animals

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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*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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Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo

Orris and Timble are the title characters of a new chapter-book series by Kate DiCamillo about a rat, an owl, and their unlikely friendship. *Orris ...
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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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Retro Reads: The Rescuers by Margery Sharp

The Rescuers by Margery Sharp offers fun, old-fashioned storytelling that bears little resemblance to the Disney movie. The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Garth ...
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Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary Edition

Those who love dragons and long for more lore will find this field guide an excellent companion. Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary ...
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While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie

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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Gertie: The Darling Duck of WWII by Shari Swanson

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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*Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien

A glorious story of heroism in which a mother's deep love for her children shines brightly. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert ...
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Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure is a realistic but heartwarming animal tale of loyalty and friendship. Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure by Megan ...
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Are Cozy Animal Stories Cozying up to Gay Ideology?

One of our readers alerted us to Katherine Applegate’s latest book, as it seemed to her to feature a lesbian relationship. Odder, picturing a beyond-cute ...
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Wildoak by C. C. Harrington

Wildoak is a gentle story about a girl finding a voice and a cause in the natural world. Wildoak by C. C. Harrigan. Scholastic, 2022, ...
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watership down

*Watership Down by Richard Adams

Richard Adams' classic tale employs noble themes of vision, courage, and sacrifice among some of the most humble and ordinary of animals in their quest ...
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The Elk King by Jenn Discher

Can the Elk King guard and protect the animals of Glenariff in the face of treachery? This talking animal story will delight fans of The ...
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Alice’s Farm: a Rabbit’s Tale by Maryrose Wood

Alice and her brother Thistle try to save a human's farm in this sweet animal story by the author of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton ...
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Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies

Rannoch is marked from birth, a deer who faces his destiny in this Watership Down read alike for teens. Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies. Firebird, ...
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Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker

The two central characters of Pax, a “best of” book from 2016, work their way back to each other with a more positive resolution. Pax, ...
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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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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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Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt

Little Bird, a young crow, embarks on a quest that will expand her world and reward her curious mind. Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt, Illustrated ...
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Cubs in the Tub by Candace Fleming

Cubs in the Tub is a warm-hearted true story that will be irresistible to baby animal lovers. Cubs in the Tub: the True Story of ...
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Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri

Ghetto Cowboy tells a heartwarming story of family, hard work, and horses in the midst of urban Philly. Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated ...
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Three Picture Books illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans

Three new picture books from small publishers, perfect for young readers (and listeners). All are illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans, but the authors differ. Penguin ...
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Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker

Scary Stories for Young Foxes, a 2020 Newbery Honor Book, may be more disturbing than encouraging. Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker. Henry ...
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Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin

Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys features well-known migration patterns as well as surprising facts, in a readable picture-book format. Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin, ...
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Fenway and Hattie by Victoria Coe

The Fenway and Hattie series pits an excitable Jack Russell terrier against delivery men and treacherous flooring. Fenway and Hattie by Victoria J. Coe. Putnam, ...
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A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

A Wolf Called Wander sensitively traces the journey of a young wolf in his quest for a new home and pack. A Wolf Called Wander ...
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Stay by Bobbie Pyron

Stay, a heart-tugging dog story. also introduces young readers (in a limited way) to the plight of the homeless. Stay by Bobbie Pyron, Katherine Tegan/Harper ...
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*Sparky & Spike by Barbara Lowell

Sparky & Spike is about a boy and his dog and the genesis of the world's best-loved comic strip. *Sparky & Spike: Charles Schulz and ...
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*The Church Mice Series by Graham Oakley

The Church Mice series recaptures a very British way of life through a band of adventurous mice and their loyal protector cat. The Church Mice ...
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Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord

Home-schooled Emma learns a lot about classrooms and friendship "Because of the Rabbit." Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord.  Scholastic, 2019, 183 pages. Reading ...
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*Into the Jungle by Katherine Rundell

In these four tales inspired by Kipling's Jungle Book, Mowgli the man-cub learns the backstories of his fellow creatures. *Into the Jungle: Stories for Mowgli ...
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Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

Nine-year-old Louie volunteers to save Winslow, a newborn mini-donkey, in this gentle story about loss and change. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech.  HarperCollins, 2018, 165 ...
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Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight

A squirrel with a mind of his own navigates the seasons of his first year in this gentle animal story. Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight.  ...
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Science Picture-Book Roundup

