Posts by Betsy Farquhar
The Topography of Memory
Along with actual experiences, the books we read, particularly those we “grow up with,” create a topography in our memory.
Read More*Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional
*Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional by Scott James. New Growth Press, 2015. 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 4-8, ages 8-10 So often our church celebrations of the great story of Easter end with Easter morning: after attending various Passion week services, we arise early and go to…
Read More*Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. Aladdin, 2006 (reprint; originally published 1935). 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: ages 8-12, especially girls Bottom Line: Caddie Woodlawn, one of America’s favorite pioneer girls, turns 80 this year; her adventurous story of growing up on the frontier continues to delight young readers. Based on Carol…
Read More*Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo. Clarion, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: ages 0-8 In this 2015 Caldecott Honor, Castillo tells the gentle story of a grandmother who cleverly helps her young grandson brave his fears and discover all the fun things there are to do and experience in the city. He…
Read MoreAll the Answers by Kate Messner
All the Answers by Kate Messner. Bloomsbury, 2015. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: ages 10-12, especially girls Bottom Line: In this middle-grades novel, Ava finds a magic pencil that writes answers out to her questions; the question is, is that really a good discovery? In her haste one morning, Ava grabs a…
Read MoreHector Fox and the Giant Quest by Astrid Sheckels
Hector Fox and the Giant Quest (Hector and Friends) by Astrid Sheckels. FastPencil Premiere, 2014. 32 pages . Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended For: ages 0-8 If only fairy tales were real! Such a wish begins this cute picture book as Hector and his friends set out in search of a giant. Detailed illustrations bring the…
Read More*Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi. Zondervan, 2014. 304 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended for: Ages 15 and up One-Line Summary: In this moving and convicting account, Qureshi recounts his spiritual awakening from devout…
Read MoreBad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood
Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Jonathan Bean. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8Recommended for: All ages Moving, even across the street, is always a major transition. When a family moves to a new city (or state), the transition is magnified. Young children have…
Read MoreHi, Koo! by Jon Muth
Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons by Jon Muth. Scholastic, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8Recommended for: All ages It is hard to describe a book that is simultaneously an alphabet book, an exploration of the haiku form, a beautiful collection of watercolor paintings, and the story of a playful panda (whose name is…
Read MoreWinter Poems by Barbara Rogasky and Trina Schart Hyman
Winter Poems selected by Barbara Rogasky and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Scholastic, 1994. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 4-10)Recommended for: Ages 4 and up So many books about winter feature Christmas, New Year’s, or other “special days.” Rogasky and Hyman teamed up to create a collection of poetry that simply celebrates winter. The result…
Read More*Firefly July by Paul Janeczko and Melissa Sweet
*Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems selected by Paul Janeczko and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 0-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Janeczko’s 36 short poetry selections coupled with Sweet’s bright, boldly colored illustrations will delight young children who instinctively enjoy the rhythm of poetry (perhaps more…
Read MoreThe Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm. Random House, 2014. 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10-12 Bottom Line: A quirky, fun, “science-y” middle grades read about the meaning and importance of life; the stars of the show are 11-year-old Ellie and her grandfather who just happens to be transformed…
Read MoreThe Beatitudes by Carole Boston Weatherford
The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Eerdmans, 2009. 36 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: All ages The idea of putting the familiar lines of the beatitudes to the African American struggle for civil rights is a worthy one. How many times have those verses…
Read MoreBeautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer by Tonya Bolden
A beautiful picture book on one boy’s prayer illustrated by award-winning illustrator Eric Velasquez.
