Easy Readers
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Katy and the Big Snow is pitch perfect as a kindergarten/early elementary age read aloud. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. HMH ...
Read More The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy
By Betsy Farquhar |
Large font, vivid illustrations on every page, and a simple plot make The Miniature World of Marvin and James a good fit for new readers ...
Read More Spiders: A Book List for Young Arachnophiles
By Megan Saben |
A few weeks ago I was trying to address the cobwebs on the walls and corners above my desk (possibly some procrasti-cleaning due to a ...
Read More Kentucky Derby Book List: Books for Young Horse Lovers
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 2024 Geisel Roundup: Fox Has a Problem, Henry, Like Always, and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
By Megan Saben |
Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 The 2024 Geisel Award: One Winner and Three Honors The Geisel Award, which honors Dr. ...
Read More Batter Up! Books About Baseball (a Librarian’s List)
By Betsy Farquhar |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on May 27, 2013; updated July, 2023) Aside from the beach, nothing says "summertime" and "American" more than a game ...
Read More Beach Books! (Librarians’ List)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Originally published at Redeemed Reader on June 6, 2014. Of course a professional book reviewer and librarian takes books with her to the beach—for herself ...
Read More 2023 Geisel Award Winner: I Did It! by Michael Emberley
By Janie Cheaney |
I Did It!, winner of this year’s Geisel Award for early readers, charmingly illustrates a common childhood experience: trying and failing. I Did It! by ...
Read More Geisel Roundup: A Seed Grows, Fish and Wave, Gigi and Ojiji, Owl and Penguin
By Janie Cheaney |
The 2023 Theodore Seuss Geisel honors books for beginning readers focus on friendship, family, and nature. A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portia. Neal Porter Books ...
Read More New Chapter Book series: Starla Jean and Cornbread & Poppy
By Janie Cheaney |
In these two enjoyable chapter-book series, Cornbread & Poppy are mismatched but loving friends and Starla Jean is a plucky protagonist. Cornbread & Poppy by ...
Read More Favorite Gardening Books for Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
Spring has officially begun, and the garden beckons. Do you garden with your kids? If they're not interested, try a gardening book just for kids: ...
Read More John Klassen and Proverbs: A Guest Post from Sarah Hartman*
By Janie Cheaney |
John Klassen's Hat trilogy beautifully illustrates timeless truths from the book of Proverbs. I Want My Hat Back (2011), This is Not My Hat (2012), ...
Read More Multicultural Chapter Books: Yasmin, Kayla, and Mindy Kim
By Betsy Farquhar |
Yasmin, King and Kayla, and Mindy Kim are great multicultural early chapter books for young readers. Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Hatem ...
Read More New Early Readers: Squirrels, Monsters, and Hedgehogs
By Betsy Farquhar |
Donut Feed the Squirrels, Monster and Boy, and Our Friend Hedgehog offer interesting new reading for new/early readers. Please note that the first two are ...
Read More The Geisels: A Beginning-Reader Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Theodor S. Geisel Honor Books: The Bear in My Family, Ty's Travels, What about Worms!?, and Where's Baby? The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award ...
Read More *See the Cat: Three stories about a dog
By Megan Saben |
A dog on a rug is quite understandably aggravated by the narrative narrator through three very short stories for beginning readers. Brilliant, clever, and hilarious. ...
Read More Picture Books for Young Writers: My Pencil and Me and How to Write a Story
By Janie Cheaney |
My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon. First Second, 2020, 34 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 5-7 Every writer knows ...
Read More *Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen
By Betsy Farquhar |
Skunk and Badger are a delightful new odd couple in chapter book format, perfect for newly independent readers. *Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and ...
Read More Mighty Reader and the Big Freeze by Will Hillenbrand
By Janie Cheaney |
Mighty Reader saves the day in this loveable picture book about learning to love books. Mighty Reader and the Big Freeze by Will Hillenbrand. Holiday ...