Four new science picture books entertain while informing young readers about microbes, sparrows, hawks, and deep-sea exploration.  Ages 6-10 The Bacteria Book: the BIG World ...
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50 Wacky Things Animals Do by Tricia Wagner

“Wacky facts” about 50 animals introduce young readers to the amazing variety of creation. Ages 6-10 50 Wacky Things Animals Do: Weird and Amazing Animal ...
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The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery

The Hyena Scientist takes readers on safari to observe a misunderstood species.  Ages 8-14 The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery, photography by Nic Bishop.  Houghton ...
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*New Shoes by Sara Varon

A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
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Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick

Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters.  Ages 8-12 ...
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Strongheart by Candace Fleming

Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale.  Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...
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Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs

Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
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The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell

In this winning historical fantasy, a bright lad (fluent in the cat language) chafes at his boring life until an unexpected adventure on the high ...
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Sad Dog Stories: They’re a Thing—and a Necessity

Does the Dog Die? (The Saddest of Sad Dog Stories!) "Miss Wanda," I stage-whispered to the children's librarian across from me, "I need to know. Does the ...
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Storm Horse by Nick Garlick

Storm Horse pits a boy and a horse against a greedy land developer in the modern-day Netherlands. Storm Horse by Nick Garlick.  Scholastic, 2017, 242 ...
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Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli

This gentle retelling of the "Ugly Duckling" tale combines the satisfactory ending with a love of natural beauty. Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli, with illustrations ...
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Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman

Children will be fascinated by the heartwarming story of “Doc” Key and his amazing horse Jim, who used their talents for good. Step Right Up: ...
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*Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins

Tiger Boy, set in the Sundarban Islands, is a satisfying tale of courage and responsibility for younger middle-graders. a review from our archives! (originally published June ...
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What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein

Lowland Tibet is the exotic setting for this coming-of-age story featuring an 11-year-old boy and the elephants he loves. What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein.  ...
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Charley Harper’s Book of Colors by Zoe Burke and Charley Harper

Charley Harper’s Book of Colors by Zoe Burke, illustrated by Charley Harper. Pomegranate Kids, 2015. 24 pages. Reading Level: Board books Recommended for: Ages 0-4 ...
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Ranger in Time series by Kate Messner

Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail and Danger in Ancient Rome by Kate Messner. Scholastic, 2015. About 125 pages, plus author note. Reading ...
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*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2009. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Stunning illustrations, a vast ...
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*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney

*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Vibrant, colorful ...
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tortoise and hare by jerry pinkney

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2013. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Slow and ...
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Woof by Spencer Quinn

Woof (a Bowser and Birdie Novel) by Spencer Quinn. Scholastic, 2015. 293 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 9-13 Bottom Line: ...
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Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book 5) by Brian Jacques

This review is brought to us by Malachi Stade, who just finished a semester internship with Redeemed Reader.  Thank you, Malachi!   Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book ...
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cover of If You Plant a Seed

*If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson

*If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson. Blazer + Bray, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Recommended For: Ages 0-8 If you plant a ...
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cover of mr. squirrel and the moon

*Mr. Squirrel and the Moon by Sebastian Meschenmoser

Mr. Squirrel and the Moon is a delight for the ears and the eyes. This picture book is highly recommended! *Mr. Squirrel and the Moon ...
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Ellie’s Story by W. Bruce Cameron

Ellie’s Story: a Dog’s Purpose Novel by W. Bruce Cameron. Tom Doherty Associates, 2014. 205 pages, including notes and classroom discussion guide Reading Level: Middle ...
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*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak

*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Philip Hopman. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 89 pages Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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The Cottage in the Woods by Katherine Coville

The Cottage in the Woods by Katherine Coville. Knopf,2015. 389 pages Reading Level: Young adult,ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up (especially girls) Bottom ...
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Owl Boy by Brian Schatell

Owl Boy by Brian Schatell. Holiday House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Al is an owl fanatic. ...
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cover of *Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door

*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay

*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Co., 2014. 91 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 ...
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cover of The Spider

The Spider (Disgusting Creatures) by Elise Gravel

The Spider (Disgusting Creatures) by Elise Gravel. Tundra Books, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Children are fascinated by ...
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A Castle Full of Cats by Ruth Sanderson

A Castle Full of Cats by Ruth Sanderson. Random House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8   Once upon a time a king ...
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cover of Finding Spring

Finding Spring by Carin Berger

Finding Spring by Carin Berger. Greenwillow, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Maurice the bear just wants to find ...
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cover of Click, Clack, Peep

Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 0-4) Recommended for: Ages ...
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Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. Beach Lane Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Some Bugs is a fun, ...
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cover of The Secret Life of Squirrels

The Secret Life of Squirrels by Nancy Rose

The Secret Life of Squirrels by Nancy Rose. Little, Brown, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Squirrels are ubiquitous; ...
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cover of The Queen's Shadow

The Queen’s Shadow by Cybele Young

The Queen’s Shadow: A Story About How Animals See by Cybele Young. Kids Can Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10 Recommended ...
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*Mockingbird by Allan Ahlberg

Mockingbird by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Paul Howard. Candlewick Press, 1998. 24 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Recommended for: ages 0-4 Bottom Line:  Young children will love ...
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cover of Hector Fox and the Giant Quest

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest by Astrid Sheckels

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest (Hector and Friends) by Astrid Sheckels. FastPencil Premiere, 2014. 32 pages .  Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended For: ages 0-8 ...
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*Noah’s Ark by Peter Spier

Noah's Ark, Peter Spier’s classic wordless picture book, takes a Bible story that's often given too cute a portrayal and adds imagination, depth, and reverence. ...
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Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin. Feiwel & Friends, 2014. 223 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 8-10 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up ...
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Wazdot? by Michael Slack

Wazdot? by Michael Slack. Disney-Hyperion, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 0-4Recommended For: Ages 0-4 Wazdot? is a simple, visually humorous farm-themed book with ...
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The Orphan and the Mouse by Martha Freeman

The Orphan and the Mouse by Martha Freeman, drawings by David McPhail. Holiday House, 2014, 220 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: ...
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*A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Library Book for Bear by ...
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*On the Wing by David Elliot

*On the Wing by David Elliot, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. Candlewick, 2014. 30 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Maturity level: 2 (ages 4-8) ...
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cover of Flora and the Penguin

*Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Flora and the Penguin by Molly ...
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Threatened by Eliot Schrefer

Threatened by Eliot Schrefer. Scholastic, 2014. 278 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: Threatened, one of this year’s ...
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cover of The Chicken Squad

The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by ...
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cover of The Miniature World of Marvin and James

The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy

The Miniature World of Marvin and James (Masterpiece Adventures, Book 1) by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Henry Holt and Co., 2014. 112 ...
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*A Light for my Path: An ABC Book Based on Psalm 119 by Davis Carman, illustrated by Alice Ratterree

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Light for My ...
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cover of Waiting is Not Easy

*Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

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. ...
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cover of Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ...
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cover of Lulu and the Cat in the Bag

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2013. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter ...
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cover of Lulu and the Dog from the Sea

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. (originally published in ...
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cover of Lulu and the Duck in the Park

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Lulu and the Duck in the ...
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Come On, Seabiscuit! by Ralph Moody. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss.

Come On, Seabiscuit! by Ralph Moody. Bison Books, 2003. 172 pages. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss. Greathall Productions. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12, Young Adult, ages 12-18, ...
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Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann

Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann. NorthSouth, 2014. 96 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Chapter Books, ages 4-10Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8), ...
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Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins

Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8Recommended for: Ages ...
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Zoobots by Helaine Becker

Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Alex Ries. Kids Can Press, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ...
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The Carnival of the Animals by Jack Prelutsky

The Carnival of the Animals, by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Mary GrandPre. Knopf, 2010, 32 pages (CD included). Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Maturity ...
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Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer ...
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Vigilante Poets

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 323 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 15 - 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 ...
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I Can Read / Made By God

    I Can Read! Made by God series, edited by Mary Hassinger. Zonderkidz, 2010-2011, 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers, Ages 4-8 Maturity Level: ...
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Flight School

Flight School by Lita Judge. Atheneum, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: picture books, Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8 An ambitious penguin ...
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*The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya by Jane Kelley

*The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya, by Jane Kelley. Feiwel & Friends, 2013, 201 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 ...
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Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway. Candlewick, 2014. Reading Level: Early Chapter Book, Ages 4-8Recommended for: All ages Charmingly illustrated with ...
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*National Wildlife Federation World of Birds by Kim Kirki

*National Wildlife Federation World of Birds: a Beginners Guide, by Kim Kirki. Black Dog & Levanthal, 2014, 80 pages including glossary and index. Reading Level: ...
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Newbery Buzz: The Truth of Me, plus one more

This is our last "buzz" post, but tomorrow Betsy and I are going to go out on a limb and make some predictions about the ...
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