(C) Ages 8-10

*Mishka by Edward van de Vendel

Mishka is the gentle, heartwarming story of refugees and rabbits finding home. *Miskha by Edward van de Vendel and Anoush Elman, illustrated by Annet Schaap ...
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Rube Goldberg’s Big Book of Building by Ed Stackley, et al

Rube Goldberg’s Big Book of Building features practical instructions to building 25 impractical machines. Rube Goldberg’s Big Book of Building: Make 25 Machines that Really ...
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Glad and Golden Hours by Lanier Ivester

Glad and Golden Hours is a lovely companion to Christ-centered Christmas celebrations, both in anticipation of Christmas Day and during the 12 days following. Glad ...
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I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis

Part of the popular I Survived Series, I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 is a lively introduction to what the Revolutionary War might have been ...
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*The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Kevin DeYoung

The Biggest Story Family Devotional expands on The Biggest Story Bible Storybook to offer a practical and flexible devotional guide. *The Biggest Story Family Devotional ...
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Fun with Math: Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes, The Pigpen Problem, and Our World: By the Numbers

Sir Cumference returns, Goat and Sheep solve a math problem, and Steve Jenkins crunches the numbers. Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes follows our hero through another ...
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Light Comes to Shadow Mountain by Toni Buzzeo

In Light Comes to Shadow Mountain, a young girl is determined to bring electricity to her Kentucky home through the Rural Electrification Project. Light Comes ...
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Spiders: A Book List for Young Arachnophiles

A few weeks ago I was trying to address the cobwebs on the walls and corners above my desk (possibly some procrasti-cleaning due to a ...
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*Little Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Joe Sutphin

A classic Christmas story of an old sinner who finds redemption through visits from four spirits who convict him of his worldly wretchedness. Little Christmas ...
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*Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri

A boy struggling after the loss of his mother goes on a fantasy adventure and finds peace in her memory. *Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri. ...
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BIG Words for Little Astronauts by Lisa M. Gerry

BIG Words for Little Astronauts provides an introductory vocabulary for younger readers, from Astrophysics to EXtraterrestrial. BIG Words for Little Astronauts: The Stellar Dictionary Every ...
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Frindle and The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements

The Frindle Files brings Nicholas Allen, from Frindle fame, back into the limelight in this lively follow-up for middle grade readers. Frindle by Andrew Clements. ...
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*One Long Line by Loree Griffin Burns

One Long Line illustrates the scientific method through the simple observance of one species of caterpillars. *One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who ...
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You’re the Boss by Brian Weisfeld and Bonnie Bader

You’re the Boss is a quick but comprehensive guide to for entrepreneurial kids interested in starting a business. You’re the Boss: A Kid’s Ultimate Guide ...
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Art All around Us by Xiao Situ

Art All Around Us introduces young readers to the nearly infinite variety of art and its meaning in ordinary life. Art All around Us: A ...
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Neighborhood Sharks by Katherine Roy

Vividly illustrated, Neighborhood Sharks brings readers up close and personal with one of nature's most fearsome apex predators. Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites ...
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*The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo

In The Hotel Balzaar, Kate DiCamillo continues her magical Norendy Tales series with intriguing hints of further connections. *The Hotel Balzaar (A Norendy Tale) by ...
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Two Cozy Chapter Books: Beti and the Little Round House and Stella & Marigold

Two new Chapter Books about Beti, Stella, and Marigold celebrate the simple joys of seasons and siblings. Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke, ...
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Home Is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons

Ruth Chou Simons takes inspiration from Psalm 23 in this gentle, loving reminder to her reader that the Lord is with us wherever we go. ...
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*Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski

Promises Made Promises Kept is a short, engaging, 2-week Christmas devotional that invites families to look at God's promises in the Old Testament which are ...
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The Found Boys by S. D. Smith

The “Found Boys” find trouble in their West Virginia small town, but also deepen their understanding of grace and forgiveness. The Found Boys by S. ...
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Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness

Zeke, a “Lizard Nobody” in his own opinion (as well as an actual lizard) learns to stand up for himself in this hilarious and heartfelt ...
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Between Flowers and Bones by Carolyn Leiloglou