Read More Slugs and Bugs Easy Readers
By Megan Saben |
Who Will Play With Me? by Randall Goodman. Broadman & Holman, 2019. 57 pages. Are We Still Friends? by Randall Goodman. Broadman & Holman, 2019. ...
Read More *We are (Not) Friends by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant
By Betsy Farquhar |
The latest in the You are Not Small series, We Are (Not) Friends is a perfect read for new readers heading back to school. *We ...
Read More The Invention Hunters Series by Korwin Briggs
By Janie Cheaney |
By their wacky misunderstandings, the "Invention Hunters" help kids understand basic principles of applied science. The Invention Hunters Discover How Machines Work by Korwin Briggs. ...
Read More Look! I Wrote a Book! by Sally Lloyd Jones
By Janie Cheaney |
Sally Lloyd Jones shares the basics of book-writing with simple advice that works for any age. Look! I Wrote a Book (and You Can Too) ...
Read More Don’t Blame the Mud by Marty Machowski
By Janie Cheaney |
Don't Blame the Mud introduces children to the concept of indwelling sin in a way that they can relate to and grasp. Don’t Blame the ...
Read More Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder (books by Kate DiCamillo)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Meet Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder My kids and I first met Mercy Watson, the porcine wonder, in the pages of her first book: Mercy ...
Read More Special God by Julie Mililli
By Janie Cheaney |
Special God sets out to explain biblical theological concepts to young children and those with special needs. Special God by Julie Mililli, design by Matt ...
Read More Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by CeCe Bell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rabbit and Robot's friendship is tested when a new friend, Ribbit, enters the scene in this funny easy reader. Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by ...
Read More Back to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog
By Janie Cheaney |
Two back-to-school series for different ages tickle the funny bone, satirize social conventions, and even stimulate sympathy for others. Ages 6-12 Life According to Og ...
Read More Power Forward by Hena Khan
By Janie Cheaney |
Zayd's dream of playing basketball on his school's A-team clashes with his Muslim family's goals for him. Ages 6-10 Power Forward (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the ...
Read More *New Shoes by Sara Varon
By Janie Cheaney |
A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
Read More Bible Review: NIrV Seek and Explore Holy Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The NIrV Seek & Explore Bible takes a learning-styles approach that will be helpful for some kids but distracting for others. Ages 6-10 NIrV Seek ...
Read More *The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy
By Janie Cheaney |
The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible strikes the right balance between scriptural faithfulness and a preschooler’s comprehension. *The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy, illustrated ...
Read More *Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
Eight-year-old Cody's enthusiasm for life is contagious in this sunny chapter-book series. Cody and the Fountain of Happiness (Cody series #1) by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated ...
Read More Bible Review: ICB Jesus Calling Bible for Children
By Janie Cheaney |
Sarah Young's devotionals for children are scattered throughout this ICB (International Children's Bible) version. ICB Jesus Calling Bible for Children: with Devotions by Sarah Young. ...
Read More The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
By Janie Cheaney |
This light, quick series-opener will keep reluctant readers reading between the laughs. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey. Scholastic, 2015, 137 pages Reading Level: Picture ...
Read More The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau
By Janie Cheaney |
This fun, award-winning early reader series features two tough siblings who can't help being nice. The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Matt Myers. ...
Read More Middle Grade Fiction with Fibonacci, Tesla, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
a post from the archives! (originally published March 26, 2014) When I was a child I read large numbers of mysteries and was always somewhat irritated ...
Read More *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan
By Janie Cheaney |
Likeable characters and a gently-humorous style introduces early-elementary readers to the rewards of hard work and free enterprise. *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan ...
Read More Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche
By Megan Saben |
Brother Andrew's life comes alive for young readers through the rhyming text in this picture book. Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World (Heroes for ...
Read More A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson
By Betsy Farquhar |
A funny, chapter book mystery for newly independent readers! A Complicated Case (Detective Gordon) by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gittee Spee. Gecko Press, 2016. ...
Read More *When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano
By Betsy Farquhar |
Short, free verse poems as journal entries over the course of a year capture the feel of changing seasons in this well-illustrated book for elementary ...
