Family Read Alouds

*Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 8, 2019

The “insignificant events” befalling a girl without arms throw the rough transitions of middle school into sharp, yet humorous, relief. *Insignificant Events in the Life ...

Noodleheads Find Something Fishy by Tedd Arnold

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 5, 2019

The Noodleheads series, by the author of Fly Guy, draws from classic simpleton stories to give early readers a chuckle. Noodleheads Find Something Fishy (Noodleheads, ...

A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 16, 2019

A Wolf Called Wander sensitively traces the journey of a young wolf in his quest for a new home and pack. A Wolf Called Wander ...

The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation) by Daniel James Brown

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 7, 2019

The Boys in the Boat is a gripping nonfiction story for middle grades about teamwork, perseverance, and triumph at the Olympics. The Boys in the ...

*The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue by Karina Yan Glaser

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 9, 2019

The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue continues the Vanderbeeker fun as the kids try to rescue their mom's cookie baking business. *The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue ...

The Delights of Childcraft, part 2

By Megan Saben | Aug 22, 2019

Yesterday I introduced a set of books that impressed me as a child, and I appreciate them more now as a parent and home educator. ...

The Delights of Childcraft, part 1

By Megan Saben | Aug 21, 2019

I remember the first book that taught me to love poetry as a child. "Antonio, Antonio," by Laura E. Richards, was in the second volume ...

*Super Jake and the King of Chaos by Naomi Milliner

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 9, 2019

An aspiring magician discovers the real magic in "Super Jake," his special-needs little brother. *Super Jake and the King of Chaos by Naomi Milliner. Running ...

*Urchin of the Riding Stars (Mistmantle Chronicles, book 1)

By Megan Saben | Jul 24, 2019

A conniving traitor who plots to overthrow the throne by dispatching one family member after another is threatened by a heroic young squirrel who drops ...

*The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 26, 2019

A middle grades novel packed with life in ancient Egypt and an orphan's adventure among the tombs of the dead. *The Golden Goblet by Eloise ...

Family Vacation Book List: Fun for the Whole Family

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 17, 2019

Going on vacation this summer? What about daily trips to the pool and back? Perhaps you have some summer evenings on the porch planned. Sounds ...

Pilgrim’s Progress Roundup

By Megan Saben | May 29, 2019

When you are ready to introduce your family to a classic edition of Pilgrim’s Progress, two simplified versions complement each other beautifully, providing solid familiarity ...

Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder (books by Kate DiCamillo)

By Betsy Farquhar | May 13, 2019

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 ...

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

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2019

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

*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 1, 2019

Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...

Literaritea: Classics and new favorites

By Megan Saben | Feb 27, 2019

Literaritea is a fresh series in which Megan offers a taste of her experiences reading picture books and poetry aloud to her five boys, ages 2-12. Ideally we have teatime with our literature, but not always. These are the books that resonate with all of us and if I don't own these titles yet, I ...

*Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy by D. M. Cornish

By Hayley Morell | Feb 19, 2019

Foundling, Lamplighter, and Factotum by D. M. Cornish. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006-2010. Ages 12 & up. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Recommended for: ages 12 & ...

*Into the Jungle by Katherine Rundell

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2019

In these four tales inspired by Kipling's Jungle Book, Mowgli the man-cub learns the backstories of his fellow creatures. *Into the Jungle: Stories for Mowgli ...

*Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 4, 2019

Astrid, the thunderbolt of Glimmerdal, charms readers as easily as she charms those around her in this delightful middle grades novel. *Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr. Candlewick, 2018 (English language version). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10Recommended For: Family read aloud, ages 6 and up "Blistering badgers!" She's managed to sled —with speed and self ...

Reading Aloud to Tweens and Teens: A Guest Post about Kate Seredy’s books

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 28, 2018

Dawn Garrett joins us today to discuss reading Kate Seredy's books aloud to her tweens and teens. For more about Dawn, see her bio below ...

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

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 6, 2018

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

*Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2018

Wicked Nix, “foulest of the fairies,” encounters a magic that resists all the standard fairy spells: the power of human love. *Wicked Nix by Lena ...

*Tales of Wonder edited by Phillips, Bianco, and Kern

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 3, 2018

Tales of Wonder provides parents and teachers a wonderful resource to use as they enjoy fairy tales with their students and children. *Tales of Wonder, ...

The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2018

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

Good News for Little Hearts: A New Christian Picture Book Series

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 20, 2018

Three new picture books in the Good News for Little Hearts series help us coach children through difficulties and point them to Christ. Zoe's Hiding ...

*Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

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

“Sarah, Plain and Tall Series” by Gladys Hunt

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 22, 2018

We've got another post from Gladys Hunt for you today about a series beloved to many. For the other posts in this series, please check ...

Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 16, 2018

Two popular authors team up to write this quirky story about a lovable creature named—of course—Bob. Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead. Feiwel & ...

Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 26, 2018

A squirrel with a mind of his own navigates the seasons of his first year in this gentle animal story. Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight. ...

Black Rock Brothers by S. J. Dahlstrom

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 25, 2018

Wilder Good, now thirteen, continues his outdoor adventures with his biggest challenge yet. Black Rock Brothers (Wilder Good #5) by S. J. Dahlstrom. Paul Dry ...

*The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 28, 2018

The five Vanderbeeker children are back, with irrepressible high spirits, good intentions and miscalculations intact. *The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser. ...

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 9, 2018

The Princess Bride is just as delightful in book form as it is in movie form (or vice versa, depending on which you've already experienced!). ...

*Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 6, 2018

In this lively novel, a recently-orphaned girl finds "hope and a future" in the midst of poverty and bereavement. Ages 10-14. *Hope in the Holler ...

Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 19, 2018

Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea is a beach vacation between two covers, told from an artless childlike perspective. Ages 7-10 Secret Sisters of the ...

Fairy Tales (and More!) for Summer: A Booklist for Family Read Alouds

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 12, 2018

Lovely, Literary, and Light-hearted: Fairy Tales are a Perfect Match for Summer Fun Looking for some fun, low commitment reading for this summer? Perhaps you ...

*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2018

How Sweet the Sound tells the story of "Amazing Grace" in rhyming couplets and dramatic illustrations. Ages 6-10 *How Sweet the Sound: the Story of ...

The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall

By Betsy Farquhar | May 28, 2018

Longtime readers will enjoy Birdsall's Penderwicks at Last, a charming finale to this beloved middle grades series. The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2018. ...

*New Shoes by Sara Varon

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 27, 2018

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 ...

Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 26, 2018

Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters. Ages 8-12 ...

Strongheart by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2018

Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale. Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...

Bible Review: CSB Read-to-Me Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 6, 2018

Designed for parents of preschoolers, the CBS Read-to-me Bible offers a straight path from familiar Bible stories to the text itself. CSB Read-to-Me Bible. B&H ...

*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 15, 2018

The Book of Boy breathes life into the squalor and splendor of the late middle ages, with the tale of a parentless child and a ...

Classic Reads: The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 2, 2018

This often-overlooked classic by the beloved fantasy writer introduces six children with lively imaginations and not much prudence. Ages 10-14 The Story of the Treasure ...

*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2018

75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...

*Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 17, 2018

Honey for a Teen’s Heart applies the wisdom of Gladys Hunt’s read-aloud approach to the adolescent years. Adult *Honey for a Teen’s Heart: Using Books ...

Littler Women by Laura Schaeffer

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 6, 2018

Littler Women pictures the four March girls as 9-to-13-year-olds growing up in a tight-knit family in modern-day Massachusetts. Littler Women: a Modern Retelling by Laura ...

Portrait of a Reader: The Nurturer

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 26, 2018

Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to "unpack" a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will ...

*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2017

The Vanderbeekers, a loving family with normal unloving moments, face a Christmas-eve challenge with humor and heart. *The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan ...

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

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2017

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

The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2017

Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2017

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

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

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2017

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

Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2017

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

*The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 23, 2017

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 ...

Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson

By Megan Saben | Nov 21, 2017

Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...

Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 2, 2017

Seven classic fairy tales are retold in a concise but winning style that highlights both their humor and sympathy. Brave Red, Smart Frog: a New ...

Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 15, 2017

By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...

The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 8, 2017

At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel. (If you ...

Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 1, 2017

To be fair, doubts about Roy Ray Rappaport were perfectly understandable. Except for bats, winged mammals are so rare they're assumed to be myths. Even ...

The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 31, 2017

A light-hearted adventure for middle-graders combines humor and redemption. The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry. Roaring Brook, 2017, 274 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages ...

Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 18, 2017

If you’ve been following Redeemed Reader for the last few years, you may remember some of the read-alongs we’ve done, such as The Hobbit, Pilgrim’s ...

How to Read Aloud Hard Books: 5 Steps

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 7, 2017

Love to read aloud, but stumble over the hard books? You're not alone. Hard books are hard to read aloud. They just are. Even for ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?

By Hayley Morell | Jul 10, 2017

Welcome to Week 4 of Wisdom and Wonder! We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July. Now, back to the reading challenge! For a ...

Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 29, 2017

Henry is too shy to share his artistic talent, until one of his creations comes to life and threatens to wreck the whole school. Henry ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist

By Megan Saben | Jun 24, 2017

Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist Weekly Theme: Responding to Correction (Wise-Up #6, 7) Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 14:12 There is a ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 19, 2017

Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist Weekly Theme: God’s Word is a Treasure Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 4:23 Keep your heart with ...

* My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2017

Just in time for Father's Day, this picture-book collection of poems celebrates the daily presence of a loving dad in the household. *My Daddy Rules ...