Between Flowers and Bones continues The Restorationists adventure series, in which members of a family are gifted with the ability to travel through works of ...
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History Picture Books: The Soldier’s Friend, The Painter and the President, and Star and the Maestro

Three outstanding picture books introduce young readers to Walt Whitman, Gilbert Stuart, and Mozart. The Soldier’s Friend: Walt Whitman’s Extraordinary Service in the American Civil ...
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Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay

Rosa by Starlight is a sweet story of an orphan finding her way home, with the help of a host of sympathetic cats. Rosa by ...
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cover image of shakespeare's first folio

*Shakespeare’s First Folio: All the plays, a children’s edition

Shakespeare's First Folio is a wonderful introduction to the plays, suitably shortened for children, a gorgeous addition to any home library. *Shakespeare's First Folio: All ...
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*The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

A wild robot explores an island and learns more than how to survive nature from the animals; she develops relationships and makes it home. A ...
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*Evangelical Heroes by Joel Beeke and Douglas Bond

Evangelical Heroes presents famous and lesser-known Christian role models throughout the modern era. *Evangelical Heroes, Vol. 1 and 2 by Douglas Bond and Joel Beeke. ...
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Out of My Dreams by Sharon Draper

Melody Brooks, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy, concludes her trilogy by stepping onto a global stage in Out of My Dreams. Out of My Dreams ...
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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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cover of build a house

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

*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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Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann

Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings features a winsome protagonist trying her hand at parental matchmaking. Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann. Holiday House/Margaret Ferguson ...
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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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cover of world more beautiful

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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*The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers (20th anniversary editions)

Aidan, fifth son of a Lord of Corenwald, befriends Feechies, defeats a giant, and leads a loyal group of followers in the Wilderking Trilogy, a ...
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*Ben Washington Is the Newbie on the Block by Jasmine Mullen

Young Ben Washington, the star of this new middle-grade series, is funny, flawed, and fully relatable. *Ben Washington Is . . . the Newbie on ...
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The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry

A sweet middle-grade historical fiction recounting some of the Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, an Ojibwe orphan. The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, Anna Rose ...
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Majestica by Sarah Tolcser

Majestica takes readers on a thrill ride through a wildlife park filled with magical creatures. Majestica by Sarah Tolcser. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (PRH), 2024, 307 ...
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New Chapter Book Series: Bibsy Cross and Detective Sweet Pea

Bibsy Cross, an irrepressible third-grader, and Sweet Pea, a hound with a nose for mystery, are the loveable protagonists of two new series for early ...
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The Treasure by Marty Machowski

Two children living on a Greek island discover a sealed clay pot containing two scrolls and a book. A treasure hunt, a ship, special coins, ...
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Wander Lost by Laura Martin

Wander Lost features hidden worlds within a variety of board games, and twin brothers launched on a desperate rescue mission. Wander Lost by Laura Martin. ...
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The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly

A neurodivergent tween finds friends and makes an amazing discovery at summer camp. The Secret Language of Birds, Lynne Kelly, Delacorte Press, 2024. 240 Pages ...
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And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps

And Then, Boom! features a winsome protagonist who suddenly finds himself abandoned. And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps. Nancy Paulsen (PRH), 2024, 244 pages Readling ...
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*Mercy Watson is Missing! by Kate DiCamillo

What could possibly entice Mercy Watson to wander away from home? And who will help Mr. and Mrs. Watson recover their beloved porcine pet? Mercy ...
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With Just One Wing by Brenda Woods

An adopted boy comes to identify with an orphaned mockingbird With Just One Wing. With Just One Wing by Brenda Woods. Nancy Paulsen Books (PRH), ...
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Born Naughty by Jin Wang

Born Naughty introduces us to Jin Wang, a lively little girl growing up in Inner Mongolia. Born Naughty: My Childhood in China by Jin Wang ...
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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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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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*Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke Davis

Risen Hope is an engagingly written church history resource from Christian Focus for middle grades and teens. *Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke ...
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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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Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell

Light and Air follows its 11-year-old protagonist through a rocky path of tuberculosis and family upheaval. Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell. Holiday House, ...
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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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*Wang Mingdao by Simonetta Carr

