Posts by Megan Saben
*Faerie Gold edited by Kathryn Lindskoog and Ranelda Mack Hunsicker
*Faerie Gold: Treasures from the Lands of Enchantment edited by Kathryn Lindskoog and Ranelda Mack Hunsicker. P&R, 2005. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10, ages 10-12 Recommended For: all Bottom Line: An excellent collection of literary fairy tales by classic writers, tales that are rich with Truth and the best kind of storytelling.…
Read MoreSome Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. Beach Lane Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Some Bugs is a fun, concise, poetic description of some of the common and unique characteristics found in the insect world. Simple repetition and rhyme are effective in pointing out that Some bugs sting. Some…
Read MoreThe Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary GrandPré
The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary GrandPré. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 4-8 and up What do colors sound like? What does music look like? When Russian abstract artist Vasily Kandinsky was a boy, his aunt gave him a…
Read MoreHow Long, O Lord? When Bibliotherapy Isn’t Enough
These are dark days. I received an email this week expressing familiar anguish over the haunting reports of 21 followers of Christ who were martyred by ISIS. “I am so grieved by the reports I hear, and I’ve had a hard time explaining to my children (without freaking them out) why we need to pray.…
Read MoreGeorge Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz
George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Paul Galdone (cover image by Tomie DePaola). Putnam & Grosset, 1969. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 4-10 George Washington Allen’s curiosity leads to research when he ponders what his namesake ate for breakfast. Before the days of Google, research was conducted…
Read MoreMix It Up! by Herve Tullet
Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet. Chronicle Books, 2014. 56 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8 Maturity Level: 1 (ages 0-4) and up Children who are familiar with tapping screens will know exactly what to do in this fun follow-up to Tullet’s bestselling Press Here. Using the same interactive format, Tullet introduces color mixing by…
Read MoreYoo-Hoo, Ladybug! by Mem Fox
Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug! by Mem Fox, illustrated by Laura Ljungkvist. Beach Lane Books, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4Maturity Level: 1 (ages 0-4) Little children love rhymes and repetition and hiding games like peekaboo and “I spy.” In a rare combination of all these elements, Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug! has irresistible charm. Young children will love…
Read MoreWinter Storytime: Let It Snow!
We are trying a new feature on Redeemed Reader and hope our readers will participate! Periodically we will choose a storytime theme that may be enjoyed at home, in a classroom, or at a library. We will suggest 3-5 titles and a few alternates that may work with a variety of children’s ages. Printable list Winter Theme: Let…
Read MoreJonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr and Matt Abraxas
Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr, illustrated by Matt Abraxas. Reformation Heritage, 2014. 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10 Simonetta Carr continues her series on great men and women in church history with a biography on Jonathan Edwards. This fascinating story is full of illustrations that provide both historical context…
Read MoreWazdot? by Michael Slack
Wazdot? by Michael Slack. Disney-Hyperion, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 0-4Recommended For: Ages 0-4 Wazdot? is a simple, visually humorous farm-themed book with an outer space twist. A little alien named Blip visits a farm on a class field trip and explores every nook and cranny. After the reader guesses what Blip has…
Read MoreHymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1-4 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada
Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1-4 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada. Crossway, 2003-2004. 96 pages. (Audio CD included) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: All A child who is becoming familiar with great hymns such as “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Amazing Grace” may be blessed by delving deeper into the history…
Read More*Choo Choo by Virgina Lee Burton
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Choo Choo: The Story of a Little Engine Who Ran Away by Virgina Lee Burton. Houghton Mifflin, 1964. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Maturity Level: 1, 2 (ages 0-8) With striking charcoal illustrations so appropriate to…
Read More*The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
*The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. Houghton Mifflin, 1969. 44 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 4-8 A little house living out in the country is curious about life in the big city. She observes the seasons, the playing of children, and the passage of life going on around her. Little does she…
Read MoreCelebrating Virginia Lee Burton’s Classic Favorites
Once upon a time there was a little boy whose mother regularly took him and his siblings to the library. Every time he went, he either borrowed or returned a wonderful book about a train that ran away. The most vivid picture was of a train leaping over a drawbridge that was partway open, and…
Read More*A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 0-8)Maturity Level: 1, 2 (ages 0-8) Bear is a loveable curmudgeon. Mouse, his patient…
Read More*The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett. Simon & Schuster, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Maturity Level: 1, 2 (ages 4-8) A young girl with her little brother in tow notices a…
Read MoreJesus is Most Special by Sally Michael, illustrated by Fred Apps
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Jesus is Most Special by Sally Michael, illustrated by Fred Apps. P&R, 2014. 24 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 4-8)Maturity Level: 1, 2 (ages 0-8) Think you know the Christmas story? Try this. Narrate the story…
Read MoreChristmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada
Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada, illustrated by Sergio Martinez. Crossway, 2004. 96 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-10Maturity Level: 2 -4 (Ages 4-12) Christians are blessed to have such a wealth of worship and great truths of Scripture set to beautiful poetry and music in our hymnbooks,…
