Picture Books
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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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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2022 Sidney Taylor Award Picture-Book Roundup: The Passover Guest, Nicky & Vera, Dear Mr. Dickens, and The Christmas Mitzvah
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Valentine’s Day Picture Books: Valentine, Be Mine, The House of Love, and Ballad of Valentine
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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2022 Coretta Scott King Picture Book Roundup: Unspeakable, Nina, Soul Food Sunday, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Sibert (nonfiction) Roundup: The People’s Painter, The Great Stink, We Are Still Here, Summertime Sleepers
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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2022 Geisel Roundup: Fox at Night, Nothing Fits a Dinosaur, I Hop, and Beak and Ally
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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2022 Caldecott Roundup: Watercress, Wonder Walkers, Have You Ever Seen a Flower?, Unspeakable, and Mel Fell
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Picture books for boys (and girls) who love action and humor
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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3 recent picture books for Advent and Christmas
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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‘Twas the Season of Advent
By Megan Saben |
'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 ...
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Treasury of Magical Tales from around the World by Donna Jo Napoli
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Picture Books on different times and places: Thukpa for All, How I Learned Geography, Come On, Rain!, and Kamishibai Man
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Something Better Coming: The life of a new author
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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A Mad Hatter Book List: Picture Books About Hats
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Amazing Rivers by Julie Agnone
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel Music
By Megan Saben |
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. ...
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Population Picture Books: *If the World Were 100 People and We Are a Garden
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Picture Books about 9/11: The Survivor Tree
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Fun Read-Alouds: Dakota Crumb, How to Make a Friend, and I Can Make a Train Noise
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson against the odds
By Megan Saben |
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: ...
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A Cookie Story Tea
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
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Picture-Book Roundup: Art and Artists
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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John Klassen and Proverbs: A Guest Post from Sarah Hartman*
By Janie Cheaney |
John Klassen's Hat trilogy beautifully illustrates timeless truths from the book of Proverbs. I Want My Hat Back (2011), This is Not My Hat (2012), ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Ordinary Wonders
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Riley
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
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Critter Jitters by Jory John
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Juneteenth Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Picture Books about Refugees: Watercress, Yang Warriors, and The Suitcase
By Janie Cheaney |
Two memoirs and one parable show children how to have sympathy for refugees, even within their own family. Watercress by Andrea Yang, illustrated by Jason ...
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We Wait for the Sun by Katie McCabe
By Janie Cheaney |
We Wait for the Sun is a sweet recollection demonstrating how love shines through all difficult life circumstances. We Wait for the Sun by Dovey ...
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Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Unspeakable exposes a terrible chapter in American history but ends in hope for reconciliation. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by ...
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Teaching Kids Church History
By Betsy Farquhar |
Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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The Best Pet of All and Bertha Takes a Drive
By Megan Saben |
The Best Pet of All and Bertha Takes a Drive are picture books about boys and moms. In the first, a boy asks his mom ...
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Character picture books: Twenty-One Steps, Bartali’s Bicycle, and Nelson Mandela’s Plan
By Janie Cheaney |
Three nonfiction picture books offer examples of faithful service, reconciliation, and self-sacrifice. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated ...
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