Holidays and celebrations

Saint Valentine the Kindhearted, Saint Patrick the Forgiver, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard

By Megan Saben | Feb 9, 2024

Three godly men from the church history are worthy of remembering for their character and service to Christ. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended ...

The Sacred Sacrifice by Hannah Paris

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 8, 2024

In The Sacred Sacrifice, Paris is proposing we use Bach's St. Matthew Passion in Lent and Easter much like we enjoy Handel's Messiah during Advent ...

*Journey to Bethlehem by Leland Ryken

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 16, 2023

Journey to Bethlehem is a lovely anthology of historic Christmas poetry, hymns, and devotionals. Starred review! *Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals ...

Gift Books for Grown-Ups

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 14, 2023

Redeemed Reader exists to "shed a gospel light on books for children and teens." But you know what? We read books for grown-ups, too! We ...

Stocking Stuffers for Book Lovers

By Megan Saben | Dec 13, 2023

Of course books make the best gifts for bibliophiles, but some of those oversize tomes don't fit comfortably in a stocking. Here's a list of ...

All of a Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinsky

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2023

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah is a fun way to introduce this Jewish holiday to young children. All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. ...

Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 29, 2023

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 ...

Traditional Christmas Picture Books: A Roundup

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 28, 2023

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 ...

Tomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 27, 2023

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 ...

A Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 20, 2023

"A Stubborn Sweetness" is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas. A Stubborn Sweetness ...

The Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 6, 2023

The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up. The ...

Awaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 6, 2023

Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus. Awaiting the ...

He Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 6, 2023

He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent. He Came Down From Heaven: A ...

At Jerusalem’s Gate by Nikki Grimes

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 10, 2023

At Jersualem's Gate offers poetic meditations on what people involved in the events leading to Christ's resurrection might have thought and felt. At Jerusalem's Gate: ...

Love and Laughter Book List

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 6, 2023

A Valentine's Day list of books that celebrate family love and wholesome romance. It’s the season of hearts and flowers and chocolate. Valentine’s Day is ...

Bookish Gifts for Boys

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2022

What makes good gifts for book lovers besides more books (and infinite bookshelf space)? Here are some lovely things we've recently discovered that would be ...

Bookish Gifts for Girls

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2022

What makes good gifts for book lovers besides more books (and infinite bookshelf space)? Here are some lovely things we've recently discovered that would be ...

Christmas Book Flood: A Reflection

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2022

This will be my family's 7th year of enjoying one of our favorite bookish Christmas traditions: the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood, or Jólabókaflóðið ("Jolabokaflod"). We ...

Gladys Hunt on Christmas Books

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 2, 2022

Editor's Note: Is reading aloud beside the Christmas tree one of your family's holiday traditions? If so, you'll want to copy & paste this list ...

Home for Christmas, edited by Miriam LeBlanc

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2022

Home for Christmas is a lovely, literary collection of stories, old and new, that highlight the "spirit" of Christmas. Home for Christmas: Stories for Young ...

*This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore

By Megan Saben | Nov 22, 2022

There aren't many picture books about Thanksgiving; This is the Feast is one of the best. This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore, illustrated ...

Gladys Hunt on The Scent of Thanksgiving

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 18, 2022

Editor's Note: Are the smells of sage and pumpkin spice already wafting through the house? In this post, Gladys Hunt finds wonderful smells in the ...

The King of Christmas by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 16, 2022

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 ...

Family Advent Devotional List

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2022

Do you have a favorite family Advent tradition? Perhaps your family does a Jesse Tree together. Or maybe you have an Advent wreath on your ...

The Light Before Christmas by Marty Machowski

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2022

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 ...

*Heaven and Nature Sing by Hannah Anderson

By Megan Saben | Nov 11, 2022

Heaven and Nature Sing is a collection of advent essays on the curse that sin imposed on nature and the grace that allows us to ...

