quality art? As soon as they start looking at picture books. Note: even though this post references ...
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Picture Books to Make You Think: Twenty Questions, Bucket of Questions, Wants vs. Needs vs. Robots, and The Tree and the River
By Janie Cheaney |
Four new picture books raised questions and stimulate discussion for readers ages 3-12. Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson. Candlewick, 2023, 32 ...
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*Make Way by Angel Burke Kunkel
By Janie Cheaney |
Make Way tells the story of a very famous family of ducks, the man who made them famous and the woman who made them a ...
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Gladys Hunt on Getting Them to Sleep
By Janie Cheaney |
Go to Sleep Books Originally posted on the Tumblr Website, June 23, 2009 A new mother told me that her baby received four copies of ...
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3 Picture Books about Friendship and Positivity
By Janie Cheaney |
Silver Linings and The Bright Side showcase a positive attitude, while Friends beyond Measure puts a clever, mathematical spin on childhood best friends. Silver Linings ...
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Gladys Hunt on Pigs and Possibilities
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: Are there any animal lovers in the family? Gladys Hunt can recommend nine--count 'em, nine--recommendations for a classic story involving not one, but ...
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2023 Geisel Award Winner: I Did It! by Michael Emberley
By Janie Cheaney |
I Did It!, winner of this year’s Geisel Award for early readers, charmingly illustrates a common childhood experience: trying and failing. I Did It! by ...
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Geisel Roundup: A Seed Grows, Fish and Wave, Gigi and Ojiji, Owl and Penguin
By Janie Cheaney |
The 2023 Theodore Seuss Geisel honors books for beginning readers focus on friendship, family, and nature. A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portia. Neal Porter Books ...
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Gladys Hunt on the Music (and Magic) of Words
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: The universe began with spoken words ("And God said . . .") and in a sense, so do we. We wrap up this ...
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Why Your Church Nursery Needs a Library
By Megan Saben |
The Lord has been challenging my reading skills and assumptions lately, both humbling and teaching me in the process. I had offered to teach a ...
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Gladys Hunt on Raising Readers
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: "Literacy" begins long before a child can read for herself. Here, Gladys Hunt muses about how to take those first steps. How do ...
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Caldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Caldecott honor books explore a range of moods from wistful to whimsical. Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason ...
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Caldecott Medal: Hot Dog by Doug Salati
By Betsy Farquhar |
Hot Dog by Doug Salati. Knopf, 2022. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 0-4 Recommended for: ages 3-8 Dogs are everywhere these days: in ...
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The Way of Birds: Duet and Feathers Together
By Janie Cheaney |
Duet and Feathers Together present two notable bird species: the northern mockingbird and the white stork. Duet: Our Journey in Song with the Northern Mockingbird ...
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The King of Christmas by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy
By Betsy Farquhar |
The King of Christmas reminds young children where to look for Jesus, just as the wise men looked for Him at that first Christmas. The ...
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The Light Before Christmas by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Light Before Christmas is a thoughtful family Advent devotional that focuses on Christ as the light of the world. The Light Before Christmas by ...
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Gladys Hunt on the Art of the Picture Book
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: November is National Picture Book Month! Participants in our "Honey for a Child's Heart Read-Along" are considering that topic in chapters 13 and ...
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Fun picture books for young listeners: How to Apologize, Not That Pet!, Sometimes Cake, and Mom, There’s a Bear at the Door
By Megan Saben |
Four books featuring animals and young children are imaginative, instructive, and fun to read aloud to little ones. How to Apologize by David LaRochelle, illustrated ...
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Reformation Day Holiday Traditions
By Megan Saben |
Inventing a Celebration I’ve never had much use for Halloween. We didn’t celebrate it when I was growing up, substituting other family fun that day, ...
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*The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Story of Us tells the full redemptive story of Scripture in poetic form, using the classical 4 elements of earth, air, fire, and water. ...
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Gladys Hunt on Nursery Rhymes
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: Our Honey for a Child's Heart Read-along readers are thinking about Chapter 15: "First Books for Readers." Beginning readers should be primed with ...
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Truth and Story
By Megan Saben |
(Note: Betsy and I are indebted to Ethan Pettit, librarian and Children's Literature professor from Covenant College, who enlightened us so much in seeing Christ ...
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The Three Little Pigs: A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Just for fun, here's a round-up of some delightful version of the classic folktale "The Three Little Pigs" along with some funny spoofs and spins. ...