Read More*A Light for my Path: An ABC Book Based on Psalm 119 by Davis Carman, illustrated by Alice Ratterree
This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Light for My Path: An ABC Book Based on Psalm 119 by Davis Carman and illustrated by Alice Ratterree. Apologia, 2013. 80 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8Maturity Level: 1 (ages 0-4), 2 (4-8)…
Read MoreTea With Grandpa by Barney Saltzberg
Tea With Grandpa by Barney Saltzberg. Roaring Book Press, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 0-8Maturity Level: 1 (0-4), 2 (4-8) Grandparents who live far away from their grandchildren will especially appreciate this simple book about a little girl and her grandpa who manage to maintain a regular afternoon tea date. Very simple and…
Read MoreThe Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty, read by Jim Weiss
The Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss. Greathall Productions, 2004. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8 and upMaturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up You would think that G.A. Henty, the prolific Victorian writer of vivid historical fiction, was an eyewitness to Hannibal’s campaign to conquer Rome by taking his army along…
Read More*Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
Come On, Seabiscuit! by Ralph Moody. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss.
Come On, Seabiscuit! by Ralph Moody. Bison Books, 2003. 172 pages. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss. Greathall Productions. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12, Young Adult, ages 12-18, Adult, ages 16 and upMaturity Level: Level 4 (ages 11-12) and up Seabiscuit was the grandson of the great thoroughbred racehorse Man O’ War, but as a colt he didn’t…
Read More*Carry on Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss.
*Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss, Greathall Productions, 2009. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Maturity Level: Levels 3-5 (ages 8-14) Nathaniel Bowditch is blessed with a remarkably mathematical mind, but his dreams of attending Harvard are dashed when he is indentured at a young age. Instead of being…
Read MoreInterview with Storyteller Jim Weiss
Jim Weiss is beloved in many homes for his warm, ailment original literary storytelling and audiobook recordings. Although he is probably best known in homeschooling circles for his reading of Susan Wise Bauer’s The Story of the World series, store he has also won over a hundred awards from national organizations representing parents, librarians, homeschoolers, and…
Read MoreNoah Webster and His Words by Jeri Chase Ferris and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch
Noah Webster and His Words by Jeri Chase Ferris and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch. Houghton Mifflin, 2012. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8, 8-12 Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up Noah Webster was convinced that the fledgling American nation needed to distinguish itself with American schoolbooks. First he wrote the “blue-backed speller,”…
Read MoreLindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann
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Read MoreCorrie Ten Boom by Kaylena Radcliff
Eye: How it Works by David Macaulay
Eye: How it Works by David Macaulay. David Macaulay Studio, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Reader, ages 4-8 Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up David Macaulay, a master of detailed drawings and demonstrative descriptions, has created a series called My Reader. Known for his award-winning books, including The New Way Things Work and architectural…
Read MoreNational Geographic Kids Biographies: Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison by Barbara Kramer. National Geographic Kids, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled readerMaturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up 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 individual…
Read MoreNational Geographic Kids: Robots
Robots by Melissa Stewart. National Geographic Kids, 2014, 48 pages. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled readerMaturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up It can be hard finding books at the right level to interest and challenge young readers. Nonfiction leveled readers at this stage tend to provide lots of visuals to draw readers in and can…
Read MoreCenterburg Tales by Robert McCloskey
Centerburg Tales by Robert McCloskey. Viking, 1979, 191 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up Centerburg Tales is set in the same, small Midwestern town as Homer Price and uses many of the same characters. While Homer Price, though fiction, has a down-home, realistic feel of a boy’s experience, Centerburg…
Read MoreWater Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas
Water Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Violeta Dabija. Millbrook, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture BookMaturity Level: All Water Can Be is a fun science picture book for little ones that uses a simple poetic structure to describe the many practical and creative ways that water may be used in its various forms. For…
Read MoreA Leaf Can Be…by Laura Purdie Salas
A Leaf Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Violeta Dabija. Millbrook, 2012, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture BookMaturity Level: All Who would have imagined that God made leaves so multifunctional?! When it comes to interesting little ones in science, it would be difficult to improve upon the approach in A Leaf Can Be. This book…
Read MoreI Can Read / Made By God
I Can Read! Made by God series, edited by Mary Hassinger. Zonderkidz, 2010-2011, 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers, Ages 4-8 Maturity Level: Level 2 (Ages 4-8) Each volume in this God-honoring nonfiction series describes four fascinating creatures with plenty of interesting details and colorful photos. The wisdom and goodness of God in his…
Read MoreFlight School
Flight School by Lita Judge. Atheneum, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: picture books, Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8 An ambitious penguin arrives at flight school with visions of success. Teacher and Flamingo stifle their doubts and patiently include him until the truth can no longer be denied: “I’m sorry, birdie,” said Teacher.…
Read MoreSRC Writing/Drawing Contest Winners!