Read More*Hosanna, Loud Hosannas by Barbara and David Leeman
*Hosanna, Loud Hosannas: Essential Hymns Every Child Should Sing compiled and written by Barbara and David Leeman, 2014. 300 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: All ages Part hymnal, part textbook, and part devotional, Hosanna, Loud Hosannas is a beautiful, excellent resource for Christians of all ages although it is designed for children in first…
Read MoreNew Year’s Literary Goals (and Literary Confessions)
Happy New Year! The Lord has blessed each of us on the Redeemed Reader staff—and our site as well—in 2014. We are excited to see what He will bring our way and do through us this coming year. We are humbled by His faithfulness and goodness to us, and we pray that He is using…
Read More*Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton. HMH, 2014 (originally published 1939). 56 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Beloved Mike Mulligan and his trusty steam shovel, Mary…
Read MoreKaty and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. HMH Books for Young Readers, 1943. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Only Virginia Lee Burton could craft as lovable a tractor-pushing-snowplow as Katy. Although she pushes a bulldozer in the summer, the focus of the book is on Katy’s…
Read More*Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle. Chronicle Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Beginning on the title page, Idle uses soft illustrations full of movement to tell…
Read More*Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 “Once there were three bears, Dash, Charlie, and Theo, who…
Read MoreHello Ninja by N. D. Wilson
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Hello Ninja by N. D. Wilson and illustrated by Forrest Dickison. Canonball Books, 2013. Reading Level: Picture Books, 0-4Recommended for: Ages 0-4 The youngest ninja in the house will enjoy this bright, imaginative take on typical…
Read MoreMiss Betsy’s Book Nook: Picking Books for Gifts
Embracing My Identity I used to try to be one of those crafty types who gives a lovingly handmade item at a baby shower, for a young relative’s Christmas gift, or even to a young couple getting married. And then I saw the light: I know books, I love books, and now I give books. People expect…
Read MoreLeroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo
Jaunty, boisterous Leroy Ninker and his horse, Maybelline, star in this first volume of the Tales of Deckawoo Drive. Leroy Ninker Saddles Up (Tales from Deckawoo Drive #1) by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. Candlewick, 2014. 96 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books (ages 4-10) Recommended For: Ages 4-10 DiCamillo consistently creates well-rounded,…
Read MoreThe Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2014. 112 pages. Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt, Sugar, Sweetie, and Poppy, a brave (but very silly) group…
Read MoreThe Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy
The Miniature World of Marvin and James (Masterpiece Adventures, Book 1) by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Henry Holt and Co., 2014. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books (ages 4-8) Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Marvin, an artistic beetle, and James, a human boy, first appeared in Broach’s well-received middle grades novel Masterpiece and…
Read More*Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. Hyperion, 2014. 64 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers (ages 4-8) Recommended for: Ages 0-8 **Spoiler alert** Elephant & Piggie fans will just have to take our word for it and…
Read MoreFix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold. I LIKE TO READ series. Holiday House, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Belly laughs from kindergartners make reading sessions so much more enjoyable,…
Read MoreNumber One Sam by Greg Pizzoli
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli. Disney-Hyperion, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Easy/Leveled Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Pizzoli’s humorous The Watermelon Seed won the Geisel Award, which is devoted to the best…
Read MoreThe Big Fib by Tim Hamilton
The Big Fib by Tim Hamilton. I LIKE TO READ series. Holiday House, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 New readers will easily be able to read the many one-syllable words in this cautionary tale full of quirky illustrations. The nameless boy and dog make creative use of their…
Read More*Christmas is Here by Lauren Castillo
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! We are participants in the Amazon LLC affiliate program; qualifying purchases you make through affiliate links like the one below may earn us a commission Christmas is Here by Lauren Castillo. Simon & Schuster, 2010. 32 pages.…
Read MoreEvery Valley by Albert L. Blackwell
Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel’s Messiah by Albert L. Blackwell. Westminster John Knox Press, 2014. 160 pages. Reading Level: Adults (16 and up) Recommended for: Ages 15 and up Handel’s Messiah bursts on our ears this time every year even though many of the oratorio’s texts harken to the death and resurrection of Christ. Still, the Messiah…
