Picture Books

A World Wonder by Laura Wifler

A World Wonder cheerfully celebrates the real world wonders and reminds readers to fully invest in both their work and the people around them. A ...
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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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Growing Up under a Red Flag by Ying Chang Compestine

Growing Up under a Red Flag introduces China’s Cultural Revolution in a way picture-book readers can understand. Growing Up under a Red Flag: A Memoir ...
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*Granny Smith was Not an Apple by Sarah Glenn Fortson

A beautiful picture book chronicling the origin of the Granny Smith apple variety through the life of one determined woman. *Granny Smith was Not An ...
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*Joni Eareckson Tada by Kristyn Getty

A new biography of Joni Eareckson Tada for kids demonstrates how anyone can honor God no matter the circumstances. *Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who ...
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Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens

Build a House shows the resilience and hope of human nature through a story about a family who perseveres in building a house, setting down ...
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*Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A true story by Dave Eggers

A silver mine, a single man in possession of a great fortune who is in want of a wife, a wedding, a house project, a ...
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2 Books about Bikes: Birth of the Bicycle and The Running Machine

Two recent picture books about the development of the bicycle entertaining introduces kids to history they can relate to. Birth of the Bicycle: A Bumpy ...
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World More Beautiful by Angela Burke Kunkel

World More Beautiful brings to life the world and art of Barbara Cooney, creator of beloved picture book classics like Roxaboxen and Miss Rumphius. World ...
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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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Celebrity Picture Books that Aren’t Bad, by B.J. Novak, Julie Andrews, Emma Thompson, and Spike Lee

“Legitimate children’s book authors”—that is, those who won a publishing contract through finely-honed craft and dogged persistence—have nothing but scorn for picture books with celebrity ...
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*Indescribable Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio

Indescribable Atlas Adventures is a large format picture book full of interesting details about the world God made, including people, places, and animals. *Indescribable Atlas ...
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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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Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin

Life after Whale pictures the phenomenon of “Whale Fall”: how the earth’s largest living creature supports thriving ecosystems for decades after death. Life after Whale: ...
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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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*With Dad by Richard Jackson

With Dad packs the best of everything about a father-son overnight tent-camping trip into a bigger story with spare text and warm illustrations. *With Dad, ...
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How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford

In this award-winning picture book, we learn about MacNolia and her fight for the National Spelling Bee championship as a Black girl in 1936. How ...
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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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The Inventions of God (and Eva) and The Stories of God (and Kiki) by Dave Connis

The Inventions of God (and Eva) and The Stories of God (and Kiki) show the delight God has in children, whether their interests are STEM-related ...
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What the World Eats: A Roundup of Global Food Books

Do you know what people eat around the world? What do those missionaries from your church eat when they move to Ghana or Gambia or ...
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*Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World by Sarah Mackenzie

Barbara Cooney's passion for beauty still inspires many, and the result is this lovely picture book honoring her legacy. *Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her ...
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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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Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo

Orris and Timble are the title characters of a new chapter-book series by Kate DiCamillo about a rat, an owl, and their unlikely friendship. *Orris ...
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Global Prayer Resources: Operation World and Window on the World and More

How can we better pray for our brothers and sisters around the world? Operation World and Window on the World help us pray for God's ...
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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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*A World of Praise by Deborah Lock, illustrated by Helen Cann

Every evidence of beauty and design points to the Creator who knows and loves us intimately. A World of Praise offers worship with warm illustrations. ...
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Picture Books about Making a Difference in Print: Amazing Abe and Holding Her Own

Two recent picture books show how trailblazing newspaper writers gave a voice to racial and ethnic minorities in America. Amazing Abe: How Abraham Cahan’s Newspaper ...
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Making Sense of Dog Senses by Stephanie Gibeault

Making Sense of Dog Senses is a fascinating introduction to the way dogs experience their world. Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends ...
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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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Animal Albums from A to Z by CeCe Bell