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*Baby Believer Board Books
By Megan Saben |
Theologically solid Baby Believer series provides a beautiful way to introduce littles to Scripture and church doctrine. Baby Believer board books series by Danielle Hitchen, ...
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Picture Books about Houses: Farmhouse and House Finds a Home
By Janie Cheaney |
Farmhouse and House Finds a Home honor the ordinary structures that shelter and sustain growing families. Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall. Little, Brown, 2022, 48 pages. ...
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Big Theology for Little Hearts
By Janie Cheaney |
Crossway's Big Theology for Little Hearts series attempts to introduce important Christian concepts through the medium of board books. The Church; Creation; The Holy Spirit ...
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Gladys Hunt on the Very Earliest Readers
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: In our Honey for a Child's Heart Read-along this month, we're looking at four chapters, including Chapter 12: "A Child's First Books." What ...
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God Rescues and Taste & See: 2 Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
God Rescues and Taste & See, new picture books from New Growth Press, offer parents colorful ways to introduce big theology concepts to children. God ...
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Science Picture Books: *The Beak Book, Nano, and Building
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding picture books offer windows into nano technology, beaver life, and the beauty and variety of beak design. *The Beak Book by Robin Page. ...
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Back to School Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is it back to school time already? Depending on which part of the country you live in, some schools will be starting up in the ...
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Picture Books about Nature: Be Thankful for Trees, Yoshi and the Ocean, and The Whale Who Swam Through Time
By Janie Cheaney |
The Blessing of a Tree Be Thankful for Trees by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. Red Comet Press, 2022, 80 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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Picture Book Round Up: Cora Cooks Pancit, Thoughtfull, Rice From Heaven, My Breakfast With Jesus
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four picture books encourage young listeners to notice the people around them, to serve with kindness, and to celebrate the diversity of God's church. Some ...
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Picture Book Round Up: The Big Wide Welcome, God Cares for Me, Love Is, Rice From Heaven, My Breakfast With Jesus
By Megan Saben |
Three picture books remind young listeners to love people as Jesus loves, to show compassion for the sick, and provide an opportunity to see a ...
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New Picture Books: Knight Owl, Hello Puddle!, All from a Walnut, Hundred Years of Happiness
By Janie Cheaney |
Four new picture books take a humorous look at knighthood, explore backyard science, and appreciate grandparents. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise. Little, Brown, 2022,40 pages ...
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*Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
Bare Tree and Little Wind reminds readers that Jesus is the Real King, and He is coming again. *Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali ...
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Getting to Know Shirley Hughes (1927 —2022)
By Hayley Morell |
Quintessentially English, Shirley Hughes delighted generations with her charming stories and beautiful illustrations. Arthur Rackam Growing up near Liverpool, England in the 1930s -40s, Hughes ...
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*Something Better Coming by Megan Saben
By Janie Cheaney |
Something Better Coming builds anticipation for the Easter season as it builds faith in young hearts. Something Better Coming by Megan Saben, illustrated by Ryan ...
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2022 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Roundup: Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge, Bright Star, and May Your Life Be Deliciosa
By Janie Cheaney |
The Pura Belpré award honors “Latinx writers and illustrators whose books portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.” This year the ALA named one ...
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2022 Coretta Scott King Picture Book Roundup: Unspeakable, Nina, Soul Food Sunday, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2022 Coretta Scott King Award The results for the 2022 Coretta Scott King Awards are IN! We already reviewed the winner, Unspeakable and one ...
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2022 Geisel Roundup: Fox at Night, Nothing Fits a Dinosaur, I Hop, and Beak and Ally
By Megan Saben |
The 2022 Geisel Award: One Winner and Three Honors The results for the 2022 Geisel Award are IN! The Geisel Award is given to books ...
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2022 Caldecott Roundup: Watercress, Wonder Walkers, Have You Ever Seen a Flower?, Unspeakable, and Mel Fell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2022 Caldecott Award: One Winner and Four Honors The results for the 2022 Caldecott Award are IN! We reviewed the winner, Watercress, several months ...
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Nonfiction about Nature
By Megan Saben |
Reptiles Everywhere, Bruno the Beekeeper, A World of Plants, and Fungarium offer plenty of fascinating information about the natural world. Reptiles Everywhere by Camilla de ...