Read MoreI Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters by Lauren Tarshis
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters by Lauren Tarshis. Scholastic, 2014. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 8-10 Fans of the popular I SURVIVED historical fiction series by Lauren…
Read More*MindWar: A Novel (The MindWar Trilogy, Book 1) by Andrew Klavan
MindWar: A Novel (The MindWar Trilogy, Book 1) by Andrew Klavan. Thomas Nelson, 2014. 336 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up The title MindWar sums it up perfectly: Rick is fighting a mental battle that has far-reaching effects in the temporal world. A high school senior who…
Read MoreLulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10Recommended for: Ages 4-10 In this latest Lulu installment, Lulu bravely rescues a forlorn hedgehog during the “wettest [day] in sixty-four years.” Her love for animals drives the series,…
Read MoreLulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2013. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10Recommended for: Ages 4-10 Lulu and Mellie’s grandmother (Nan) is staying with them while their parents are away, and the book opens with the three of them pondering…
Read MoreLulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. (originally published in the United Kingdom, first published in the U.S. by Scholastic in 2011) Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10Recommended for: Ages 4-10 Lulu and her cousin Mellie rescue a dog from…
Read MoreLulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2012. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10Recommended for: Ages 4-10 This is Lulu’s debut, and it…
Read MoreThe Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr
The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr. Square Fish, 2000 (reprint; original pub. date 1998). 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (ages 10-12)Recommended for: Ages 10-14 Fifteen-year-old Simon Green has just finished third grade for the fourth time, and his beloved teacher Miss Rogers has convinced him he needs to “spread his wings” and move…
Read MoreMy Friend the Enemy by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney
My Friend the Enemy by J. B. Cheaney. Yearling, 2007 (reprint edition). 272 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades 8-12) Recommended for: Ages 8-12 If another nation bombs the U.S. on your birthday and catapults your nation into war, abruptly changing your community, you’d be mad, too. When this happens to 12-year-old Hazel Anderson, she channels her…
Read MoreNumber the Stars by Lois Lowry (25th Anniversary)
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2011 (reissue of 1989 copy). 156 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10Recommended for: Ages 8-10 Number the Stars is one of those books that carries many awards and accolades: Newbery Award (1990), National Jewish Book Award (1990), Rebecca Caudill Award (1992), and others. It has appeared on…
Read MoreDash by Kirby Larson
Dash by Kirby Larson. Scholastic, 2014. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Eleven-year-old Mitsi’s best friend is her little dog, Dash. She used to have some other best friends, but after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, they’ve been avoiding Mitsi because she is Japanese American. And so the story opens on…
Read MoreNational Geographic Kids Biographies: George Washington
George Washington by Caroline Crosson Gilpin. National Geographic Society, 2014. 128 pgs. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled reader (ages 4-8) Recommended for: Ages 4-8 National Geographic Kids has a series of biographies about well-known significant figures that is nicely suited to early readers. Each book contains a variety of information and good photographs about the…
Read MoreQueen Victoria’s Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Simon and Schuster, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 4-8 It is hard for our modern sensibilities to understand the enormity of the social faux pas Queen Victoria would have committed had she allowed her subjects to see…
Read MoreThe Pilot and the Little Prince by Peter Sis
The Pilot and the Little Prince: The Life of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry by Peter Sis. Farrar, Straux, and Giroux, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 4-12 Part picture book biography of the man who wrote The Little Prince and part history of early flight, this is a stunning book to read on…
Read MoreThe Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edward Fotheringham
The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edward Fotheringham. Scholastic, 2010. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-10Recommended for: Ages 8-10 Like his famous Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain was a larger-than-life character. Famous during his own lifetime, Twain was the subject of much critical attention. His daughter, Susy, decided that…
Read MorePicture Book Biographies
Picture Book Biographies Picture book biographies are excellent choices for introducing students of all ages to a particular author or historical figure. Many times they are also good examples of research, characters who persevere in the midst of adversity, interesting historical anecdotes, and just plain good stories—true stories. The Criteria Essentially, a good picture book…