Labor Day: Books about Work

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 29, 2022

Readers: this is an adaptation of one of the first posts on Redeemed Reader, way back in 2011 (written by Emily Whitten, the "I" in ...

Christian Easter Gifts for Kids and Teens

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 14, 2022

Do you give Easter gifts in your family? Most families I know give gifts—a lot of them—at Christmas, but give minimally (if at all) at ...

*Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali Perkins

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 9, 2022

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 ...

*Something Better Coming by Megan Saben

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 1, 2022

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 ...

*Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 28, 2022

Easter Stories is a lovely—and literary—collection of short stories from authors both old and new. *Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season. Plough Publishing ...

Valentine’s Day Picture Books: Valentine, Be Mine, The House of Love, and Ballad of Valentine

By Megan Saben | Feb 11, 2022

Three picture books about Valentine's Day: Valentine, Be Mine is practical, The House of Love invites the reader to anticipate a party at home with ...

3 recent picture books for Advent and Christmas

By Megan Saben | Dec 21, 2021

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 ...

‘Twas the Season of Advent

By Megan Saben | Dec 21, 2021

'Twas the Season of Advent is an advent devotional for littles that hearkens back to the classic poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" but focuses ...

*Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle

By Megan Saben | Nov 19, 2021

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 ...

The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James

By Megan Saben | Nov 5, 2021

There is much to anticipate in both Christmas and Easter, but the Story is much bigger than the significant events, as Scott James demonstrates in ...

Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 4, 2021

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: ...

The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 4, 2021

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 ...

Good News of Great Joy by John Piper

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 3, 2021

John Piper examines why the new is really and eternally good, in the attractive volume of short advent readings. Good News of Great Joy: 25 ...

*The Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 2, 2021

Winsome and pastoral, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace is a thoughtful Advent meditation on Matthew 1-2 for teens and up. *The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: ...

*Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 2, 2021

Rebecca McLaughlin answers four questions everyone should ask about the Christmas story, beginning with the historicity of Jesus Himself. A great resource for teens. *Is ...

The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 1, 2021

An engaging and thought-provoking retelling of the Christmas story through the eyes of biblical characters. The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan. The Good ...

Three New Christmas Picture Books: The Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Feast, and Native-American Night Before Christmas

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 19, 2020

Two versions of "The Night before Christmas" and one classic trickster tale make great additions to under-the-tree reading. Fun for ages 4-up. The Night Before ...

Quarantine Box = Days of Cheer

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 12, 2020

Are you looking at another holiday stuck at home? Do you have family members scattered across the country? Megan and I both are looking at ...

Bookish Christmas Fun

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 3, 2020

Are you looking ahead to a Christmas that doesn't involve extra family and friends as much as previous years' celebrations? Perhaps you usually travel, but ...

There’s a Lion in My Nativity! by Lizzie Laferton and illustrated by Kim Barnes

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2020

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 ...

*Hosanna in Excelsis by David and Barbara Leeman

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2020

Sing a new song every day of Advent with Hosanna in Excelsis, an Advent devotional that offers a different Christmas hymn each day of Advent. ...

A Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2020

Dig in to the Christmas story a bit more intentionally this year with A Better Than Anything Christmas, a family Advent devotional with interactive questions ...

My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 26, 2020

My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli, illustration by Larry Day. Holiday House, 2019, 38 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages ...

A Family Easter

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2020

What were you doing last February? Possibly, after Valentine’s Day passed and stores cleared their shelves for St. Patrick’s, you were seeing some Easter chicks ...

5 Lent Devotionals (for Protestants)

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 10, 2020

Do you observe Lent? Did you know that there are Lent devotionals written with Protestants in mind? The early church officially began marking Lent liturgically ...

Reflections on A Christmas Carol

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2019

Planning to watch A Christmas Carol this year? Have you read the original story? It's definitely worth reading if you've only ever seen the movie ...

*Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

What happened "Long Ago on a Silent Night" resonates down the ages, in this lovely, evocative picture book. *Long Ago, on a Silent Night by ...