Read More *Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Frank and Lucky’s close friendship leads them into countless adventures in learning, where “school subjects” never see the inside of a classroom. *Frank and Lucky ...
Read More The Revolutionary War by Mort Kunstler
By Janie Cheaney |
Key events of the American Revolution are celebrated by one of our nation’s preeminent historical painters. The Revolutionary War 1775-1783 (See American History Series) by ...
Read More Bible Review NIrV Faith Builders/ NIrV Under the Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
We're back!! Thanks again for your patience while we cleared up our site hack problems. You'll notice a rather stripped-down version of RedeemedReader, but be ...
Read More Bible Review: NIrV Study Bible for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
NIrV Study Bible for Kids. Zonderkidz, 2015, 1789 pages. Available in hardcover, soft cover and ebook editions Hardcover edition Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 ...
Read More Flying Ponies and Dump Trucks
By Janie Cheaney |
Do little kids love fantasy? NPR recently reported on a study done by three academic psychologists on the subject of children and fiction. They asked ...
Read More Squelch Not the Series!
By Betsy Farquhar |
If you recognize names such as Jack and Annie or Patrick and Beth, know that mysteries can be ordered A to Z, or believe in ...
Read More *Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak
By Janie Cheaney |
*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Philip Hopman. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 89 pages Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
Read More Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightful early reader series about Asian American twins, Ling and Ting. Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin. LB Kids, 2011 (and to the ...
Read More *Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell
By Megan Saben |
*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell. Candlewick, 2014. 50 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Age 4-8 Rabbit’s friend Robot ...
Read More Good Night, Knight by Betsy Lewin
By Megan Saben |
Good Night, Knight by Betsy Lewin. Holiday House, 2015. 24 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Knight and his faithful ...
Read More A Pet for Fly Guy (Fly Guy Series) by Tedd Arnold
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold. Orchard Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Early Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8, especially boys ...
Read More Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea. Disney-Hyperion, 2015. 56 pages. Reading Level: Easy Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Shea, creator ...
Read More The Cowboy by Hildegard Muller
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Cowboy (I Like to Read Series) by Hildegard Muller. Holiday House, 2015. 24 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: new readers, ages ...
Read More *Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang
By Janie Cheaney |
*You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant. Two Lions (Amazon), 2014. 30 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: ...
Read More *I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder
By The Redeemed Shall Read |
I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder. Random House, 2012. 32 pages. Bottom Line: This Valentine's Day themed picture book is a wonderful introduction to the ...
Read More Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (named Mary Anne) are just as beloved by today's generation of children as they were in the 1930s! Mike ...
Read More Hello Ninja by N. D. Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Chicken Squad includes 4 intrepid sleuths who are on a quest in this funny early chapter book. The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by ...
Read More *Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli
By Betsy Farquhar |
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, ...
Read More The Big Fib by Tim Hamilton
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Big Fib by Tim Hamilton. I LIKE TO READ series. Holiday House, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-8 New ...
Read More National Geographic Kids Biographies: George Washington
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Pilot and the Little Prince by Peter Sis
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edward Fotheringham
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Picture Book Biographies
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet
By Betsy Farquhar |
*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, ...
Read More Eye: How it Works by David Macaulay
By Megan Saben |
Eye: How it Works by David Macaulay. David Macaulay Studio, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Reader, ages 4-8Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up ...
Read More Gravity by Jason Chin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Gravity by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook Press, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 0-8Recommended for: All ages Gravity is a complex concept to explain ...
Read More National Geographic Kids Biographies: Thomas Edison
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More National Geographic Kids: Robots
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More The Carnival of the Animals by Jack Prelutsky
By Janie Cheaney |
The Carnival of the Animals, by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Mary GrandPre. Knopf, 2010, 32 pages (CD included). Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Maturity ...
Read More Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
By Betsy Farquhar |
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey. Viking, 1943. 149 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10Recommended for: Ages 8-10 McCloskey has transformed his picture book hero, Lentil, ...