The latest volume of the Christian Biographies series introduces Wang Mingdao, a father of the Chinese evangelical church, to young readers. *Wang Mingdao by Simonetta ...
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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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*Rwendigo Tales by J. A. Myhre

Dr. Myhre wrote the engaging Rwendigo Tales, a middle grades series with spiritual overtones, based upon her experience as a doctor serving in Africa. Note: ...
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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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Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry

Newbery author Lois Lowry poignantly depicts a cross-generational friendship in Tree. Table. Book. Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry. Clarion (HarperCollins), 2024, 194 pages. Reading ...
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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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*Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

We've updated our review of this gem: a lovely story about gratitude and Chinese mythology for middle grades. Note: this is one of our featured ...
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This Day in History for Kids by Dan Bova

This Day in History for Kids is a year-long tour through historical events political and cultural, trivial and profound. This Day in History for Kids: ...
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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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Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh

Operation: Happy is the story of a girl and her dog experiencing the attack on Pearl Harbor and challenges that followed. Operation: Happy: A World ...
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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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On All Other Nights, edited by Chris Baron, Joshua Levy, and Naomi Milliner

On All Other Nights uses the perspective of 14 authors to detail every step of the Seder Meal observed by Jewish families during Passover (recipes ...
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Olivetti by Allie Millington

Olivetti features an uncommon protagonist—a manual typewriter—with the keys to unravel a mystery. Olivetti by Allie Millington. Feiwel and Friends, 2024, 246 pages. Reading Level: ...
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Poetry Comics by Grant Snider

Poetry Comics offers budding poets a lot of ideas to think about in an appealing visual format. Poetry Comics by Grant Snyder. Chronicle, 2024, 96 ...
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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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Maple’s Theory of Fun by Kate McMillan and Ruthie Prillaman

Maple, an analytical (and anal) 6th-grader, applies the scientific method to becoming a fun person. Maple’s Theory of Fun by Kate McMillan and Ruthie Prillaman. ...
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*Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

Ferris, the latest novel by two-time Newbery author Kate DiCamillo, embraces a world full of sorrow but ruled by love. *Ferris by Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick, ...
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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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Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina

The Juana and Lucas chapter-book series offers entertaining glimpses into the daily life of an exuberant Colombian 8-year-old. Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina. Candlewick, ...
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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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The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson

The Observologist is a fun and fascinating introduction to wonders of creation available for viewing in your own back yard. The Observologist: A Handbook for ...
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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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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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The Sacred Sacrifice by Hannah Paris

In The Sacred Sacrifice, Paris is proposing we use Bach's St. Matthew Passion in Lent and Easter much like we enjoy Handel's Messiah during Advent ...
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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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Newbery Gold: The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

It wasn’t on our Bingo Card, maybe because it was published early last year and we (I) kind of forgot it. But The Eyes and ...
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Newbery Roundup 2: Mexikid, The Swifts, and Shira and Esther’s Double-Dream Debut

This is second of our roundup series of possible Newbery contenders for 2024. See the first roundup here. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin. ...
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Attacked! by Marc Favreau

Attacked! is an engaging, accessible account of the “day that shall live in infamy,” seen through the eyes of individuals on both sides. Attacked! Pearl ...
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Who’s Got Mail? by Linda Barrett Osborne

Who’s Got Mail? is a friendly introduction to the long history of an everyday convenience. Who’s Got Mail? The History of Mail in America by ...
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What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Allen Sibley

What It’s Like to Be a Bird is an endlessly browsable resource for budding birdwatchers by a well-known authority in the field. What It’s Like ...
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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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Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith

Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously! Mooses With Bazookas ...
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Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte

Back to the Bright Before is a touching tale that mixes medieval imagery with a contemporary story of guilt and redemption. Back to the Bright ...
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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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Stocking Stuffers for Book Lovers

Of course books make the best gifts for bibliophiles, but some of those oversize tomes don't fit comfortably in a stocking. Here's a list of ...
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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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*Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen

Saving H'Non beautifully employs a graphic-novel format to tell the true story of an animal rescue and faithful human stewardship. *Saving H’Non: Chang and the ...
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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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