Read More*The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet
*The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 42 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-12Recommended for: 8-12 The use of language is not confined to its being the medium through which we communicate our ideas to one another; … [it functions] as an…
Read MoreA River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Eerdmans, 2008. 34 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-12Recommended for: 4-12 Although poetry anchored William Carlos Williams, he was much more than a poet; Bryant and Sweet work seamlessly together to tell his story from his…
Read MoreExplore Gravity!: With 25 Great Projects by Cindy Blobaum and illustrated by Bryan Stone
Explore Gravity!: With 25 Great Projects by Cindy Blobaum and illustrated by Bryan Stone. Nomad Press, 2013. 96 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (ages 8-12) Recommended for: Ages 4-8 and up Explore Gravity is part activity book, part experiment book, and part textbook that explores gravity-related concepts (cause of gravity, effects of gravity, past discoveries) and…
Read MoreGravity by Jason Chin
Gravity by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook Press, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 0-8 Recommended for: All ages Gravity is a complex concept to explain to young children. Chin has tackled this challenge with aplomb, producing a beautifully illustrated, deceptively simple picture book that succinctly and effectively explains gravity to very young children. Illustrations…
Read MoreEye Benders: The Science of Seeing and Believing by Clive Gifford
Eye Benders: The Science of Seeing and Believing by Clive Gifford. Ivy Press, 2013 (U.K.) and 2014 (U.S.A.). 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, 8-12 Recommended for: All ages Eye Benders will fascinate all those who enjoy optical illusions—and the science behind them. Why do our eyes seem to play tricks on us sometimes? Why does…
Read MoreEye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins
Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 8 and up Steve Jenkins generates interesting and stunning new nonfiction books on a regular basis. In this recent picture book, he uses his trademark collage style to illuminate the…
Read MoreZoobots by Helaine Becker
Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Alex Ries. Kids Can Press, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 8 and up Anthropomorphic robots are the stuff of science fiction movies, but they really exist! Zoobots is a very well-organized, well-illustrated guide to some of…
Read MoreHomer Price by Robert McCloskey
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey. Viking, 1943. 149 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 8-10 McCloskey has transformed his picture book hero, Lentil, into a slightly more grown-up Homer Price. Homer lives outside the town of Centerberg and experiences small town America in all its glory. Folks know each other around town,…
Read MoreRobert McCloskey: 100th Anniversary of His Birth
Today marks the 100th anniversary of Robert McCloskey’s birth. McCloskey is the author/illustrator of such familiar American children’s books as Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine, and Time of Wonder. His first picture book was Lentil, which idealized his own boyhood in small-town America. This month’s issue of Horn Book Magazine features an essay on McCloskey by children’s…
Read MoreLentil by Robert McCloskey
Lentil by Robert McCloskey. First published by Viking, 1940. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Lentil, McCloskey’s first picture book, is now 74 years old. Readers will recognize McCloskey’s familiar style from his more well-known picture books (such as Blueberries for Sal or Make Way for Ducklings). Lentil is a young boy from the town…
Read MoreInterview with J. B. Cheaney & Giveaway!
***As of Sept. 15, this giveaway is over. Winners have been notified. Please check back for more free books!*** GIVEAWAY! Tell us a favorite bus memory, school or otherwise, in the comments below and you could win one of five giveaway copies of Janie’s new book, Somebody on This Bus is Going to Be Famous!…
Read More*Somebody on This Bus is Going to Be Famous by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney
*Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous by J. B. Cheaney. Sourcebooks, 2014. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (8-12) Recommended For: Ages 10-12 Bottom Line: A realistic fiction novel that brings together nine very different students on one bus with one school driver for one school year: who is going to be famous?…
Read MoreMama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Steve Jenkins. Beach Lane Books, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 0-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Steve Jenkins is known for his detailed collage illustrations in…
Read MoreGreenglass House by Kate Milford
Greenglass House by Kate Milford. Clarion, 2014, 384 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades (ages 10-12) Recommended for: Ages 10 and up The Greenglass House is an old inn set on a remote cliff near a smuggler’s cove and is run by Milo (an adopted boy of Asian heritage) and his parents. And in Greenglass House,…