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3 recent picture books for Advent and Christmas
By Megan Saben |
Looking for picture books for advent or Christmas to share with your own littles or give as a gift? Here are some to consider. A ...
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Picture Books on different times and places: Thukpa for All, How I Learned Geography, Come On, Rain!, and Kamishibai Man
By Megan Saben |
Thukpa for All, How I Learned Geography, Come On, Rain!, and Kamishibai Man, offer new perspectives on different times and places. Thukpa for All by ...
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*Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle
By Megan Saben |
Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle is a simple Advent devotional with deep theology, suitable for a variety of ages. Little Hearts Prepare ...
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How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner
By Janie Cheaney |
Beautiful nature photography distinguishes How to Find a Fox. How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner, photographed by Ossi Saarinen. Running Press, 2021, 38 ...
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Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wonders of His Love brings Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah down to a child-friendly level in this vibrant Advent family devotional. *Wonders of His Love: ...
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The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel Music
By Megan Saben |
Hiding Baby Moses, Jesus and the Very Big Surprise, and Clap Your Hands bring fresh eyes to old Truths. Hiding Baby Moses by Judith L. ...
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Population Picture Books: *If the World Were 100 People and We Are a Garden
By Janie Cheaney |
Two high-concept picture books present stories of people and movements in a way even small children can grasp. *If the World Were 100 People: A ...
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Picture Books about 9/11: The Survivor Tree
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new picture books about the Trade Center "Survivor Tree" help children relate to the events of 9/11. As we approach the 20th anniversary of ...
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Fun Read-Alouds: Dakota Crumb, How to Make a Friend, and I Can Make a Train Noise
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new picture books offer sure-fire hooks for preschoolers and primary-graders alike. I Can Make a Train Noise by Michael Emberley and Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick. Holiday ...
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Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields
By Janie Cheaney |
Wombat Walkabout features six furry siblings outwitting a hungry dingo. Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Dutton Children's Books, 2009, 32 ...
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John Klassen and Proverbs: A Guest Post from Sarah Hartman*
By Janie Cheaney |
John Klassen's Hat trilogy beautifully illustrates timeless truths from the book of Proverbs. I Want My Hat Back (2011), This is Not My Hat (2012), ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Ordinary Wonders
By Janie Cheaney |
The Night Walk, The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures, and The Lost Package focus on simple pleasures and everyday services we take for granted. The Night ...
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Picture Books about Refugees: Watercress, Yang Warriors, and The Suitcase
By Janie Cheaney |
Two memoirs and one parable show children how to have sympathy for refugees, even within their own family. Watercress by Andrea Yang, illustrated by Jason ...
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We Wait for the Sun by Katie McCabe
By Janie Cheaney |
We Wait for the Sun is a sweet recollection demonstrating how love shines through all difficult life circumstances. We Wait for the Sun by Dovey ...
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Teaching Kids Church History
By Betsy Farquhar |
Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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2021 Summer Reading: Faith & Fortitude Is Here!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2021 Summer Reading Theme We're very excited about the 2021 summer reading theme: Faith & Fortitude: the EPIC Story of God's People. Why? We're big ...
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Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davis
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sidney & Taylor series introduces a pair of wild-animal friends whose personalities lead them into humorous misadventures Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide ...
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Recent Picture Books About Families
By Megan Saben |
One Little Bag, A Piece of Home, and Me & Mama are lovely books about families, relationships, and ordinary traditions. One Little Bag: An Amazing ...
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New Picture Books: Milo Imagines the World, Outside Inside, and Off to See the Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
Milo Imagines the World, Outside Inside, and Off to See the Sea plunge readers into a child's eye view of public places, pandemics, and bathtime. ...
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ALA Award-Winning Picture Books
By Janie Cheaney |
ꜟVamos! Let’s Go Eat!, Welcoming Elijah, and Miriam at the River all won 2021 ALA awards for outstanding illustration in their categories. ꜟVamos! Let’s Go ...
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The Geisels: A Beginning-Reader Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Theodor S. Geisel Honor Books: The Bear in My Family, Ty's Travels, What about Worms!?, and Where's Baby? The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award ...
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Caldecott-Buzzy Picture Books
By Janie Cheaney |
The Barnabus Project, Our Little Kitchen, and I Am Every Good Thing are all contenders for this year's Caldecott award for illustration. The Barnabus Project ...
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A Year of Everyday Wonders by Cheryl Klein
By Janie Cheaney |
A Year of Everyday Wonders paces a traditional family through small milestones and seasonal turnings. A Year of Everyday Wonders by Cheryl B. Klein, illustrated ...
