picture books
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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*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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*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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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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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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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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*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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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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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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*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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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 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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Strangers & Sojourners: A Redeemed Reader Booklist about the Refugee and Immigrant Experience
By Hayley Morell |
We've reviewed many books about refugees and the immigrant experience over the years at Redeemed Reader. In 2018 and 2019, our summer reading challenges supported ...
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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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*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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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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*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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*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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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 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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Spiders: A Book List for Young Arachnophiles
By Megan Saben |
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
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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*Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise
By Hayley Morell |
Whooo goes there? It's Knight Owl and Early Bird in this charming picture book sequel! Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise. Christy Ottaviano ...
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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. ...
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BIG Words for Little Astronauts by Lisa M. Gerry
By Janie Cheaney |
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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Neighborhood Sharks by Katherine Roy
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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Who Built That? Bridges by Didier Cornille
By Betsy Farquhar |
Who Built That? Bridges is a clever picture book-in-translation that illustrates ten famous bridges and the construction process and engineers behind them. Who Built That? ...
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Home Is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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*I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall
By Megan Saben |
Kiara the spider keeps trying to make a web that is beautiful, not just practical, and her efforts are repeatedly foiled. Playful language, lovely illustrations, ...
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*Something Sad Happened: Helping Children with Grief by Darby A. Strickland
By Betsy Farquhar |
Something Sad Happened is a childlike look at what grief feels like, how we cope with it, and what the Bible has to say. *Something ...
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History Picture Books: The Soldier’s Friend, The Painter and the President, and Star and the Maestro
By Janie Cheaney |
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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A World Wonder by Laura Wifler
By Betsy Farquhar |
A World Wonder cheerfully celebrates the real world wonders and reminds readers to fully invest in both their work and the people around them. A ...
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3 Picture Books about “How”: The Dictionary Story, The Shape of Things, and How to Make a Picture Book
By Janie Cheaney |
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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Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens
By Megan Saben |
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’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A true story by Dave Eggers
By Megan Saben |
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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2 Books about Bikes: Birth of the Bicycle and The Running Machine
By Janie Cheaney |
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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World More Beautiful by Angela Burke Kunkel
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi
By Janie Cheaney |
Little Shrew is the dutiful hero of his ordinary life in this understated chapter book. Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi. Kids Can Press, 2024, 71 ...
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Celebrity Picture Books that Aren’t Bad, by B.J. Novak, Julie Andrews, Emma Thompson, and Spike Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
“Legitimate children’s book authors”—that is, those who won a publishing contract through finely-honed craft and dogged persistence—have nothing but scorn for picture books with celebrity ...
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Who Are You? by Christina Fox
By Janie Cheaney |
Who Are You? explores the roots of identity in a way accessible to preschoolers. *Who Are You? A Little Book about Your Big Identity by ...
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How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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Built to Last by Dan Santat and Minh Lê
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this beautiful picture book, two boys want to build something that will last, but their final product is not what they first expect. Built ...
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The Inventions of God (and Eva) and The Stories of God (and Kiki) by Dave Connis
By Megan Saben |
The Inventions of God (and Eva) and The Stories of God (and Kiki) show the delight God has in children, whether their interests are STEM-related ...
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*Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World by Sarah Mackenzie
By Megan Saben |
Barbara Cooney's passion for beauty still inspires many, and the result is this lovely picture book honoring her legacy. *Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her ...
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Kailani’s Gift by Dorian Lazo Gilmore-Young
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kailani's Gift features a young girl who wants to honor her grandparents for their 50th wedding anniversary by learning tinikling. Kailani's Gift by Dorian Lazo ...
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Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
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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Where is Wisdom?, Praise Him!, and The Story of Water.
By Megan Saben |
Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Where is Wisdom? A Treasure Hunt Through God's Wondrous World, Inspired by Job 28, by ...
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*A World of Praise by Deborah Lock, illustrated by Helen Cann
By Megan Saben |
Every evidence of beauty and design points to the Creator who knows and loves us intimately. A World of Praise offers worship with warm illustrations. ...
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Kentucky Derby Book List: Books for Young Horse Lovers
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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Four New Picture Books by Caldecott-winning Illustrators
By Janie Cheaney |
Four new books by Chris Raschka, Micha Archer, Elisha Cooper, and Sophie Blackall celebrate the variety of life on earth and the power of imagination. ...
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*Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor
By Megan Saben |
Simon is a friendly, curious, naive little dog who re-enacts Aesop's tale of the dog and the bone and adds his own flair. *Simon and ...
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*Varenka by Bernadette Watts
By Megan Saben |
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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Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock
By Megan Saben |
Jesús is excited to work with his Papá on a busy Saturday full of yards to mow, and as soon as the water jug is ...
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Julie Fogliano, Children’s Poet
By Betsy Farquhar |
Julie Fogliano's poetry for children expects them to read between the lines, to appreciate a delicate, spare language. And it works. She understands the essence ...
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Small Poems and Peacock by Valerie Worth (and illustrated by Natalie Babbitt)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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Lauren Castillo’s Art: Nana in the Country, It’s Not Time for Sleeping, Twenty Yawns, The Ramble Shamble Children
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lauren Castillo's bold outlines and childlike compositions make these books accessible to young readers and their parents, too. Her books are universally cheerful and vibrant, ...
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*The Empty Pot by Demi
By Megan Saben |
The Empty Pot is a lovely tale from China about the rewards of honesty and integrity. The Empty Pot by Demi, Square Fish. 32 pages. ...
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*Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida
By Janie Cheaney |
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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Recent Picture Books from New Growth Press: My First ABC Book of Bible Verses, Something Scary Happened, Our Great God
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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Recent Christian Picture Books: God’s Signpost, The God Contest, and The 10 Commandments
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Megan Saben |
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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Big by Vashti Harrison
By Hayley Morell |
In Big, winner of the 2024 Caldecott medal, one young girl learns to be kind to herself, despite the words of others. Big by Vashti ...
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Saint Valentine the Kindhearted, Saint Patrick the Forgiver, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard
By Megan Saben |
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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2024 Geisel Roundup: Fox Has a Problem, Henry, Like Always, and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
By Megan Saben |
Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 The 2024 Geisel Award: One Winner and Three Honors The Geisel Award, which honors Dr. ...
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Bible Board Books: Tiny Hands and For the Bible Tells Me So
By Janie Cheaney |
Tiny Hands Series: Hymns, Promises, and Prayers, edited by Hanah Estes, Illustrated by Jessica Hiatt. P&R Publishing, 2023, 14 pages each. Reading Level: ages 0-3 ...
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*African Heroes by Jerome Gay, Jr.
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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We Are Branches by Joyce Sidman
By Megan Saben |
We take branches for granted, but have you ever considered what a wise design they are, with so many applications in nature? We Are Branches ...
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Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne Slade
By Megan Saben |
With text that is both simple and detailed, and with beautiful illustrations, Behold the Octopus introduces a fascinating ocean creature. Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne ...
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Evergreen by Matthew Cordell
By Megan Saben |
Evergreen is the story of a fearful young squirrel who learns bravery on her quest to obey her mother and deliver soup to ailing Granny ...
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Hidden Hope by Elisa Boxer
By Megan Saben |
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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Two Picture Books on Words and Storytelling: Sholem’s Treasure and The Language of Angels
By Janie Cheaney |
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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Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel
By Janie Cheaney |
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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All of a Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinsky
By Janie Cheaney |
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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Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up: Holy Night and Little Star, 'Twas the Night, The Nativity, and The Animals Speak Today we're highlighting Christian Christmas picture ...
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