Read MoreAchoo! Bang! Crash!: The Noisy Alphabet
Achoo! Bang! Crash!: The Noisy Alphabet by Ross MacDonald. Neal Porter Books, 2003. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 This riotous book is full of noisy words! Onomatopoeia comprises the entire text, making this a perfect read-aloud (and read with) choice for kindergarten and early elementary students. MacDonald’s illustrations have…
Read MoreCount on the Subway
Count On the Subway by Paul Dobois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. Knopf, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 0-4 Recommended for: 0-4 Bright, colorful illustrations help young listeners count with a little girl and her mom as they walk to the subway, board the train, ride to their destination,…
Read MoreWhat in the World?: Fun-Tastic Puzzles for Curious Minds
What in the World?: Fun-Tastic Puzzles for Curious Minds by Julie Vosburgh Agnone. National Geographic Society, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Reminiscent of I Spy books, What in the World? is exactly what its subtitle says it is: fun puzzles for curious minds. Patterns from the natural world, close-ups…
Read MoreThis Plus That by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
This Plus That: Life’s Little Equations by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace. Harper, 2011. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, Ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Rosenthal has a knack for creating a twist on an educational subject and applying it to real life. In this deceptively simple book, various elements of life…
Read MoreOne Smart Cookie by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
One Smart Cookie: Bite-Size Lessons for the School Years and Beyond by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer. Harper, 2010. 32 pgs. Reading Level: Picture BookRecommended for: Ages 4-8 Similar to Rosenthal’s other “Cookies” books, One Smart Cookie defines character traits using the metaphor of making/eating/enjoying cookies and concludes with a recipe for…cookies,…
Read MoreHickory Dickory Dog by Alison Murray
Hickory Dickory Dog by Alison Murray. Candlewick, 2014 (first published in U.K. in 2012), 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture BookRecommended for: All ages Murray applies her signature style in this bold, colorful picture book. Using the familiar nursery rhyme, “Hickory Dickory Dock,” Murray tells the story of a young boy and his dog throughout the course…
Read MorePigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway
Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway. Candlewick, 2014. Reading Level: Early Chapter Book, Ages 4-8Recommended for: All ages Charmingly illustrated with the same humorous touches James Marshall often added to his works, Pigsticks and Harold are delightful early chapter book friends you must introduce to your children. Pigsticks comes from a…
Read MoreSRC Reading List Extension! (a printable list)
Our primary Summer Reading Challenge targets “middle grade” readers (typically ages 9-12) and “teen” readers (ages 13 and up), but we know there are many of you who have younger readers. While our hope is that our middle grade titles (“List 1”) are family friendly enough that the entire family can listen to and enjoy…
Read MoreTo Say Nothing of the Dog (Summer Reading for Grown-ups!)
This post originally appeared in a different format as part of our 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. The content has been adapted slightly to fit our new format. To Say Nothing of the Dog (Oxford Time Travel Series #2) by Connie Willis. Bantam, 1998. 493 pages. Reading Level: Adult, ages 15 and up Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15…
Read MoreSRC, Week 1: Chitty Chitty And The Race Against Time
Other Summer Reading Challenge posts: Introduction, Week One: 1) Kids, 2) Teens, 3) Devotional. Week Two: 1) Kids, 2) Teens, 3) Devotional. Week Three: off Week Four: 1) Kids. 2) Teens, 3) Devotional. Week Five: 1) Kids, 2) Teens, 3) Devotional. Week Six: 1) Kids, 2) Teens, 3) Devotional. SUMMER READING CHALLENGE (SRC), Week 1…
Read MoreThe Year of the … Books by Andrea Cheng
One of the most common questions I get when people learn of my profession is a variation of the following, My child is a precocious reader and devouring chapter books–and she’s only 7! [or 5 or 6] What is okay for her to read at this young age? If your daughter falls into this camp…
Read MoreBook Bits (May 12, 2014)
Brown v. Board of Education Did you know it’s the 60th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education? Our children might take for granted that their schools include a variety of cultures and ethnicities, but that was not always the case–particularly in the South. It’s important that we teach our children…
Read MoreSpy Catchers of Maple Hill
Spy Catchers of Maple Hill by Megan Frazer Blakemore. Bloomsbury, 2014. 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-12 One-Sentence Summary: Young Hazel Kaplansky, imbibing the fear of the McCarthy era, is hot on the heels of a presumed spy when she begins to unravel several smaller mysteries that help her mature in…
Read MoreCongratulations to our Sonnet Contest Winners!