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

By Betsy Farquhar | May 8, 2017

Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for ...

Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer

By Betsy Farquhar | May 1, 2017

This is a guest post by Candice Watters, blogger at Family Making. Her original, longer review of Mei Fuh appeared there first. Welcome, Candice! Travel ...

Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2017

The Will Wilder adventure series, though not marketed as Christian, draws its inspiration from the Bible, with numerous biblical references embedded in a fast-paced narrative. ...

Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 10, 2017

We love to track down solid biblical resources for you to use with your families, Sunday School classrooms, and Christian school classrooms. Not only do ...

Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 13, 2017

Beautiful, lengthy prose accompanied by striking woodcut illustrations make this retelling a good fit for intermediate and middle grade readers. Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard ...

Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2017

This gentle retelling of the "Ugly Duckling" tale combines the satisfactory ending with a love of natural beauty. Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli, with illustrations ...

*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

An epic middle grades fantasy series full of adventure, toothy cows, heroes and heroines, and dragons. *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room Press. ...

*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

A delightfully diverse collection of "tales" written and illustrated by a group of authors and illustrators who are themselves fans of the Wingfeather Saga! *Wingfeather ...

*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 20, 2017

Henry discovers 100 cupboards that lead to other worlds in this complex middle grades fantasy series that mirrors the creation-fall-redemption narrative framework of Scripture. 100 ...

4 Excellent New Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 17, 2017

[Reviews and recommendations from Pamela!] Four excellent new picture books to enjoy with the children in your life--worth seeking out as all are starred reviews! ...

Farewell to Richard Adams

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 13, 2017

The last week of the year was an unusually intense news cycle, with a presidential transition, annual wrap-ups, and two prominent celebrity deaths back to ...

*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

An illustrated chapter book series set in contemporary Africa that celebrates large families, its childlike protagonist, and traditional values. Enjoy this review from the archives! Originally published ...

The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Miss Penelope Lumley has been hired by Lord and Lady Ashton as governess to their three strange children in this delightful series opener. A review ...

40 Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 26, 2016

Strong father figures, adventures, humor, and general fun await! 40 books for DADS to read to their kids: fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction. Humor, adventure, ...

Twelfth Night: Shakespeare’s Christmas Play

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 12, 2016

Twelfth Night, or What You Will is not exactly a Christmas play, I'll admit. But "Twelfth Night" does refer to the 12th night of the ...

The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

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

The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

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

Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure by Ann Martin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 25, 2016

Popular children's author Ann Martin updates a series from the 1950s for a new generation of children who could use some shaping-up. Missy Piggle-Wiggle and ...

Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2016

Somewhere amid the news of the last two weeks (pretty intense news cycle, I understand) came word that Natalie Babbitt had died of lung cancer ...

*Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2016

In this true story, a boy born with a hideous face learns to not only accept himself, but help others see him for what he ...

*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2016

The power of stories is front and center in this beautiful, imaginative companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Starred review. A 2016 Christmas ...

*Ember Falls by S. D. Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 11, 2016

The Green Ember saga continues with desperate battles, unexpected heroism, and enough dangling plot threads to make readers eager for the next volume. *Ember Falls ...

Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages by George Hodges

By Hayley Morell | Oct 26, 2016

An engaging account of notable figures from the ancient church to the end of the Middle Ages. Saints and Heroes to the End of the ...

Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 24, 2016

Church history anthologies of men and women from all over the world in story format for middle grades and up! Trial and Triumph: Stories from ...

The Accidental Voyage by Douglas Bond

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 13, 2016

Mr. Pipes is back with Annie and Drew on a wild adventure in Italy as they simultaneously learn about the ancient church and its music. ...

*Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and Tim Ladwig.

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2016

A beautifully illustrated picture book biography about a brave woman artist-turned-missionary to the Arab world. *Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and ...

Winnie-the-Pooh: Two True Stories

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 11, 2016

Two picture books about the real Winnie-the-Pooh that both make delightful reading! *Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick and ...

*Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 10, 2016

Read the remarkable story of a man who helped smuggle millions of Bibles into restricted countries in this middle grades biography. Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy ...

Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche

By Megan Saben | Oct 10, 2016

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 ...

Monks and Mystics by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 5, 2016

Book 2 of the History Lives series offers an exciting look at the Medieval Church: its movers and shakers and controversies. Part of our Church History ...

Peril and Peace by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 5, 2016

Book 1 of the History Lives series is full of brave martyrs, famous figures, and early church activity. Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient ...

*The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Oct 3, 2016

This picture book beautifully brings the creation-fall-redemption story to life! *The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross: the True Story of Why Jesus Died and ...

The Voyage to Magical North by Claire Fayers

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 7, 2016

Friendly pirates, malicious magicians and imaginative geography make this middle-grade series starter fun and even a bit thought-provoking. The Voyage to Magical North by Claire ...