Congratulations to Anna, Liberty and David, the winners of our time travel writing/drawing contest! Each winner will receive a nice book for their achievement. Thank you so much for participating. See 7-year old Anna’s time machine drawing and read part 1 and part 2 of her explanation. Enjoy the time machine drawing by Liberty (age 9), below. Read…
Read MoreSRC, Week 5: A Wrinkle in 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 5 Welcome…
Read MoreRaising “Wild” Readers
How do you teach the pleasure of reading to non-readers? Convinced by research studies and personal experience that worksheets and conventional methods of teaching literary appreciation weren’t working, sixth-grade language arts teacher Donalyn Miller took a different approach. Rather than insisting on award-winning classics or assuming that every child will like a prescribed canon, she had…
Read MoreShakespeare: life, theater and historical context
Here are some resources that weave together the life of William Shakespeare with the world he lived in, how the plays were produced, and what became of his second-best bed after he died. All of these resources cover pretty much the same material, the primary difference being the age of the intended audience. I have…
Read MoreIntroducing Shakespeare’s Plays to Children
Should you wait until your children are in high school before expecting them to tackle Shakespeare? Why not start them young, while they love learning words and listening to stories, while memorizing is easy for them? They might as well, because as Janie observed yesterday, we’re surrounded by Shakespeare in literature and culture, and our children might as…
Read MoreEaster devotional: Why Easter?
Compared to the proliferation of Christmas-themed titles, the availability of books about Easter is sparse. As we noted last year, many of them focus just on Passion Week or try to justify the use of eggs and bunnies as part of the celebration of the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. There just isn’t…
Read MoreRetro Reads: Lloyd Alexander’s Picture Books
In reading Lloyd Alexander’s picture books, I observe three things: 1) he is well-versed in a broad range of folklore traditions, 2) he loves cats, and 3) he’s a great storyteller. While his stories contain more Story than Truth, they are cleverly written and worth sharing. How the Cat Swallowed Thunder, illustrated by Judith Byron Schachner. Dutton…
Read More*The Man with the Violin
One ordinary Friday morning in January, a famous musician in disguise descended into the busy Metro station in Washington D.C.to share the glory of his music with an unsuspecting public. Joshua Bell, a virtuoso violinist, played his priceless instrument with skill and passion. Hardly anyone noticed in the rush. A few children gazed curiously while adults…
Read MoreValentine’s Day
As Christians we are called to practice so many forms of love besides the romantic kind. Themes for Valentine’s Day can be broadened to emphasize kindness in all kinds of human relationships, from friendly to intimate. Whether or not chocolate is involved, it is worth taking time to enjoy expressing the unique gift of love…
Read MoreNurturing a young reader’s literary tastes
Parents with avid readers often find themselves with a dilemma: after my child has read all the age-appropriate books, where do we go from here? Progression to the next reading level adds to the scramble at the bookstore or library. What author should I try next? How can I get my child interested in a…
Read MoreThe Narnia Dilemma
As we celebrate my firstborn’s seventh birthday soon, my husband and I are looking forward to introducing our children to C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. We have four choices: the movies, radio theatre, audiobook or traditional words on paper. One family rule I inherited from my mother is that you can’t watch the movie until…
Read MoreReading Rapunzel
Today I’m going to demonstrate a close reading of one version of a classic fairy tale. My favorite book to use in demonstrating the illustrative power of a picture book is the Caldecott-award winning Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky. I wish I could include some images in this post to show all our dear readers…
Read MoreHow NOT to Read a Picture Book
Ten guaranteed ways to destroy a good picture book (without a Sharpie or a bonfire) Always read in the same tone of voice, without expression or accents. Especially if it’s only a mediocre book that you’re tired of reading one more time—your child will be offended if you read Clifford with a Southern drawl! You should…
Read MoreHow God Used a Thunderstorm by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn
*How God Used a Thunderstorm and Other Devotional Stories by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn, illustrated by Jeff Anderson (Building on the Rock Series). Christian Focus, 2007. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 and up Ever wonder if it makes a difference whether you read your Bible and pray or not? The…