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There’s a Lion in My Nativity! by Lizzie Laferton and illustrated by Kim Barnes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rhyming text and colorful illustrations help children understand more about Jesus and the Christmas story in this new Christmas picture book. There's a Lion in ...
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Three picture books for preschoolers: Catch That Chicken!, This, or That?, and What I Like Most
By Megan Saben |
Three picture books that are ideal for sharing and snuggling with a little one. Catch that Chicken! by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank. Candlewick, 2020. ...
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PB Roundup: Your Place in the Universe, If You Came to Earth, and I Talk Like a River
By Janie Cheaney |
Three critically-acclaimed picture books tackle big subjects like the size of the universe, the scope of humanity, and the power of words. Your Place in ...
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Four Good Books for Littles
By Megan Saben |
Young children need Truth, and it's never too early to begin. Board Books by Danielle Hitchen, illustrated by Jessica Blanchard. Baby Believer series. First Bible ...
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Love Your Yard: Nature Study Books to Spark “Creation Appreciation”
By Betsy Farquhar |
Nature Study ... or Creation Appreciation? I'm a nature study junkie. And my kids have been along for the ride since birth. It's so much ...
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Gyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….
By Betsy Farquhar |
Gyo Fujikawa When you grow up with an author/illustrator's books, they become part of your definition of "home" or "reading" or "friend." Gyo Fujikawa is ...
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*The Friend Who Forgives by Dan Dewitt
By Betsy Farquhar |
In The Friend Who Forgives, we read about impatient, impetuous Peter and his faithful, forgiving friend Jesus. *The Friend Who Forgives: A True Story About ...
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Jonah and the Very Big Fish by Tim Thornborough
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jonah and the Very Big Fish has fun with language and offers the full story of Jonah--there's more than the whale! Jonah and the Very ...
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Three Picture Books illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans
By Betsy Farquhar |
Three new picture books from small publishers, perfect for young readers (and listeners). All are illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans, but the authors differ. Penguin ...
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Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis
By Janie Cheaney |
Hey, Water! pictures the gift of water in all its forms, providing an accessible explanation of the water cycle for preschoolers. Hey, Water! by Antoinette ...
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Lois Lenski Books: A Sampling
By Megan Saben |
Lois Lenski books continue to be enjoyable and insightful reading for all ages. Lois Lenski Books Yesterday I shared a long-overdue introduction to an author ...
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The Guaranteed, Irresistible, Effortless Introduction to Poetry for People Who Doubt That They Like It
By Megan Saben |
If you or your children aren't sure how to develop a taste for poetry, especially if you haven't decided whether you ought to feel obligated ...
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*John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister
By Hayley Morell |
Lovely illustrations and beautiful narrative prose tell the story of Tolkien, from boyhood to The Hobbit. *John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. ...
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New (or New to Us) Books for Holiday Reading and Gift-Giving
By Janie Cheaney |
It's a fact: readers love to give books as gifts, and we're here to help! When in doubt we tend to turn to the classics, ...
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*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mediate on the names of Jesus during Advent with this helpful, inspiring family devotional. *Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu. ...
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The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}
By Betsy Farquhar |
A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light ...
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5 Questions for a Book Giver’s Interview
By Megan Saben |
If you like giving books for birthdays, Christmas, hygge, or any other reason, you may often be wondering: what would this child enjoy? We love ...
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Cookbooks for Kids and Teens: A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Have you ever wanted to go beyond cookie baking and decorating with your kids? Did you know there are some great cookbooks for kids and ...
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The Delights of Childcraft, part 2
By Megan Saben |
Yesterday I introduced a set of books that impressed me as a child, and I appreciate them more now as a parent and home educator. ...
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The Delights of Childcraft, part 1
By Megan Saben |
I remember the first book that taught me to love poetry as a child. "Antonio, Antonio," by Laura E. Richards, was in the second volume ...
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Our Favorite Mice: A Booklist
By Hayley Morell |
Have you ever stopped to consider how many mice are in children's literature? There is something about these small, unlikely protagonists that captures the imagination. ...
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Nine Months by Miranda Paul
By Janie Cheaney |
Nine Months shows the development of human life, from embryo to newborn, in gentle rhymes and beautiful paintings. Nine Months: before a Baby Is Born ...
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