Easy Readers

2024 Geisel Roundup: Fox Has a Problem, Henry, Like Always, and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends

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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Batter Up! Books About Baseball (a Librarian’s List)

(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on May 27, 2013; updated July, 2023) Aside from the beach, nothing says "summertime" and "American" more than a game ...
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Beach Books! (Librarians’ List)

Originally published at Redeemed Reader on June 6, 2014. Of course a professional book reviewer and librarian takes books with her to the beach—for herself ...
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2023 Geisel Award Winner: I Did It! by Michael Emberley

I Did It!, winner of this year’s Geisel Award for early readers, charmingly illustrates a common childhood experience: trying and failing. I Did It! by ...
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Geisel Roundup: A Seed Grows, Fish and Wave, Gigi and Ojiji, Owl and Penguin

The 2023 Theodore Seuss Geisel honors books for beginning readers focus on friendship, family, and nature. A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portia. Neal Porter Books ...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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*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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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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*Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen

Skunk and Badger are a delightful new odd couple in chapter book format, perfect for newly independent readers. *Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and ...
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Mighty Reader and the Big Freeze by Will Hillenbrand

Mighty Reader saves the day in this loveable picture book about learning to love books. Mighty Reader and the Big Freeze by Will Hillenbrand. Holiday ...
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Slugs and Bugs Easy Readers

Who Will Play With Me? by Randall Goodman. Broadman & Holman, 2019. 57 pages. Are We Still Friends? by Randall Goodman. Broadman & Holman, 2019. ...
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*We are (Not) Friends by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant

The latest in the You are Not Small series, We Are (Not) Friends is a perfect read for new readers heading back to school. *We ...
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The Invention Hunters Series by Korwin Briggs

By their wacky misunderstandings, the "Invention Hunters" help kids understand basic principles of applied science. The Invention Hunters Discover How Machines Work by Korwin Briggs. ...
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Look! I Wrote a Book! by Sally Lloyd Jones

Sally Lloyd Jones shares the basics of book-writing with simple advice that works for any age. Look! I Wrote a Book (and You Can Too) ...
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Don’t Blame the Mud by Marty Machowski

Don't Blame the Mud introduces children to the concept of indwelling sin in a way that they can relate to and grasp. Don’t Blame the ...
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Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder (books by Kate DiCamillo)

Meet Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder My kids and I first met Mercy Watson, the porcine wonder, in the pages of her first book: Mercy ...
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Special God by Julie Mililli

Special God sets out to explain biblical theological concepts to young children and those with special needs. Special God by Julie Mililli, design by Matt ...
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Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by CeCe Bell

Rabbit and Robot's friendship is tested when a new friend, Ribbit, enters the scene in this funny easy reader. Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by ...
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Back to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog

Two back-to-school series for different ages tickle the funny bone, satirize social conventions, and even stimulate sympathy for others.  Ages 6-12 Life According to Og ...
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Power Forward by Hena Khan

Zayd's dream of playing basketball on his school's A-team clashes with his Muslim family's goals for him.  Ages 6-10 Power Forward (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the ...
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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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Bible Review: NIrV Seek and Explore Holy Bible

The NIrV Seek & Explore Bible takes a learning-styles approach that will be helpful for some kids but distracting for others.  Ages 6-10 NIrV Seek ...
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*The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible strikes the right balance between scriptural faithfulness and a preschooler’s comprehension. *The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy, illustrated ...
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*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb

Eight-year-old Cody's enthusiasm for life is contagious in this sunny chapter-book series. Cody and the Fountain of Happiness (Cody series #1) by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated ...
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kentucky derby booklist, horses racing

Kentucky Derby Book List: A Bakers Dozen

Calling all horse lovers! The Kentucky Derby runs this Saturday like it does every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner ...
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Bible Review: ICB Jesus Calling Bible for Children

Sarah Young's devotionals for children are scattered throughout this ICB (International Children's Bible) version. ICB Jesus Calling Bible for Children: with Devotions by Sarah Young. ...
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The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

This light, quick series-opener will keep reluctant readers reading between the laughs. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey.  Scholastic, 2015, 137 pages Reading Level: Picture ...
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The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau

This fun, award-winning early reader series features two tough siblings who can't help being nice. The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Matt Myers.  ...
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Middle Grade Fiction with Fibonacci, Tesla, and More!

a post from the archives! (originally published March 26, 2014) When I was a child I read large numbers of mysteries and was always somewhat irritated ...
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*Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan

Likeable characters and a gently-humorous style introduces early-elementary readers to the rewards of hard work and free enterprise. *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan ...
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Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche

Brother Andrew's life comes alive for young readers through the rhyming text in this picture book. Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World (Heroes for ...
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A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson

A funny, chapter book mystery for newly independent readers! A Complicated Case (Detective Gordon) by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gittee Spee. Gecko Press, 2016. ...
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*When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano

Short, free verse poems as journal entries over the course of a year capture the feel of changing seasons in this well-illustrated book for elementary ...
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*Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins

Frank and Lucky’s close friendship leads them into countless adventures in learning, where “school subjects” never see the inside of a classroom. *Frank and Lucky ...
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The Revolutionary War by Mort Kunstler

Key events of the American Revolution are celebrated by one of our nation’s preeminent historical painters. The Revolutionary War 1775-1783 (See American History Series) by ...
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Bible Review NIrV Faith Builders/ NIrV Under the Sea

We're back!!  Thanks again for your patience while we cleared up our site hack problems.  You'll notice a rather stripped-down version of RedeemedReader, but be ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Study Bible for Kids

NIrV Study Bible for Kids.  Zonderkidz, 2015, 1789 pages.  Available in hardcover, soft cover and ebook editions Hardcover edition Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 ...
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Flying Ponies and Dump Trucks

Do little kids love fantasy? NPR recently reported on a study done by three academic psychologists on the subject of children and fiction. They asked ...
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Squelch Not the Series!

If you recognize names such as Jack and Annie or Patrick and Beth, know that mysteries can be ordered A to Z, or believe in ...
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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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ling and ting cover

Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin

A delightful early reader series about Asian American twins, Ling and Ting. Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin. LB Kids, 2011 (and to the ...
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*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell

*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell. Candlewick, 2014. 50 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Age 4-8 Rabbit’s friend Robot ...
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Good Night, Knight by Betsy Lewin

Good Night, Knight by Betsy Lewin. Holiday House, 2015. 24 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Knight and his faithful ...
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A Pet for Fly Guy (Fly Guy Series) by Tedd Arnold

A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold. Orchard Books, 2014. 32 pages.  Reading Level: Early Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8, especially boys ...
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cover of Ballet Cat

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea. Disney-Hyperion, 2015. 56 pages. Reading Level: Easy Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Shea, creator ...
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cover of The Cowboy

The Cowboy by Hildegard Muller

The Cowboy (I Like to Read Series) by Hildegard Muller. Holiday House, 2015. 24 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: new readers, ages ...
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cover of Nana in the City

*Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo. Clarion, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: ages 0-8 In this 2015 Caldecott Honor, Castillo ...
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*You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang

*You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant.  Two Lions (Amazon), 2014. 30 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: ...
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*I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder

I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder. Random House, 2012. 32 pages. Bottom Line: This Valentine's Day themed picture book is a wonderful introduction to the ...
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cover of Bad Bye, Good Bye

Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood

Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Jonathan Bean. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8Recommended ...
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cover of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

*Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel ...
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cover of Katy and the Big Snow

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. HMH Books for Young Readers, 1943. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages ...
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cover of Hello Ninja

Hello Ninja by N. D. Wilson

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Hello Ninja by N. D. Wilson ...
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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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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 Fix This Mess

Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold. I ...
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cover of Number One Sam

Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli. Disney-Hyperion, ...
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cover of The Big Fib

The Big Fib by Tim Hamilton

The Big Fib by Tim Hamilton. I LIKE TO READ series. Holiday House, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-8 New ...
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cover of George Washington

National Geographic Kids Biographies: George Washington

George Washington by Caroline Crosson Gilpin. National Geographic Society, 2014. 128 pgs. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled reader (ages 4-8) Recommended for: Ages 4-8 National ...
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cover of The Pilot and the Little Prince

The Pilot and the Little Prince by Peter Sis

The Pilot and the Little Prince: The Life of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry by Peter Sis. Farrar, Straux, and Giroux, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...
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The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edward Fotheringham

The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edward Fotheringham. Scholastic, 2010. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-10Recommended for: Ages ...
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Picture Book Biographies

Picture Book Biographies Picture book biographies are excellent choices for introducing students of all ages to a particular author or historical figure. Many times they ...
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*The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet

*The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 42 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...
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Eye: How it Works by David Macaulay

Eye: How it Works by David Macaulay. David Macaulay Studio, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Reader, ages 4-8Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up ...
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Gravity by Jason Chin

Gravity by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook Press, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 0-8Recommended for: All ages Gravity is a complex concept to explain ...
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National Geographic Kids Biographies: Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison by Barbara Kramer. National Geographic Kids, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled readerMaturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up National Geographic ...
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National Geographic Kids: Robots

Robots by Melissa Stewart. National Geographic Kids, 2014, 48 pages. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled readerMaturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up It can be hard ...
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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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Homer Price cover