I know it’s usual to proclaim how great all the entries are for any given contest, but it really is true for our sonnet contest. We received some outstanding contributions–all the more outstanding because the sonnet form can be a tricky one. Thanks to everyone who took the time to write a sonnet and send it in!…
Read MoreBoys of Blur and Beowulf: Like Father, Like Son
It’s not often that we are privileged to read literary gems from both father AND son. But that is indeed the case here; to make it more interesting, both are tackling Beowulf. Interest piqued? I hope so because both of these books are truly outstanding. The first is an action-packed adventure novel full of the mysterious…
Read MoreBook Bits (April 21, 2014)
Happy Easter Monday! I spent a semester in the Czech Republic during college and vividly remember a quirky Czech tradition: on Easter Monday, boys “whipped” girls with little braided whips and the girls gave the boys decorated eggs in return. I was in a small town; I don’t know how much this tradition is still…
Read MoreThe Playmaker by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney
When I first read this book, I did not know Janie personally. I knew of her from WORLD Magazine, but it took a flyer at my local library for me to discover her middle grades fiction. I managed to finagle a face-to-face meet-up with Janie when she came to town for a Shakespeare Festival (and, like all…
Read MoreLibrarians’ List: Easy/Leveled Readers, part 2
Lovable/Quirky Main Character Frances books by Lillian Hoban Arthur books by Lillian Hoban Little Bear books by Else Holmelund Minarik Penny books by Kevin Henkes Dodsworth books by Tim Egan Nonfiction/Informational Books/Series (please note that we have not read every science book in every list; these are starting points–use discretion; these are often mixed in with…
Read MoreBook Bits, March 17th, 2014
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! First, we must congratulate DL for winning the Freddie Ramos giveaway! During the month of March, we’re focusing on high interest reads. Two groups that the folks in the industry often talk about are boys (“boys don’t read”) and diversity (“where are the books for ‘diverse’ kids?”); the claim is that…
Read MoreRetro Reads: Lloyd Alexander’s Chronicles of Prydain
It’s Retro Reads week with Lloyd Alexander! Today, we take a look back to Lloyd Alexander’s marvelous Chronicles of Prydain, the first of which was published 50 years ago. The Prydain Chronicles are modern classics which have influenced contemporary fantasy literature for children and remain highly readable/enjoyable in their own right 50 years after their first…
Read MoreLibrarians’ List: Easy/Leveled Readers, part 1
Oh, those early (slow) reading sessions when your son or daughter labors to sound out each and every phoneme…. It seems to take forever to listen to one page, doesn’t it? And what should they be reading when the process starts to become just a little bit easier for them? Your friendly RedeemedReader librarians have…
Read MoreMeet Lulu and Freddie: 2 Terrific Chapter Book Characters (+ a Giveaway)
Ready to move on from Frog and Toad? Henry and Mudge getting too easy for your newly independent reader? Rest assured: Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Captain Underpants, and their ilk are not the only new kids on the block. Back in my day, readers would have graduated from Frog and Toad to a book…
Read MoreOphelia and the Marvelous Boy
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee. Knopf, 2014. 240 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12. Recommended for: ages 8-12 One Line Summary: Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “Snow Queen,” Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy is more…
Read MorePresidents’ Day: a Librarians’ List
Presidents’ Day is one of those weird little holidays: school children rejoice in their day off, and lots of people don’t give it another thought. Lincoln and Washington both have birthdays this month, but we thought we’d broaden our focus on this list to include the Presidents in general and a couple in particular. Below,…
Read MoreBook Bits (February 10, 2014)
Lots of interesting little links and tidbits for you today in our weekly Book Bits feature (formerly Web Newberys)! Please remember that we do not necessarily endorse every book listed through these links. Rather, these are interesting ways to see what the nation is reading, what book trends are circulating, and other oddments we bibliophiles…
Read MoreGhosts: Real or Make Believe?