Read More Lentil by Robert McCloskey
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lentil by Robert McCloskey. First published by Viking, 1940. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Lentil, McCloskey's first picture book, is now 74 years ...
Read More I Can Read / Made By God
By Megan Saben |
I Can Read! Made by God series, edited by Mary Hassinger. Zonderkidz, 2010-2011, 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers, Ages 4-8Maturity Level: Level ...
Read More What in the World?: Fun-Tastic Puzzles for Curious Minds
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Ukraine: Lessons in Liberty and Compassion, Pt. 2
By Hayley Morell |
Last week, we began our Ukrainian series with a personal reflection from our executive assistant, Hayley. Having recently visited orphans in Ukraine, Hayley gave us insight ...
Read More Librarians’ List: Easy/Leveled Readers, part 1
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Meet Lulu and Freddie: 2 Terrific Chapter Book Characters (+ a Giveaway)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Second-Grade Perils: The Year of Billy Miller
By Janie Cheaney |
The Year of Billy Miller, by Keven Henkes. Greenwillow, 2013, 229 pages. Age/interest level: 6-8. Kevin Henkes’ name on a book jacket automatically gets attention. ...
Read More Nurturing a young reader’s literary tastes
By Megan Saben |
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? ...
Read More Truth in the Tinsel: A Family Advent Tradition
By emily |
Truth in the Tinsel Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I suppose the Christmas race has officially begun now, and with that in mind, ...
Read More More Favorite Science Books
By emily |
Welcome back to Science September at Redeemedreader! Last week, we heard from Janie on Science Biographies, as well as Betsy on some of her favorite ...
Read More Solving Mysteries with Science (and a disappointing collective biography)
By Megan Saben |
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, ...
Read More Space Odyssey for Little Ones: An Interview with Kevin Luthardt
By emily |
THE BOOK REVIEW When Edgar Met Cecil. Peachtree Publishers, 2013. 32 pgs. Ages 4-8. Kevin Luthardt is an author-illustrator who has had a pretty big ...
Read More It’s Greek to Me!
By Hayley Morell |
This week in our Summer Reading Challenge, we're visiting Greece. So, thanks to our newest addition to the Redeemedreader family, Hayley Schoeppler, for leading us today ...
Read More American Lives
By Janie Cheaney |
“There is properly no history, only biography,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson—an exaggeration with a lot of truth in it. When I was growing up, I ...
Read More Summer Reading Challenge, Week 3: Mr. Popper’s Penguins
By emily |
Introduction We've added a Summer Reading Challenge tab at the top of our website, to help you keep up with the posts as the summer ...
Read More Hail and Farewell, Part 2: Russell Hoban
By Janie Cheaney |
As noted in last Tuesday’s post,I encountered Maurice Sendak when I was myself a child. My acquaintance with Russell Hoban had to wait until I ...
Read More Inspiring (very) young artists
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More Poetry Anthologies
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More Bible Review: The One-Year Bible For Children
By Janie Cheaney |
The One-Year Bible for Children by Gilbert Beers. Tyndale, 2001, 432 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-8 Recommended for: ages 6-8 Bottom Line: Though ...
Read More *Bible Review: ESV Children’s Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
*ESV Children’s Bible. Crossway, 2008, 1648 pages. Reading level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10. Recommended for: ages 6-10 Bottom Line: The ESV contains excellent study helps, ...
Read More Bible Review: The Kids’ Devotional Bible NIrV
By Janie Cheaney |
Kids' Devotional Bible, NIrV. Zonderkidz, 2006, 1664 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 6-10 Bottom Line: The Kids' Devotional Bible is ...
Read More Sorting Out the Children’s Bible Market
By Janie Cheaney |
Yesterday’s post addressed the general subject of children’s Bibles and how to evaluate them for the particular needs of each child and family. But all ...
Read More Choosing Your Child’s First REAL Bible: Some Considerations
By Janie Cheaney |
Last Tuesday we looked at a range of new Bible storybooks and early reader “Bibles.” On Friday, we picked our way through the field of ...
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