Picture Books
We Are Branches by Joyce Sidman
By Megan Saben |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
(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)
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 ...
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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 ...
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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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Hayley Morell |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Madison Safer
By Megan Saben |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Megan Saben |
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?
By Megan Saben |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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2023 Caldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
By Megan Saben |
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. ...
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Gladys Hunt on Choosing Mother Goose
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
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Wintry Picture Books: A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Whether you live in a place with snow or not, January is the perfect month for a cozy snow story (or three). Look for some ...
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Gladys Hunt on Little Golden Books
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Gladys Hunt on Christmas Books
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Gladys Hunt on Enjoying Picture Books–at Any Age
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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*This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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The Way of Birds: Duet and Feathers Together
By Janie Cheaney |
Duet and Feathers Together present two notable bird species: the northern mockingbird and the white stork. Duet: Our Journey in Song with the Northern Mockingbird ...
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Gladys Hunt on The Scent of Thanksgiving
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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The King of Christmas by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy
By Betsy Farquhar |
The King of Christmas reminds young children where to look for Jesus, just as the wise men looked for Him at that first Christmas. The ...
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Fairy Tales and Folk Tales: A Picture Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Google the difference between fairy tales and folk tales (or is it folktales?), and you'll find some answers. For instance, folk tales are part of ...
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Gladys Hunt on the Art of the Picture Book
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: November is National Picture Book Month! Participants in our "Honey for a Child's Heart Read-Along" are considering that topic in chapters 13 and ...
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Fun picture books for young listeners: How to Apologize, Not That Pet!, Sometimes Cake, and Mom, There’s a Bear at the Door
By Megan Saben |
Four books featuring animals and young children are imaginative, instructive, and fun to read aloud to little ones. How to Apologize by David LaRochelle, illustrated ...
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20 ABC Books for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
We're celebrating Picture Book Month here at RedeemedReader! ABC Books are some of the most common picture books young children see, but there are many ...
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*The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Story of Us tells the full redemptive story of Scripture in poetic form, using the classical 4 elements of earth, air, fire, and water. ...
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Gladys Hunt on Nursery Rhymes
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: Our Honey for a Child's Heart Read-along readers are thinking about Chapter 15: "First Books for Readers." Beginning readers should be primed with ...
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Truth and Story
By Megan Saben |
(Note: Betsy and I are indebted to Ethan Pettit, librarian and Children's Literature professor from Covenant College, who enlightened us so much in seeing Christ ...
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The Three Little Pigs: A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Just for fun, here's a round-up of some delightful version of the classic folktale "The Three Little Pigs" along with some funny spoofs and spins. ...
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*Baby Believer Board Books
By Megan Saben |
Theologically solid Baby Believer series provides a beautiful way to introduce littles to Scripture and church doctrine. Baby Believer board books series by Danielle Hitchen, ...
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Picture Books about Houses: Farmhouse and House Finds a Home
By Janie Cheaney |
Farmhouse and House Finds a Home honor the ordinary structures that shelter and sustain growing families. Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall. Little, Brown, 2022, 48 pages. ...
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Big Theology for Little Hearts
By Janie Cheaney |
Crossway's Big Theology for Little Hearts series attempts to introduce important Christian concepts through the medium of board books. The Church; Creation; The Holy Spirit ...
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God Rescues and Taste & See: 2 Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
God Rescues and Taste & See, new picture books from New Growth Press, offer parents colorful ways to introduce big theology concepts to children. God ...
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Labor Day: Books about Work
By Betsy Farquhar |
Readers: this is an adaptation of one of the first posts on Redeemed Reader, way back in 2011 (written by Emily Whitten, the "I" in ...
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Science Picture Books: *The Beak Book, Nano, and Building
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding picture books offer windows into nano technology, beaver life, and the beauty and variety of beak design. *The Beak Book by Robin Page. ...
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*Marshmallow Clouds by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Picture books for and about school: *We the People, Pterodactyl Show and Tell, and My First Day
By Megan Saben |
Three picture books are perfect for going back to school: We the People, Pterodactyl Show and Tell, and My First Day. *We the People: The ...
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Back to School Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is it back to school time already? Depending on which part of the country you live in, some schools will be starting up in the ...
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Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever New by Marty Machowski
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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Picture Books about Nature: Be Thankful for Trees, Yoshi and the Ocean, and The Whale Who Swam Through Time
By Janie Cheaney |
The Blessing of a Tree Be Thankful for Trees by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. Red Comet Press, 2022, 80 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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Picture Book Round Up: Cora Cooks Pancit, Thoughtfull, Rice From Heaven, My Breakfast With Jesus
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four picture books encourage young listeners to notice the people around them, to serve with kindness, and to celebrate the diversity of God's church. Some ...
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*Room for Everyone by Naaz Khan, illustrated by Mercè López
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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*Psalm Twenty-Three and *The Lord’s Prayer, both illustrated by Tim Ladwig
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
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*When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Tim Ladwig
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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*The Sower by Scott James
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder and Dan Santat
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Picture Book Round Up: The Big Wide Welcome, God Cares for Me, Love Is, Rice From Heaven, My Breakfast With Jesus
By Megan Saben |
Three picture books remind young listeners to love people as Jesus loves, to show compassion for the sick, and provide an opportunity to see a ...
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For Every Little Thing by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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New Picture Books: Knight Owl, Hello Puddle!, All from a Walnut, Hundred Years of Happiness
By Janie Cheaney |
Four new picture books take a humorous look at knighthood, explore backyard science, and appreciate grandparents. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise. Little, Brown, 2022,40 pages ...
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*The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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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: ...
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The Velveteen Rabbit Turns 100: A Bunny Booklist
By Megan Saben |
The Velveteen Rabbit turns 100 There was once a velveteen rabbit . . . Once upon a time, there were three little rabbits and their ...
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Not So Different by Shane Burcaw
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Blue by Nan Ekua Brew-Hammon
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Christian Easter Gifts for Kids and Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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*Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
Bare Tree and Little Wind reminds readers that Jesus is the Real King, and He is coming again. *Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali ...
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*Something Better Coming by Megan Saben
By Janie Cheaney |
Something Better Coming builds anticipation for the Easter season as it builds faith in young hearts. Something Better Coming by Megan Saben, illustrated by Ryan ...
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Picture Books about Transportation: From Here to There, Rescuing Titanic, and Hope at Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
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2022 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Roundup: Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge, Bright Star, and May Your Life Be Deliciosa
By Janie Cheaney |
The Pura Belpré award honors “Latinx writers and illustrators whose books portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.” This year the ALA named one ...
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The Apostles’ Creed by Ben Myers
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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