Ghost stories: most of us relish that slightly spooky feeling we get when an urban legend or hair-raising tall tale is well told around a campfire. Our society seems to be erring on the side of “more is more” these days, though; instead of slightly spooky, we have shows like The Walking Dead, YA fiction has run…
Read MoreALA Midwinter Conference Reflections
Among children’s literature lovers like ourselves, very little else holds the mystique of the ALA Youth Media Awards. The ALA holds two major national events every year: Annual Conference, which happens in the summer, and Midwinter Meeting, which happens late January. At Annual, the winners of the Youth Media Awards have a celebration. At Midwinter,…
Read MoreNewbery Buzz: True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp
We’re coming down to the wire with our Newbery discussions. The ALA Youth Media Awards (which include the Newbery and Caldecott) will be announced Monday morning. Janie and I feel confident that we’ve touched on some of the better contenders. But we may be completely surprised! Today, we look at a National Book Award finalist (see our…
Read MoreTwerps and Bullies: Middle Grade fun for boys
I’ll admit it: I cracked up when I read Wimpy Kid. Clearly, my sense of humor is rather juvenile (or, maybe I’ve just spent a LOT of time around middle school kids). I still thought the kid was a jerk, though, and didn’t read any more in the series. I’m currently an intern in an elementary school…
Read MoreAnd the winner is…
And the winner for our New Children’s Bible giveaway is… Joey E. Congratulations, Joey! And thanks to those who shared their New Year’s goals with us and entered the giveaway.
Read MoreA New Year: Goals + Giveaway
(Giveaway is now closed) Reading-Oriented New Year’s Goals I’m one of those folks who enjoy making New Year’s Resolutions. I prefer the term “goal” to “resolution” because goals are usually more specific (and therefore more likely to get achieved). An avid reader (surprise, surprise), I am making a few New Year’s Goals specifically targeted towards…
Read MoreNewbery Buzz: Flora & Ulysses
Newbery Award Janie and I are back to discuss another potential Newbery contender (see our discussion of The Real Boy). The prestigious Newbery and Caldecott awards (along with other ALA awards) will be announced at the end of January; children’s literature fans across the country love trying to figure out which books the tight-lipped committee…
Read MoreNostalgic Christmas Picture Books
Many of our cultural Christmas celebrations are just that–cultural, not biblical. That being said, we can be Christians and still enjoy many of our cultural celebrations for what they are: cultural celebrations. No doubt, our regular readers here are investing time and energy to teach the real Christmas story. And, no doubt, many of you…
Read MoreThe Thing About Luck: National Book Award Winner
The National Book Award Finalists were announced earlier this fall, and this past week, the winners were announced. This year’s winner for Young People’s Literature is The Thing About Luck–a book I read earlier this fall. I enjoyed others that I read on the NBA shortlist (and longlist) more, but I can appreciate the choice.…
Read MoreLibrarians’ List: Favorite Picture Books of 2013
It’s time for another Librarians’ List! Since it’s picture book month, we’re indulging our list-making hobbies and bringing you yet another list of our favorites. Last week, we looked at Retro Reads, books published before 2000. Today, the list includes our favorite hot-off-the-press titles, all of which have been published this year (we’ll see how…
Read MoreTake Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon
Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon. Atheneum, 2013. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Take Me Out to the Yakyu is a colorful, joyous celebration of two cultures, two grandparents, and baseball. Using symmetrical text and images, Meshon compares and contrasts an outing to a baseball game with a boy’s two different grandfathers:…
Read MoreCharacter in the Midst of Diversity: 8 Titles to Note
2013 has given us lots of excellent diverse picture book titles: books about minority cultures, folktale retellings, and books by (or illustrated by) people of color. Some of them offer snapshots of a different culture without much commentary. Others show people (or animals) developing character and using hard work to fight opposition or simply to…
Read MoreLibrarians’ List: 25 Picture Book Retro Reads
We’ve been spending quite a bit of time this month looking at newer picture books–many of them published in 2013. But today we’re taking a look back to some favorite Retro Reads (published before 2000).* *You might think of retro reads as the books you could check out back when you used a card catalog!…
Read MoreSome Words About Wordless Books
For our purposes, wordless books are either entirely wordless or have very little text. A classic example is Peter Spier’s Noah’s Ark which begins with a centuries-old poem on page 1, and then proceeds with no further text. Mercer Mayer’s Four Frogs in a Box series is another absolute must in anyone’s wordless book education.…
Read MoreHistory in Graphic Format
As we conclude our History Month here at RedeemedReader, I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about historical fiction, church history, picture book biographies, general history, and more! One type of book we haven’t touched on is the graphic novel. A graphic novel will appear to be “just” a comic book to some, but the artists in…
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