*Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman

By Betsy Farquhar | December 8, 2014

A sweet story of sibling love, sin and forgiveness, and an adventure in between.

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Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada

By Megan Saben | December 3, 2014

Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada, illustrated by Sergio Martinez. Crossway, 2004. 96 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-10Maturity Level: 2 -4 (Ages 4-12)Christians are blessed to have such a wealth of worship and great truths of Scripture set to beautiful poetry and music in our hymnbooks, but…

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Miss Betsy’s Book Nook: Picking Books for Gifts

By Betsy Farquhar | December 1, 2014

Embracing My Identity I used to try to be one of those crafty types who gives a lovingly handmade item at a baby shower, for a young relative’s Christmas gift, or even to a young couple getting married. And then I saw the light: I know books, I love books, and now I give books. People expect…

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Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo

By Betsy Farquhar | December 1, 2014

Jaunty, boisterous Leroy Ninker and his horse, Maybelline, star in this first volume of the Tales of Deckawoo Drive.

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The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

By Betsy Farquhar | December 1, 2014

The Chicken Squad is silly, yes, but a very fun early chapter book to look for at your local library.

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If You’re Reading This by Trent Reedy

By Janie Cheaney | November 28, 2014

If You’re Reading This, by Trent Reedy. Scholastic, 2014. 296 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: If You’re Reading This is a moving YA novel about a father establishing a relationship with his son after the father’s death in Afghanistan. For Michael Wilson, life is an endless…

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cover of Waiting is Not Easy

*Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

By Betsy Farquhar | November 24, 2014

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. Hyperion, 2014. 64 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers (ages 4-8) Recommended for: Ages 0-8 **Spoiler alert** Elephant & Piggie fans will just have to take our word for it and…

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cover of Fix This Mess

Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold

By Betsy Farquhar | November 24, 2014

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold. I LIKE TO READ series. Holiday House, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Belly laughs from kindergartners make reading sessions so much more enjoyable,…

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5 Ideas for Discussing Mockingjay with Teens: A Mars Hill Approach

By emily | November 20, 2014

Don’t forget to check out our Winter Book Fair with 50+ gift book recommendations for kids and teens! INTRODUCTION I recently sat down with Christian and homeschool mom Dana Cowherd and her son, Chris, for a discussion about The Hunger Games trilogy.  I felt Dana had quite a bit of wisdom to share on the…

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The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper

By Janie Cheaney | November 20, 2014

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper.  Crossway, 2014,96 pages Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) and up One-line summary: This short devotional guide for teens and adults shares John Piper’s unique perspective on the coming of Christ in preparation for the Christmas season. The…

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