Read MoreThree delightful picture books based on historical events
Candace Fleming is blessed with a wonderful combination of skills as a writer. Since she enjoys both writing and research, as a result she writes fun picture books, detailed biographies, and engaging picture books based on intriguing historical gems. I haven’t read everything she has written, but most of what I have read is very nicely…
Read MoreSolving Mysteries with Science (and a disappointing collective biography)
One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder. Science Naturally, 2013. When I was growing up, I always enjoyed reading Encyclopedia Brown books. Before I read the solutions at the end, I tried to catch the seemingly casual, crucial details in the chapter that enabled the…
Read More*Little Britches by Ralph Moody
*Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody. Bison Books, 1991. 260 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10, ages 10-12 and upRecommended for: especially boys Bottom Line: A prime example of quality writing in an adventure story that is built on the relationship between a boy and his father. It is full…
Read MoreThree Tea Picture Books
Tea Rex, A Visitor for Bear, and The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig are lively variations on the traditional tea party. My husband has observed that enjoying tea is a symbol of peace, and I agree. It is remarkable that so many children’s books feature teatime as an event or a detail…
Read MoreHome Library Management: Heart Issues
Help, I have too many books! Even for a bibliophile, this is not only possible, it has been reality at our house. Lately the Lord has been convicting me that I cannot maintain order when excess is everywhere. Among other things, my beloved bookshelves are painfully overflowing. The truth is, when our home library outgrows…
Read MoreSummer Reading Challenge, Week 5: The Light Princess
Welcome to Week 5 of our Summer Reading Challenge! If you’d like to see other posts in this series, check out our Summer Reading Challenge Page. The Light Princess by George MacDonald. Square Fish, 1984. 120 pgs. Ages 8 and up. George MacDonald was a Christian writer during the Victorian era who was influenced by…
Read MoreThe Poppy Lady
Have you ever received a handmade tissue-paper poppy in exchange for a donation to the American Legion outside of a store on Memorial or Veteran’s Day? Have you ever stopped to wonder, “Where did that practice come from?” The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans, by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh, paintings by…
Read MoreAnd the winners are…
Volunteering to judge a poetry contest is simultaneously one of the best and the worst jobs I could have asked for. The best, because it is exciting to read so many wonderful entries from so many talented poets! The worst because, well, although we really want to encourage everyone, we finally had to select winners. We…
Read MoreInspiring (very) young artists
God is a God of words and pictures. He has revealed Himself to us through words in Scripture and visually in creation, and made us in his image to reflect his beauty both ways. Some folks love words, some are gifted in pictures, a few are talented at both, and others excel through other means of…
Read MorePoetry Anthologies
A good poetry anthology is like going to a friend’s house with a basket, and being told, “Oh, you must read this one, and this one, and THIS one is my favorite!” as the bounty overflows. Going to another friend’s house with another basket will introduce you to some of the same treasures, but different ones too,…
Read More*Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens
Tops and Bottoms is a clever folktale that illustrates the wisdom of diligence and warning against laziness in the book of Proverbs. *Tops and Bottoms written and illustrated by Janet Stevens. Harcourt Brace, 1995. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 4-8 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but…
Read More*My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza
My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza. Puffin, 2005. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 When a fat pig shows up at a hungry fox’s door, it’s dinnertime. The end. No—wait! First the pig needs to be cleaned up, fattened up with spaghetti and chocolate chip cookies, and tenderized with a good massage. Poor…
Read MoreProverbs, Tricksters and Fools
The book of Proverbs is full of instructions for the simple to obtain wisdom and avoid disaster. Stories about tricksters demonstrate common-grace examples of using cleverness to get out of danger, and the consequences of ignoring counsel and finding adversity. Cleverness is not the same as godly wisdom, but the warnings against laziness and ignoring instruction…
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