Ages 4-8

New Chapter Book series: Starla Jean and Cornbread & Poppy

In these two enjoyable chapter-book series, Cornbread & Poppy are mismatched but loving friends and Starla Jean is a plucky protagonist. Cornbread & Poppy by ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire

Cress Watercress, a young rabbit suddenly fatherless, finds strength and purpose in this beautifully written tale. Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield. ...
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*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 ...
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Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey

The Cat Kid Comic club, a spinoff of the popular Dog Man series, invites young readers to experiment with their own comic stories and styles. ...
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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: ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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Getting to Know Shirley Hughes (1927 —2022)

Quintessentially English, Shirley Hughes delighted generations with her charming stories and beautiful illustrations. Arthur Rackam Growing up near Liverpool, England in the 1930s -40s, Hughes ...
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*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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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2022 Schneider Family Picture-Book Roundup: My City Speaks, A Walk in the Words, and A Sky-Blue Bench

The Schneider Family Book Awards are given annually by the American Library Association, for "books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience." Here's ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Nonfiction about Nature

Reptiles Everywhere, Bruno the Beekeeper, A World of Plants, and Fungarium offer plenty of fascinating information about the natural world. Reptiles Everywhere by Camilla de ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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‘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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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Flashlight Reads: Can’t-Put-‘Em-Down Books for All Ages

Flashlight Reads: Can't-Put-'Em-Down Books for the Kids (and Grown-ups) in Your Life Christmas break is one of those perfect, read-by-flashlight-under-the-covers breaks, isn't it? Days are ...
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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 ...
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*Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle

Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle is a simple Advent devotional with deep theology, suitable for a variety of ages. Little Hearts Prepare ...
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The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James

There is much to anticipate in both Christmas and Easter, but the Story is much bigger than the significant events, as Scott James demonstrates in ...
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Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton

Wonders of His Love brings Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah down to a child-friendly level in this vibrant Advent family devotional. *Wonders of His Love: ...
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The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew

The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
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Smaug's Kind: A List of Dragon Books

Smaug’s Kind: A List of Dragon Books

In honor of Bilbo Baggins and his birthday this week (September 22), we have a book list celebrating his defeat of Smaug, the great dragon: ...
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*Little Pilgrim’s Progress

The greatest allegory of the Christian life, retold for younger children, is significantly improved with masterful illustrations. Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor, Illustrated by ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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: ...
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Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo

Franklin Endicott learns to appreciate mystery and story instead of worrying in this delightful chapter book from Kate DiCamillo. Franklin Endicott and the Third Key: ...
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The Redeemed Reader Bible Pilgrimage: How and Why

My Story and His I was raised in a denomination that took the Bible very seriously: “We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent ...
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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 ...
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Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling

Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...
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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: ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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), ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess by Jeanne Birdsall

Tousle-haired siblings Teaflet & Roog narrowly avert a domestic disaster in this chapter book by Penderwicks author Jeanne Birdsall. Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess ...
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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 ...
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2022 caldecott watercress

Picture Books about Refugees: Watercress, Yang Warriors, and The Suitcase

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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cover of we wait for the sun

We Wait for the Sun by Katie McCabe

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

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

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

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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2021 Summer Reading: Faith & Fortitude Is Here!

2021 Summer Reading Theme We're very excited about the 2021 summer reading theme: Faith & Fortitude: the EPIC Story of God's People. Why? We're big ...
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The Best Pet of All and Bertha Takes a Drive

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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Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davis

The Sidney & Taylor series introduces a pair of wild-animal friends whose personalities lead them into humorous misadventures Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide ...
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Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate

Doggo and Pupper, a new chapter-book series, features an old dog learning new tricks and a new dog learning responsibility. Doggo and Pupper by Katherine ...
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Character picture books: Twenty-One Steps, Bartali’s Bicycle, and Nelson Mandela’s Plan

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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*Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins

In a simple, direct way, Kiyoshi’s Walk answers the question, “Where  do poems come from?” *Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins, illustrated by Nicole Wong. Lee ...
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cover of Tell God How You Feel

*Tell God How You Feel by Christina Fox

Tell God How You Feel equips parents and teachers to help kids with hard emotions from a biblical framework. *Tell God How You Feel: Helping ...
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Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf

Her scientific ambitions were dashed, but Beatrix Potter turned the natural world into beloved art. Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Junyi ...
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*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix

In Go and Do Likewise, as in Miracle Man, John Hendrix offers a fresh take on the life and teachings of Christ. *Go and Do ...
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Recent Picture Books About Families

One Little Bag, A Piece of Home, and Me & Mama are lovely books about families, relationships, and ordinary traditions. One Little Bag: An Amazing ...
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*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos

The Promise takes readers from the beginning of God’s story through the fulfillment of his redemptive purpose, with striking illustrations and compelling prose. *The Promise: ...
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Bible Infographics for Kids

Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...
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Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls

The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Too Small Tola by Atinuke

Too Small Tola, by the creator of Anna Hibiscus, introduces a winsome little girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated ...
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New Picture Books: Milo Imagines the World, Outside Inside, and Off to See the Sea

Milo Imagines the World, Outside Inside, and Off to See the Sea plunge readers into a child's eye view of public places, pandemics, and bathtime. ...
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Nicky & Vera by Peter Sís

Nicky & Vera, by Caldecott illustrator Peter Sís, celebrates the quiet heroism of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Czech children from the Holocaust. Nicky & ...
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ALA Award-Winning Picture Books

ꜟVamos! Let’s Go Eat!, Welcoming Elijah, and Miriam at the River all won 2021 ALA awards for outstanding illustration in their categories. ꜟVamos! Let’s Go ...
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Multicultural Chapter Books: Yasmin, Kayla, and Mindy Kim

Yasmin, King and Kayla, and Mindy Kim are great multicultural early chapter books for young readers. Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Hatem ...
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Home Is in Between by Mitali Perkins

Home Is in Between, a new picture book from Mitali Perkins, shows a new immigrant navigating two worlds with creativity and enthusiasm. Home Is in ...
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New Early Readers: Squirrels, Monsters, and Hedgehogs

Donut Feed the Squirrels, Monster and Boy, and Our Friend Hedgehog offer interesting new reading for new/early readers. Please note that the first two are ...
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WORLD Children’s Books of the Year: A Report

The ALA isn’t the only organization that rewards excellence in children’s books! Since 2014, WORLD News Group has recognized outstanding literature for kids in its ...
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The Geisels: A Beginning-Reader Roundup

This year's Theodor S. Geisel Honor Books: The Bear in My Family, Ty's Travels, What about Worms!?, and Where's Baby? The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award ...
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cover image of See the Cat

*See the Cat: Three stories about a dog

A dog on a rug is quite understandably aggravated by the narrative narrator through three very short stories for beginning readers. Brilliant, clever, and hilarious. ...
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What to Read After Mulan

Perhaps you have watched the stunning new Mulan movie (available for free streaming now on Disney+). The gorgeous cinematography would have been lovely on the ...
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Caldecott-Buzzy Picture Books

The Barnabus Project, Our Little Kitchen, and I Am Every Good Thing are all contenders for this year's Caldecott award for illustration. The Barnabus Project ...
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The Next President by Kate Messner

The Next President takes a unique approach to the list of presidents by looking at their backgrounds--and speculating on the future. The Next President: The ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #3: Skunk and Badger

We’re continuing our annual “Newbery Buzz” series today with round #3 for 2021. (We have already discussed Chirp and King and the Dragonflies earlier this ...
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A Year of Everyday Wonders by Cheryl Klein

A Year of Everyday Wonders paces a traditional family through small milestones and seasonal turnings. A Year of Everyday Wonders by Cheryl B. Klein, illustrated ...
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Three New Christmas Picture Books: The Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Feast, and Native-American Night Before Christmas

Two versions of "The Night before Christmas" and one classic trickster tale make great additions to under-the-tree reading. Fun for ages 4-up. The Night Before ...
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*A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary Schmidt

The unspoken bond of family comes through in this gentle winter's tale by Gary Schmidt and his late wife Elizabeth Stickney. *A Long Road on ...
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Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier

With Willa the Wisp, Jonathan Auxier introduces a magical chapter book series . The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier, illustrated by Olga ...
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3 Picture Book Biographies: Beatrix Potter, Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and … a Horse

Picture book biographies are one of my favorite categories of picture books. Today, I have three new ones for you: a childlike look at Beatrix ...
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Picture Books for Young Writers: My Pencil and Me and How to Write a Story

My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon. First Second, 2020, 34 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 5-7 Every writer knows ...
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