Homer Price by Robert McCloskey

Homer Price by Robert McCloskey. Viking, 1943. 149 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10Recommended for: Ages 8-10 McCloskey has transformed his picture book hero, Lentil, ...
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Lentil by Robert McCloskey

Lentil by Robert McCloskey. First published by Viking, 1940. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Lentil, McCloskey's first picture book, is now 74 years ...
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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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What in the World?: Fun-Tastic Puzzles for Curious Minds

What in the World?: Fun-Tastic Puzzles for Curious Minds by Julie Vosburgh Agnone. National Geographic Society, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8 Recommended ...
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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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Ukraine: Lessons in Liberty and Compassion, Pt. 2

Last week, we began our Ukrainian series with a personal reflection from our executive assistant, Hayley.  Having recently visited orphans in Ukraine,  Hayley gave us insight ...
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Librarians’ List: Easy/Leveled Readers, part 1

Oh, those early (slow) reading sessions when your son or daughter labors to sound out each and every phoneme…. It seems to take forever to ...
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Meet Lulu and Freddie: 2 Terrific Chapter Book Characters (+ a Giveaway)

Ready to move on from Frog and Toad? Henry and Mudge getting too easy for your newly independent reader? Rest assured:  Junie B. Jones, Judy ...
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Second-Grade Perils: The Year of Billy Miller

The Year of Billy Miller, by Keven Henkes.  Greenwillow, 2013, 229 pages.  Age/interest level: 6-8. Kevin Henkes’ name on a book jacket automatically gets attention.  ...
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Nurturing a young reader’s literary tastes

Parents with avid readers often find themselves with a dilemma: after my child has read all the age-appropriate books, where do we go from here? ...
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Truth in the Tinsel: A Family Advent Tradition

Truth in the Tinsel Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I suppose the Christmas race has officially begun now, and with that in mind, ...
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More Favorite Science Books

Welcome back to Science September at Redeemedreader!  Last week, we heard from Janie on Science Biographies, as well as Betsy on some of her favorite ...
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Solving Mysteries with Science (and a disappointing collective biography)

One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder. Science Naturally, 2013. When I was growing up, ...
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Space Odyssey for Little Ones: An Interview with Kevin Luthardt

THE BOOK REVIEW When Edgar Met Cecil.  Peachtree Publishers, 2013.  32 pgs.  Ages 4-8. Kevin Luthardt is an author-illustrator who has had a pretty big ...
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It’s Greek to Me!

This week in our Summer Reading Challenge, we're visiting Greece.  So, thanks to our newest addition to the Redeemedreader family, Hayley Schoeppler, for leading us today ...
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American Lives

“There is properly no history, only biography,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson—an exaggeration with a lot of truth in it.  When I was growing up, I ...
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Summer Reading Challenge, Week 3: Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Introduction We've added a Summer Reading Challenge tab at the top of our website, to help you keep up with the posts as the summer ...
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Hail and Farewell, Part 2: Russell Hoban

As noted in last Tuesday’s post,I encountered Maurice Sendak when I was myself a child.  My acquaintance with Russell Hoban had to wait until I ...
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Inspiring (very) young artists

God is a God of words and pictures. He has revealed Himself to us through words in Scripture and visually in creation, and made us in ...
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Poetry Anthologies

A good poetry anthology is like going to a friend's house with a basket, and being told, "Oh, you must read this one, and this one, and ...
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Bible Review: The One-Year Bible For Children

The One-Year Bible for Children by Gilbert Beers.  Tyndale, 2001, 432 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-8 Recommended for: ages 6-8 Bottom Line: Though ...
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*Bible Review: ESV Children’s Bible

*ESV Children’s Bible.  Crossway, 2008, 1648 pages.   Reading level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10. Recommended for: ages 6-10 Bottom Line: The ESV contains excellent study helps, ...
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Bible Review: The Kids’ Devotional Bible NIrV

Kids' Devotional Bible, NIrV.  Zonderkidz, 2006, 1664 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 6-10 Bottom Line: The Kids' Devotional Bible is ...
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Sorting Out the Children’s Bible Market

Yesterday’s post addressed the general subject of children’s Bibles and how to evaluate them for the particular needs of each child and family.  But all ...
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Choosing Your Child’s First REAL Bible: Some Considerations

Last Tuesday we looked at a range of new Bible storybooks and early reader “Bibles.”  On Friday, we picked our way through the field of ...
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Toddling into the Word: First Bible Storybooks and Early-Reader Bibles

What could be more appropriate for Holy Week than a survey of children’s Bibles and Bible storybooks?  That’s what I foolishly thought, treatment but this ...
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