Picture Books

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More
cover of At Jerusalem's Gate

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: ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
cover of Like Me

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More
cover image of who is Jesus

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 ...
Read More
cover of my brother is away

*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. ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Love in the Library offers a tender picture of humanity and the miracle of love, and hope in the midst of a Japanese internment camp. ...
Read More

Gladys Hunt on Choosing Mother Goose

Editor's Note: It's a new month--meaning a new chapter in our Honey for a Child's Heart Read-along. Or actually, two chapters: #5: "Poetry" and #22: ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More

Gladys Hunt on Little Golden Books

Editor's Note: You may have to be of a certain age for Little Golden Books to tweak your memory, but there was a lot of ...
Read More

Gladys Hunt on Christmas Books

Editor's Note: Is reading aloud beside the Christmas tree one of your family's holiday traditions? If so, you'll want to copy & paste this list ...
Read More

Gladys Hunt on Enjoying Picture Books–at Any Age

Editor's Note: I hope everyone enjoyed a happy Thanksgiving with family and good food. Everybody knows what happens next: Christmas! And, as it's still Picture ...
Read More

*This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore

There aren't many picture books about Thanksgiving; This is the Feast is one of the best. This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore, illustrated ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

Gladys Hunt on The Scent of Thanksgiving

Editor's Note: Are the smells of sage and pumpkin spice already wafting through the house? In this post, Gladys Hunt finds wonderful smells in the ...
Read More
cover of king of christmas

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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
cover of story of us

*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. ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
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. ...
Read More

*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, ...
Read More

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. ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More
cover of God Rescues

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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. ...
Read More

*Marshmallow Clouds by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek

In Marshmallow Clouds, two poets look at the world, both the sublime and the mundane, through expressive wordplay. *Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever New by Marty Machowski

Wonderfull is a guide to the Psalms that introduces young people to modeling their devotional life after that of the Psalmist. Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More
cover image of room for everyone

*Room for Everyone by Naaz Khan, illustrated by Mercè López

A lively rhyming story about a generously overcrowded daladala on its way to the beach in a delightful read-aloud about siblings in Zanzibar. Room for ...
Read More

*Psalm Twenty-Three and *The Lord’s Prayer, both illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Tim Ladwig illustrates two well-known Biblical texts, using Black families in urban settings in these picture books. *Psalm Twenty-Three, illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Eerdmans, 1997. ...
Read More

*When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Tim Ladwig

When Daddy Prays shows a child's view of his pastor father, praying during all of life. Beautifully illustrated. *When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes and ...
Read More

*The Sower by Scott James

The Sower employs biblical allegories of seeds and planting to recap the story of the Bible and its effect on human history—and on us. *The ...
Read More

Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard

Polly and the Screen Time Overload gently points young children away from electronic fascinations to the quieter joys of real life. Polly and the Screen ...
Read More

Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder and Dan Santat

Endlessly Ever After allows readers to mix and match traditional tales to the tune of catchy rhymes and lavish illustrations. Endlessly Ever After: Pick Your ...
Read More
cover image of the big wide welcome

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 ...
Read More

For Every Little Thing by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling

For Every Little Thing invites children to celebrate each moment of the day through poems and prayers drawn from a wide range of religious and ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

*The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung

The "Biggest Story" brand continues with a family-friendly Bible Storybook that provides food for thought even to grownups. *The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin ...
Read More

Favorite Gardening Books for Kids

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
rabbit stories

The Velveteen Rabbit Turns 100: A Bunny Booklist

The Velveteen Rabbit turns 100 There was once a velveteen rabbit . . . Once upon a time, there were three little rabbits and their ...
Read More

Not So Different by Shane Burcaw

In Not So Different, disability activist Shane Burcaw answers questions about life as a wheelchair-bound man with a lively intellect. Not So Different: What you ...
Read More

Blue by Nan Ekua Brew-Hammon

What’s special about the color blue? A lot! Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and Wide as the Sky Nana ...
Read More

Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

Prisoners of Geography helps kids understand how natural features shape history and economics. Prisoners of Geography: Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps by Tim ...
Read More

Christian Easter Gifts for Kids and Teens

Do you give Easter gifts in your family? Most families I know give gifts—a lot of them—at Christmas, but give minimally (if at all) at ...
Read More

*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 ...
Read More

*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 ...
Read More

Picture Books about Transportation: From Here to There, Rescuing Titanic, and Hope at Sea

From Here to There: Inventions that Changed the Way the World Moves by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Gilbert Ford. HM, 2021, 82 pages plus notes, ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

The Apostles’ Creed by Ben Myers

A vibrantly illustrated picture book that helps parents explain the historic Apostles' Creed to their children. The Apostles' Creed: For All God's Children by Ben ...
Read More

2022 Sidney Taylor Award Picture-Book Roundup: The Passover Guest, Nicky & Vera, Dear Mr. Dickens, and The Christmas Mitzvah

The Sidney Taylor Award, named for the author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, is presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries to "outstanding books ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

Sibert (nonfiction) Roundup: The People’s Painter, The Great Stink, We Are Still Here, Summertime Sleepers

The Robert F. Sibert Award, announced by the American Library Association every January, names one to six outstanding nonfiction titles written for upper elementary and ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More

Picture books for boys (and girls) who love action and humor

A reader-inspired hunt for a roundup of favorite picture books for boys and girls who love action and humor A reader asks: "What I continue ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

‘Twas the Season of Advent

'Twas the Season of Advent is an advent devotional for littles that hearkens back to the classic poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" but focuses ...
Read More

Treasury of Magical Tales from around the World by Donna Jo Napoli

Veteran children’s author Donna Jo Napoli retells fairy- and folk tales from every continent, reflecting both local culture and common humanity. Treasury of Magical Tales ...
Read More

*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo

Deckawoo Drive: Home of Mercy Watson and her Neighbors Even though my children are all teenagers now, and long past the chapter book stage, we ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

Something Better Coming: The life of a new author

In which Megan's books arrive and she and her boys have fun with them, and why the books will not be sold through Amazon. The ...
Read More

A Mad Hatter Book List: Picture Books About Hats

Hat books? Are they a thing? Yes they are, and not all are created equal. Most children love trying on and wearing hats, the bigger ...
Read More

Amazing Rivers by Julie Agnone

This information-packed picture book introduces young middle-graders to the wide world of waterways. Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways that Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh ...
Read More

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. ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson against the odds

Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson Against the Odds by Robert Burleigh. Simon & Schuster, 2007. 32 pages. Reading level: Picture books, ages 4-8, ages 8-10Recommended for: ...
Read More
chocolate chip cookies

A Cookie Story Tea

A cookie story tea is a great place to share my personally developed recipe for chocolate chip cookies. May these books enhance your pleasure in ...
Read More

The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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), ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge

The Wisdom of Trees shows how trees function as a community in cooperation, not competition. The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form ...
Read More

STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura

STEM is vital to sports! Ventura shows young readers how physics, technology, engineering, and math work in baseball's favorite event. STEM in the World Series ...
Read More

America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Riley

America My Love, America My Heart expresses complex emotions about the author's home country. America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Peoples Riley. Greenwillow, ...
Read More

Critter Jitters by Jory John

The “Critter Jitters” series tackles the anxieties of young children in a humorous, reassuring way. Summer Camp Critter Jitters and First Day Critter Jitters by ...
Read More

Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden

Strong Voices shares fifteen great American speeches from men and women throughout America's history. Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by ...
Read More

Juneteenth Roundup

Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the 19th of June, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation. These four books offer experiential perspectives ...
Read More

God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy

Author Jared Kennedy uses Isaiah 6 as a model for explaining the liturgy, in God Made Me for Worship God Made Me for Worship: Helping ...
Read More