book reviews
A Day at the Beach by Gary Schmidt and Ron Koertge
By Janie Cheaney |
A Day at the Beach delivers on its title: snapshots of a variety of 11-13 year-olds during a single day on the Jersey shore. A ...
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Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse
By Megan Saben |
It's a cold, stormy day for a walk on the beach, but that doesn't stop Granny and Bean. Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse and ...
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Dalmartian: A Mars Rover’s Story by Lucy Cummins
By Megan Saben |
A picture book about a dog, intergalactic travel, and friendship that has plenty of boy appeal. Dalrmartian: A Mars Rover's Story by Lucy Cummins. Atheneum, ...
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Echo Nova by Clint Hall
By Betsy Farquhar |
Echo Nova mixes time travel, illegal rooftop racing, and a greedy corporation into a fun science-fiction thriller for teens. Echo Nova by Clint Hall. Enclave ...
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A Child’s First Illustrated Book of Bible Words by Samantha Cabrera
By Megan Saben |
A Child's First Illustrated Book of Bible Words is a sweet concept board book suitable for home or church nursery libraries. A Child's First Illustrated ...
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*Pippa and the Singing Tree by Kristyn Getty and illustrated by P. J. Lynch
By Betsy Farquhar |
Pippa and the Singing Tree lyrically celebrates the joy of Creation's song and invites us to join in. *Pippa and the Singing Tree: Joining the ...
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*52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia J. Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
52 Weeks in the Word thoughtfully guides students through reading the New Testament in a year. *52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia ...
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Heidi: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden
By Janie Cheaney |
Heidi: A Graphic Novel introduces young readers to the classic story with gentle artwork and minimal text. Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Joanna Spiri, adapted ...
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*Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger
By Betsy Farquhar |
Otto and the Story Tree is a winsome reminder of the importance and power of stories, both for the hearer and the teller. *Otto and ...
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*Surviving Vesuvius by Beth Waters
By Janie Cheaney |
Surviving Vesuvius is an intimate look at an ancient disaster. *Surviving Vesuvius: A Lucky Escape from the Tragic Fate of Ancient Pompeii by Beth Waters, ...
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*Eric’s Greatest Race by Tim Challies
By Betsy Farquhar |
Eric's Greatest Race is a lively graphic novel-style biography of a man who followed Christ to the Olympics and to China. *Eric's Greatest Race by ...
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*Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson
By Hayley Morell |
A charming whimsical picture book with a very important message: Don't Trust Fish! *Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat. Dial ...
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*Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan
By Megan Saben |
Toad is busy helping other drivers, but sometimes the helper needs help. Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan. Tundra, 2024. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a thoughtful, touching, and gently humorous speculation about the afterlife. The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey ...
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Once for Yes by Allie Millington
By Janie Cheaney |
In Once for Yes, an apartment building forms relationships with its residents and faces threats of its own demolition. Once for Yes by Allie Millington. ...
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Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lola is a sensitive exploration of loss with striking visual imagery and an unusual plot. Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti. Knopf Books for Young Readers, ...
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First Steps in Verse: *You’re a Poet and Dino Poet
By Janie Cheaney |
You’re a Poet is a friendly and practical guide not just to writing poetry, but thinking poetically. *You’re A Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems ...
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The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon blends folklore, contemporary fantasy, and painting into a lovely work of art. The Gate, the Girl, and the ...
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God with Us: Bible Stories on the Road to Emmaus by Matt Mikalatos
By Janie Cheaney |
The graphic novel God with Us takes a unique approach to Bible stories, using Luke 24:27 as a framework. God with Us: Bible Stories on ...
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*Embergold by Rachelle Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Embergold is a thought-provoking fantasy for teens that includes true love, sacrifice, and dragons. *Embergold by Rachelle Nelson. Enclave Escape, 2025. 325 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*The Storyteller’s Bible by Kathryn Butler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Storyteller’s Bible weaves the gospel into 35 theologically-rich stories from scripture. *The Storyteller’s Bible: Celebrating the Greatest Storyteller of All by Kathryn Butler. B&H ...
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The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark
By Janie Cheaney |
The Book of Belonging gets a lot of the Bible right but makes some significant omissions. The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and ...
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What a Character! Notable Lives from History by Marilyn Boyer
By Megan Saben |
History lovers will enjoy the short biographies of notable historical figures in the What a Character! series from Master Books. What a Character! Notable Lives ...
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Miss Prim Goes Wild by Katy Rose
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Prim Goes Wild is a delightful picture book that celebrates the awakening both of spring and of a person's heart. Miss Prim Goes Wild ...
