(A) Ages 0-4

*Something Sad Happened: Helping Children with Grief by Darby A. Strickland

Something Sad Happened is a childlike look at what grief feels like, how we cope with it, and what the Bible has to say. *Something ...
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History Picture Books: The Soldier’s Friend, The Painter and the President, and Star and the Maestro

Three outstanding picture books introduce young readers to Walt Whitman, Gilbert Stuart, and Mozart. The Soldier’s Friend: Walt Whitman’s Extraordinary Service in the American Civil ...
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3 Picture Books about “How”: The Dictionary Story, The Shape of Things, and How to Make a Picture Book

Three new picture books give readers insight into words, maps, and stories. The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston. Candlewick, 2024, 56 pages. ...
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Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi

Little Shrew is the dutiful hero of his ordinary life in this understated chapter book. Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi. Kids Can Press, 2024, 71 ...
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Who Are You? by Christina Fox

Who Are You? explores the roots of identity in a way accessible to preschoolers. *Who Are You? A Little Book about Your Big Identity by ...
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Two Picture Books about Dads and Kids: Up High and Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

Up High and Big Bear and Little Bear capture some of the everyday moments in father-son relationships. Up High by Matt Hunt. Noisy Crow, 2024, ...
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Built to Last by Dan Santat and Minh Lê

In this beautiful picture book, two boys want to build something that will last, but their final product is not what they first expect. Built ...
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Kailani’s Gift by Dorian Lazo Gilmore-Young

Kailani's Gift features a young girl who wants to honor her grandparents for their 50th wedding anniversary by learning tinikling. Kailani's Gift by Dorian Lazo ...
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Where is Wisdom?, Praise Him!, and The Story of Water.

Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Where is Wisdom? A Treasure Hunt Through God's Wondrous World, Inspired by Job 28, by ...
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Animal Picture Books by Sy Montgomery: Brave Baby Hummingbird, Inky’s Amazing Escape, and The Seagull and the Sea Captain

Sy Montgomery goes the distance to report on wonders of the animal world. Brave Baby Hummingbird by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Tiffany Bozik. Paula Wiseman ...
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Kentucky Derby Book List: Books for Young Horse Lovers

The Kentucky Derby runs every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner this year? Will an underdog horse come from nowhere ...
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Four New Picture Books by Caldecott-winning Illustrators

Four new books by Chris Raschka, Micha Archer, Elisha Cooper, and Sophie Blackall celebrate the variety of life on earth and the power of imagination. ...
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*Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor

Simon is a friendly, curious, naive little dog who re-enacts Aesop's tale of the dog and the bone and adds his own flair. *Simon and ...
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Julie Fogliano, Children’s Poet

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)

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

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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Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak

Ten Little Rabbits, published ten years after the author’s death, doesn’t detract from the Sendak legacy. Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak. Harper, 2024, 26 ...
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Bible Board Books: Tiny Hands and For the Bible Tells Me So

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Simplicity

Editor's Note: Bored with reading the same picture books over and over? Hang in there--you're teaching little ones to turn pages as well as exercise ...
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In the Blue by Erin Hourigan

In the Blue gently explores what it is like for a child to experience the depression of a loved one. In the Blue by Erin ...
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Gladys Hunt on Pigs and Possibilities

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

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

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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Understanding Ukraine

A year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, here is an updated booklist from Hayley's 2014 series of posts about Ukraine. In 2014, as Russia invaded ...
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Gladys Hunt on the Music (and Magic) of Words

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

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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*My Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood

My Brother Is Away offers an empathetic glimpse into what it's like, from the child's perspective, to have a brother (or sister) off in jail. ...
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Gladys Hunt on Raising Readers

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

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

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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wintry picture books

Wintry Picture Books: A Book List

Whether you live in a place with snow or not, January is the perfect month for a cozy snow story (or three). Look for some ...
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Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days by Jill A. Miller

Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days is a gentle introduction to the idea of family devotions for those with young children. Finding Jesus on Upside ...
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The Way of Birds: Duet and Feathers Together

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

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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fairy tales and folk tales

Fairy Tales and Folk Tales: A Picture Book List

Google the difference between fairy tales and folk tales (or is it folktales?), and you'll find some answers. For instance, folk tales are part of ...
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The Light Before Christmas by Marty Machowski

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

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

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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abc books

20 ABC Books for All Ages

We're celebrating Picture Book Month here at RedeemedReader! ABC Books are some of the most common picture books young children see, but there are many ...
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reformation day traditions

Reformation Day Holiday Traditions

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

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

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

Truth and Story

(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 book list

The Three Little Pigs: A Book List

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

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

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

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

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

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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Labor Day: Books about Work

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 ...
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Science Picture Books: *The Beak Book, Nano, and Building

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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Picture books for and about school: *We the People, Pterodactyl Show and Tell, and My First Day

Three picture books are perfect for going back to school: We the People, Pterodactyl Show and Tell, and My First Day. *We the People: The ...
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Back to School Picture Books

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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 ...
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2022 Coretta Scott King Picture Book Roundup: Unspeakable, Nina, Soul Food Sunday, and More!

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

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 watercress

2022 Caldecott Roundup: Watercress, Wonder Walkers, Have You Ever Seen a Flower?, Unspeakable, and Mel Fell

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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3 recent picture books for Advent and Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Picture-Book Roundup: Art and Artists

Three picture-book biographies introduce children to the work of three very distinct artists: Ben Shahn, Judith Scott, and Winslow Homer. The People’s Painter: How Ben ...
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Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields

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*

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

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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2022 caldecott watercress

Picture Books about Refugees: Watercress, Yang Warriors, and The Suitcase

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

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

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

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!

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

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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Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate

Doggo and Pupper, a new chapter-book series, features an old dog learning new tricks and a new dog learning responsibility. Doggo and Pupper by Katherine ...
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Recent Picture Books About Families

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

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

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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