Animal Albums from A to Z is an alliterative avalanche of amusing, applause-winning auditory adumbrations from the zoological zeitgeist. Animal Albums from A to Z ...
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*Varenka by Bernadette Watts

Varenka is a lovely picture book about a widow whose fears and struggles with faith are mingled with loving her neighbor and trusting the God ...
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Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock

Jesús is excited to work with his Papá on a busy Saturday full of yards to mow, and as soon as the water jug is ...
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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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The Empty Pot by Demi

The Empty Pot is a lovely tale from China about the rewards of honesty and integrity. The Empty Pot by Demi, Square Fish. 32 pages. ...
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A Few Beautiful Minutes by Kate Allen Fox

A Few Beautiful Minutes is a beautiful way to prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse. A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse by ...
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*Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida

Houses with a Story offers both a fascinating tour of storybook dwellings and a springboard to imagination. *Houses with Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly ...
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Picture Books about Latin America: Martin de Porres, A Flicker of Hope, and Water Day

Latin Americans are Americans too! Three picture books from past and present that shed light on our neighbors to the south. Martin de Porres: The ...
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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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Recent Picture Books from New Growth Press: My First ABC Book of Bible Verses, Something Scary Happened, Our Great God

New Growth Press consistently publishes high quality resources for churches and families. We've enjoyed many of their devotionals, picture books, and chapter books. Here's a ...
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2024 Caldecott Honor Books Roundup

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter by Aida Salazar, illustrated by Molly Mendoza. Scholastic, 2023, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...
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Recent Christian Picture Books: God’s Signpost, The God Contest, and The 10 Commandments

Whew! It's sooo exciting to get boxes of books on my doorstep, but sometimes the picture books get lost in the shuffle. Here's a round-up ...
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Growing Patterns, Mysterious Patterns, and the Power of Snow

If fractals, Fibonacci numbers, and powers of multiplication aren't exciting to you, you need these three books and a long walk outside. Reading Level: Picture ...
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Big by Vashti Harrison

In Big, winner of the 2024 Caldecott medal, one young girl learns to be kind to herself, despite the words of others. Big by Vashti ...
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Saint Valentine the Kindhearted, Saint Patrick the Forgiver, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard

Three godly men from the church history are worthy of remembering for their character and service to Christ. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended ...
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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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*African Heroes by Jerome Gay, Jr.

African Heroes introduces children to heroes of the faith who are from Africa in this vibrantly illustrated picture book from New Growth Press. Note: this ...
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We Are Branches by Joyce Sidman

We take branches for granted, but have you ever considered what a wise design they are, with so many applications in nature? We Are Branches ...
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Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne Slade

With text that is both simple and detailed, and with beautiful illustrations, Behold the Octopus introduces a fascinating ocean creature. Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne ...
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Evergreen by Matthew Cordell

Evergreen is the story of a fearful young squirrel who learns bravery on her quest to obey her mother and deliver soup to ailing Granny ...
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Hidden Hope by Elisa Boxer

Hidden Hope tells of a brave young lady who smuggled papers in a child's toy to save lives during World War II. Hidden Hope: How ...
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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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Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel

Tomfoolery! tells the story of Randolph Caldecott, the iconoclastic illustrator who lent his name to the prestigious award. Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age ...
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All of a Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinsky

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah is a fun way to introduce this Jewish holiday to young children. All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. ...
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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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*Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt

A Jewish woman who lived through World War II in Poland and had to hide in order to survive tells her story through fabric and ...
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A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney

A Walk in the Woods features Jerry Pinkney’s last illustrations in a sensitive portrayal of childhood grief. A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, ...
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Music for the End of Time by Jen Bryant

Music for the End of time is a picture book biography, a story of hope found through creating beauty in the midst of affliction. Music ...
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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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100 Things to Know About Inventions by Clive Gifford

A fun, visual book about the history of inventions and some relationships between them, ideal for those who are mechanically minded. 100 Things to Know ...
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The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America by Jan Lower