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Off-Limits by Helen Yoon
By Megan Saben |
A little girl can't resist the urge to play in her daddy's office while he's out, but is surprised to find that her room has ...
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Gladiola Garden by Effie Lee Newsome
By Betsy Farquhar |
Reprinted from the original, Gladiola Garden is a sweet poetry anthology featuring black children in its illustrations (and written by a black woman). Gladiola Garden ...
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The Last Keeper (Dream Keeper series #5) by Kathryn Butler
By Janie Cheaney |
The 5-volume Dream Keeper series comes to a rousing finish with The Last Keeper. The Last Keeper (Dream Keeper Saga, book 5) by Kathryn Butler. ...
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My First 123 Book of Bible Numbers by Jonathan Gibson
By Betsy Farquhar |
My First 123 Book of Bible Numbers colorfully mixes learning to count with learning important Bible stories. My First 123 Book of Bible Numbers by ...
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The Wheelies Series by Sarah Reju
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Wheelies series features Coop, the youngest member of his automotive family, learning how to clean up, help out, and serve others. Coop Helps Out ...
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Angels on Your Side by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
Angels on Your Side is a fun book, but it's also a book with a great reminder of God's care for his people. Angels on ...
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100 Great Poems for Boys, edited by Leslie Pockell
By Betsy Farquhar |
100 Great Poems for Boys offers a solid collection of worthy poems, from the heroic to the humorous, for boys of all ages. 100 Great ...
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*How Elegant the Elephant by Mary Ann Hoberman
By Janie Cheaney |
How Elegant the Elephant teams a beloved poet with a Caldecott-honor author to create a winning collection of animal poems. *How Elegant the Elephant: Poems ...
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Birdlore by Jess Keating
By Betsy Farquhar |
Birdlore is a vibrant picture book biography of Florence Merriam Bailey, bird-watcher extraordinaire. Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey by Jess Keating, illustrated ...
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How to Survive on the Moon by Joalda Morancy
By Janie Cheaney |
Getting to the moon was only the beginning. But How to Survive on the Moon? How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a ...
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*Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes is a beautiful anthology of poetry inspired by Scripture. *Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes. Paraclete Press, 2025, 160 ...
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*Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems is a striking and deeply spiritual collection of poetry worth savoring. *Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki ...
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*Painting Wonder by Katie Wray Schon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Painting Wonder, an outstanding example of a picture book biography, is a sure winner for all Narnia and Tolkien fans. *Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes ...
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That Book Woman by Heather Henson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Part story of Appalachia, part story of the original Pack Horse Librarians, all story about finding a love of reading, That Book Woman is a ...
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The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Enemy’s Daughter traces a friendship born in adversity during World War I. The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman. Viking, 2025, 272 pages Reading Level: ...
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Birds of a Feather: Bird Books for Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
Do you have a young bird lover in your house? A bird nerd who, at age 10, can tell you all the migratory species that ...
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A Wonderful Surprise by Sally Michael
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Wonderful Surprise looks at Easter through the lens of one short scripture passage which children are encouraged to memorize. A Wonderful Surprise by Sally ...
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Trouble Dog by Carol A. Foote
By Betsy Farquhar |
Tucker is nothing but trouble, but a kind new owner helps this trouble dog learn to be a hero in this lively nonfiction picture book. ...
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The Big Book of Balloon Art by Gerry Giovinco
By Megan Saben |
The Big Book of Balloon Art is a great introduction to an inexpensive hobby that is sure to bring delight. The Big Book of Balloon ...
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My Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon Tak
By Janie Cheaney |
Animals give school-style presentations about other animals. Guess whose Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda? My Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon ...
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All Better Now by Neal Schusterman
By Janie Cheaney |
All Better Now, a thought-provoking read for mature teens, grapples with the consequences of a different kind of pandemic. All Better Now by Neal Shusterman. ...
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Mixed Feelings by Liana Finck
By Janie Cheaney |
Mixed Feelings introduces very young children to their own complicated emotions. Mixed Feelings by Liana Finck. Rise (PRH), 2025, 38 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ...
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*Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett
By Megan Saben |
A birthday book from Alex's grandma is transformed into a very different kind of story: Battle Bunny is the hilarious result. *Battle Bunny by Jon ...
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Black Culture Roundup: *When I Hear Spirituals, How Sweet the Sound, *Everywhere Beauty is Harlem
By Janie Cheaney |
Three picture books about African American culture can open windows of understanding a wider world. *When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by ...