One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

A lonely boy on Christmas Eve learns the power of giving through "One Christmas Wish." One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Emily Sutton. ...

Christmas Books Round-Up

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 2, 2019

All our reviews of Christmas books -- that is, books about Christmas or set during the Christmas season -- in one place! You're sure to ...

Best Games for Book Lovers

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 29, 2019

The best games for book lovers? WORD GAMES. Naturally. Most readers enjoy good old-fashioned analog fun (as opposed to app- or screen-based games). When those ...

The Night of His Birth

By Megan Saben | Nov 26, 2019

"Sing out, my soul, the wonder..." How marvelous the mystery of giving birth to the Son of God! What might have been the musings of ...

New (or New to Us) Books for Holiday Reading and Gift-Giving

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 25, 2019

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, ...

Gifts for Book Lovers: ALL Gift-Giving Lists in One Place!

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 23, 2019

Need gifts for book lovers, young and old? We've got you covered! Stocking stuffers, fun bookish swag, and, of course, LOTS of book ideas! We ...

*Love Came Down At Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 19, 2019

Love Came Down at Christmas is an excellent devotional for Advent for teens and up: meditations on 1 Corinthians 13 by Sinclair Ferguson. *Love Came ...

*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 18, 2019

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. ...

Thanksgiving Comes Before Christmas

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 4, 2019

If you've been to a store anytime in the past week, you likely noticed the same seasonal schizophrenia I did: a few aisles of Halloween-related ...

Reformation Day Homemade Doughnuts

By Megan Saben | Oct 23, 2019

Homemade doughnuts are a delicious family tradition for celebrating Reformation Day or a hosting a Harvest Party. I am not a food blogger, so you ...

Patriotic Book List for Independence Day

By Megan Saben | Jun 29, 2019

It's Independence Day this week, and, naturally, we've got you covered with a book list! Every few years or so, we compile a patriotic book ...

*He is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter by Patti Rokus

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2019

A beautiful, artistic representation of the story of Easter using rocks set against a black backdrop. Starred review for He is Risen. *He is Risen: ...

Last-Minute Must-Read Christmas Picture Books

By Megan Saben | Dec 22, 2018

I know, I know, there's so little time left before the Day of Much Rejoicing and Celebration, but I've got two strong recommendations for Christmas ...

Every Month is a New Year by Susan L. Roth

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 21, 2018

This picture book gives a neglected holiday its due, celebrating “New Year” around the world with brilliant collage illustrations. Every Month is a New Year: ...

Christmas Book Flood (or, Betsy’s Family’s Christmas Eve Book Extravaganza)

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 17, 2018

Traditions Traditions are marvelous things, aren't they? The best traditions anchor our celebrations, our family and church life, and even our culture's collective experience. Sometimes, ...

One-Size-Fits-All: Read Aloud Gift Books for the Whole Family!

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 6, 2018

Need a book idea you can give as a “whole family” gift? Perhaps you want to take along a little “happy” to the friend and ...

Books for the Whole Year

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2018

The new year is a great time to begin something fresh, whether it is a new Bible-reading plan or a commitment to read a book ...

Bookish Christmas Gifts for the Whole Family

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 25, 2018

Sometimes, it's hard to pick out a book for a book-lover. What if she already bought herself that book? What if he has already read ...

The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2018

Fresh, colorful illustrations decorate this reprint of The Jesse Tree as told by master storyteller Geraldine McCaughrean. The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean and illustrated by Bee ...

Christmas Books for All Ages: A Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 19, 2018

Readers, we are thankful for YOU! And, in honor of our appreciation for you, your faithful support of Redeemed Reader and encouragement to us, we're ...

Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

Preparing for Jesus is a fresh, imaginative Advent devotional that looks at each of the biblical characters in the Christmas story, trying to learn from them ...

*Wild Bells: A Literary Advent by Missy Andrews

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

Wild Bells: A Literary Advent offers a beautiful Christian literary work, such as a poem, along with a reflection for each day of the Advent ...

*Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

Celebrate the birth of Christ with stories, Scripture, and song in this Advent family devotional guide, perfect for busy families or used in a classroom ...

*Hallelujah: A Journey Through Advent with Handel’s Messiah by Cindy Rollins

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

Enjoy both Handel's Messiah and the season of Advent with this succinct-yet rich-guide to both. A good Advent family devotional option for busy families! *Hallelujah: A ...

Vintage Pies: Classic American Pies for Today’s Home Baker by Anne Haynie Collins

By Hayley Morell | Mar 12, 2018

Here's a fun pie cookbook to help you recreate some of the vintage pies described in older literature and in your history books! Vintage Pies: ...

Redeemed Reader Christmas Vacation

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 18, 2017

This year has been a whirlwind for us, with a record number of book reviews, rising readership, website updates, and two special reading challenges built ...

A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton

By Megan Saben | Dec 13, 2017

Bear and Mouse add to their memorable experiences by celebrating Christmas together. Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, ...

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2017

Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2017

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift offers a complete Jesse Tree experience with devotional and ornaments for the whole family to enjoy. The Wonder of ...

*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2017

Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...

Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2017

We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we've reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the ...

2017 Winter Book Fair List: Books for Everyone!

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 18, 2017

2017 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone on Your Christmas List! It's that time of the year again: Christmas is coming, and all the special ...

Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 16, 2017

This new book of Advent readings takes us deep into the theological and spiritual meaning of Christ's Incarnation. Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul ...

Reformation Day!

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 25, 2017

I know, we’re not there yet. It was on All Hallow’s Eve (nicknamed Halloween) that the fiery preacher of Wittenberg marched down the cobbled streets ...

Labor Day Repost: Heart of a Shepherd

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 4, 2017

(Originally published on Labor Day 2012) Labor Day, according to Wikipedia, was born of the Management/Labor battles of the late 19th century--particularly the Pullman strike ...

Easter List Round-Up, 2017 Edition

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 10, 2017

Need a last minute gift idea for Easter morning? Want to have some books around that remind your children of the real reason for Easter? ...

Valentine’s Day 2017 – We’ve Been Here Before!

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 14, 2017

All of us here at RedeemedReader.com love a good romance, and over the years we've written about some of our favorites. Not all romance is ...

“Just believe”–in Christmas!

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 22, 2016

Recently it struck me that in no other religion is faith so central as Christianity. Think about it: generally speaking, Buddhism stresses contemplation, Islam action, ...

A Shiloh Christmas by Phillis Reynolds Naylor

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 20, 2016

The long-running Shiloh series wraps up with appropriate Christmas cheer but not too much theological clarity. A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Atheneum, 2015, ...

The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

A childlike and joyful retelling of the Christmas promise we have in Christ, perfect for the young at heart. This title is part of our ...

The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

The Christmas story "pops" in this beautifully crafted pop-up book. This title is one of our Winter Book Fair 2016 Picks! The Christmas Story by Robert ...

Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is: Christmas Gifts!

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2016

Upholding My Reputation I've written before about the reputation I must uphold each year with my nieces and nephews. And it's that time of year ...

The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 26, 2016

A whimsical collection of 24 cards and coordinating envelopes to color and share this Christmas! The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas by Nosy ...

2016 Winter Book Fair: Books For Everyone!

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 18, 2016

2016 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone On Your Christmas List! We have chosen the best of the best, our personal favorites, and plenty of great ...

The Nutcracker: This is That Time of Year

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 14, 2015

The Nutcracker ballet is part of many Americans' yearly cultural celebration of Christmas. The music plays everywhere, and even young children often recognize the strains ...

Have an Awesome Thanksgiving

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 23, 2015

In honor of this week's holiday, a book review post from a few years back: *Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday, by ...

By Megan Saben | May 20, 2015

Bunny’s First Spring by Sally Lloyd Jones, illustrated by David McPhail. Zonderkidz, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 A little bunny explores ...