The Brilliant Calculator is a good introduction to a woman engineer whose work allows us to communicate better. For that, I am grateful. The Brilliant ...
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*William’s House by Ginger Howard

Wouldn't it make sense that a house built in the style of a home in England would work just as well in America? *William's House ...
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Gertie: The Darling Duck of WWII by Shari Swanson

A sweet story about a mother duck whose unusual nesting spot provided a welcome diversion from from the war, both in local news and beyond. ...
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God, You Are by William R. Osborne

God, You Are introduces young children to God’s character and attributes in a warm devotional setting. God, You Are: 20 Promises from the Psalms for ...
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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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Nonfiction Picture Books: We Are Starlings, Great Carrier Reef, The Book of Turtles

We Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a Murmuration by Robert Furrow & Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Marc Martin. Random House Studio, 2023, ...
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Portraits of Faith: *Pilipinto and God’s Servant Ruth

A missionary daughter in the 20th century and a pagan-born woman of ancient Israel offer two inspiring examples of faithfulness in difficult circumstances. *Pilipinto: The ...
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Teaching the Faith: *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism

A new edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism uses cartoon illustrations as an aid to understanding and discussion. *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern ...
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Gladys Hunt on Re-issues: Good, Bad, and Ugly

A story betrayed Originally published on the Tumblon website January 29, 2010 It’s sometimes like wandering into unknown territory if you’ve had favorite books in ...
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Summer Fun Ahead: a Picture Book Tour

(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on May 21, 2013) The Not-for-Parents Travel Book, Lonely Planet Publications, 2011, 207 pages.  Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 ...
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Batter Up! Books About Baseball (a Librarian’s List)

(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 ...
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Beach Books! (Librarians’ List)

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 ...
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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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Two Books about Sexuality for Kids and Teens

Books about sexuality for kids and teens are not new, but these days, it's getting harder to separate the wheat from the chaff. Well-meaning titles ...
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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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*A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie

Lou Alice loves to make the world a little more beautiful. But what happens when she's old and bedridden? *A Little More Beautiful by Sarah ...
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Nonfiction Picture Books: Concrete; Luminous; The Animal Toolkit; The Universe in You; Digestion: The Musical

Outstanding picture books from 2022 feature the story of a ubiquitous building material, unusual animals, basic particle physics, and a different take on the topic ...
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Gladys Hunt on Taking Notice

Editor's Note: The Honey for a Child's Heart Read-Along is focusing this month on Chapter 7 ("Honey from the Rock") and Chapter 23 ("Nourishing Your ...
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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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Noticing by Kobi Yomada

Noticing, a picture book for tweens and older, beautifully illustrates the point that “One of the best things you can be is interested.” Noticing by ...
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The Story of God With Us, The Story of God Our King, and The Forgotten King

Three beautiful picture books emphasize the promise that God will one day dwell with us and that He will restore the glory of His people ...
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CSK Illlustrator Roundup: Standing in the Need of Prayer, Me and the Boss, and The Talk

The Coretta Scott King award, an prominent part of the annual ALA Youth Media Awards, honors African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for ...
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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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At Jerusalem’s Gate by Nikki Grimes

At Jersualem's Gate offers poetic meditations on what people involved in the events leading to Christ's resurrection might have thought and felt. At Jerusalem's Gate: ...
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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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before music

Before Music: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Madison Safer

Where does music come from and how many ways can you make it? Before Music broadens the reader's horizons on the origin and creativity of ...
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Like Me by Laura Wifler

A young boy recounts a typical day in the life of his family, which includes a younger brother who has physical and mental disabilities. Like ...
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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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Three books about Jesus: The Darkest Night/The Brightest Day, The Acrostic of Jesus, and Who is Jesus?

Three books from New Growth Press are helpful for teaching children who Jesus is and what he has done for us. The Darkest Night/The Brightest ...
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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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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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