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Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom
By Betsy Farquhar |
Counting Winter is a clever picture book that manages to mix counting, nature study, and poetry into one irresistible wintry package. Counting Winter by Nancy ...
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The Most Beautiful Winter by Cristina Sitja Rubio
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Most Beautiful Winter celebrates new friends, creativity, and seasonal delights. The Most Beautiful Winter by Cristina Sitja Rubio, translated by Vineet Lal. Eerdmans, 2024 ...
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Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshout
By Janie Cheaney |
Song of a Blackbird connects two generations of an Amsterdam family through the story of the Dutch Resistance during World War II. Song of a ...
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*Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence
By Betsy Farquhar |
Beyond Mulberry Glen is a deeply satisfying, enjoyable fantasy that would make a great family read aloud. *Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence. Waxwing Books, ...
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*The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker
By Megan Saben |
A lovely wordless picture book about animals and a giant robot, The Last Zookeeper is reminiscent of the biblical narrative of Noah. *The Last Zookeeper by ...
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*A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon
By Megan Saben |
A Pinecone! shows the delight in collecting nature through a child's eyes, with sympathy for the parent who has to deal with the consequences. *A ...
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The Legend of Greyhallow by Summer Rachel Short
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Legend of Greyhallow is a fun, inventive fantasy, perfect for an entertaining, recreational read. The Legend of Greyhallow by Summer Rachel Short. Simon & ...
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Thread by Thread by Alice Brière-Haquet
By Megan Saben |
Thread by Thread is a gentle picture book story with a knitting theme capturing the refugee experience. Thread by Thread by Alice Brière-Haquet, illustrated by Michela ...
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2025 Schneider Family Awards: A Little Like Magic and Popcorn
By Janie Cheaney |
In A Little Like Magic, a wheelchair-bound girl finds enchantment during the winter ice festival. A Little Like Magic by Sarah Kurpiel. Rocky Pond Books, ...
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2025 Sibert Honor Books: Call Me Roberto, The Girl Who Sang, The Enigma Girls, and Wings of an Eagle
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Sibert honor books for excellence in nonfiction include two minority sports heroes, a very young Holocaust survivor, and a World War II espionage ...
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2025 Sibert Medal Winner: Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin
By Janie Cheaney |
Life after Whale, the 2025 Sibert Medal for excellence in nonfiction, pictures the phenomenon of “Whale Fall”: how the earth’s largest living creature supports thriving ...
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Dear Duck, Please Come! by Sarah Mackenzie
By Megan Saben |
Duck's friend, Rabbit, has lost a tooth and the quest to find it brings together a party of loyal friends. Dear Duck, Please Come! by ...
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2025 Caldecott Honor Books: *Home in a Lunchbox, My Daddy Is a Cowboy, *Noodles on a Bicycle, and Up Up Ever Up
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Caldecott honor books feature warm family ties, amazing skills and ambitions fulfilled. Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo. Penguin Workshop, 2024, 32 ...
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2025 Caldecott Medal: Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers
By Janie Cheaney |
Chooch Helped is a loving depiction of a Cherokee girl's little-brother issues. Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. Levine Querido, ...
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The Prince of Yorsha Doon by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Prince of Yorsha Doon is a fun adventurous romp in the form of a picture book for fans of The Wingfeather Saga. The Prince ...
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*Soul School by Amber O’Neal Johnston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Soul School is a well-researched, thoughtful, and joyful exploration of Black literature for children and teens. Highly recommended. *Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled ...
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*Working Boats: An Inside Look at Ten Watercraft by Tom Crestodina
By Hayley Morell |
With engaging text, cutaway art, and beautifully detailed illustrations, Tom Crestodina introduces young readers to the world of working boats in Working Boats: An Inside ...
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Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan
By Janie Cheaney |
In Mendel the Mess-Up, an accident-prone Jewish boy turns his weaknesses into strengths against rampaging Cossacks. Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan. Holiday House, 2024, ...
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Thunder City by Philip Reeves
By Janie Cheaney |
Thunder City supplements Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines quartet with different characters but similar formula. Thunder City by Philip Reeve. Scholastic, 2024, 322 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear
By Megan Saben |
Oh, the joy of noodle delivery when acrobatics are involved! *Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. Random House, 2024. ...
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*Go Forth and Tell by Breanna J. McDaniel
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lively and inspirational, Go Forth and Tell shows a woman who took her calling as a storyteller seriously. Go Forth and Tell: The Life of ...
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Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by Coretta Scott King
By Betsy Farquhar |
Coretta herself tells the story of her life with Martin Luther King, Jr., in this beautifully illustrated picture book biography. Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. ...
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Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World by Roma Agrawal
By Janie Cheaney |
These “Seven Small Inventions” are often overlooked, but where would we be without them? Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World by Roma Agrawal, illustrated ...
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Close Up & Far Out by Mary Auld
By Janie Cheaney |
Close Up & Far Out demonstrates how two 17th-century scientists opened windows on the very large and the very small. Close Up & Far Out: ...
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My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dynamic and vibrant, My Block Looks Like is a fun ode to life in the big city. My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper and ...
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José Feeds the World by David Unger
By Betsy Farquhar |
José Feeds the World is a cheerfully-illustrated picture book biography about a servant-heart who feeds those in need. José Feeds the World: How a Famous ...
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Swimming with Spies by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger
By Janie Cheaney |
Swimming with Spies is an animal rescue story that provides valuable background to the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Swimming with Spies by Chystyna Lucyk-Berger. Scholastic, 2024, 267 ...
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Newbery Roundup #1: Hank Hooperman, Louder Than Hunger, and The Enigma Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
It's time to start buzzing about Newbery contenders! We'll do our share in the following weeks, but the various ALA award committees have been buzzing ...
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*Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
*Just Like Millie is a sweet picture book about friendship with outstanding illustrations. *Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: ...
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A Friend for Eddy by Ann Kim Ha
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Friend for Eddy is absolutely perfect for a story time read aloud to a group of young children. A Friend for Eddy by Ann ...
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Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better by Mylisa Larsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Quagmire Tiarello is the appropriately-named hero of this story of a young man with a difficult mother. Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better by Mylisa Larsen. ...
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King & Kayla Series by Dori Hillestad Butler
By Betsy Farquhar |
The King & Kayla series offers up warm, winsome humor (and mysteries, too!) for newly independent readers. King & Kayla Series by Dori Hillstad Butler ...
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National Book Award Winner: Kareem Between
By Janie Cheaney |
Kareem Between is a sympathetic portrait of a 7th-grader born to Syrian refugees, who can’t feel himself fully American or fully Syrian. Kareem Between by ...
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*Mr. Fox’s Game of “NO!” by David LaRochelle
By Megan Saben |
Wit and humor are featured in this book that challenges a child's intuitive response. *Mr. Fox's Game of "NO!" by David LaRochelle and illustrated by ...
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Tales from the Forest by Jane Riordan
By Janie Cheaney |
Tales from the Forest carries on the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh in a style that faithfully echoes the original. Tales from the Forest by Jane Riordan, ...
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Fun Middle-Grade Reads for Winter Break: Library Girl, The Long Way Around, and We Do Not Welcome Our 10-Year-Old Overlord
By Janie Cheaney |
Library Girl is the whimsical story of a girl finding a home while her adoring caretakers find true love. Library Girl by Polly Horvath. Holiday ...
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Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Katy and the Big Snow is pitch perfect as a kindergarten/early elementary age read aloud. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. HMH ...
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The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy
By Betsy Farquhar |
Large font, vivid illustrations on every page, and a simple plot make The Miniature World of Marvin and James a good fit for new readers ...
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Amazing Asia by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
By Janie Cheaney |
Amazing Asia takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the geography, basic history, ethnicities and cultures of the world’s largest and most varied continent. Amazing ...
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*Mishka by Edward van de Vendel
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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*The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza by David Shannon
By Megan Saben |
A simple effort to brighten up the holidays goes way overboard in this Christmas story about pride going before a fall. *The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza ...
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*Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo
By Megan Saben |
Frances is concerned about the organ grinder man who stands on the street corner. Is he cold? Where does he go at night? She can't ...
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I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
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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Light Comes to Shadow Mountain by Toni Buzzeo
By Janie Cheaney |
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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Beyond Infinity by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
By Janie Cheaney |
Beyond Infinity examines the technology that went into building the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as what it has discovered since its launch. Beyond ...
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*Little Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Joe Sutphin
By Megan Saben |
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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The Best News of All by Sally Michael
By Janie Cheaney |
The Best News of All shares the Christmas story by examining one short scripture passage which children are encouraged to memorize. The Best News of ...
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*Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri
By Megan Saben |
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. ...
Read More A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky by John A. Read
By Janie Cheaney |
A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky provides young stargazers with a handy and accessible primer. A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky: Simple Ways ...
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