The Girl With 5 Hearts, written and illustrated by Chastidy and Matthew Ronan (OeO Books). When Chastidy Ronan worked as a nanny, she made up a story to tell her young charge. She and her husband, Matthew, talked about turning the story into a picture book, and Matthew even began some pencil sketches of possible…
Posts Categorized: Recommended
Book Review—The Things God Made
Children curious about world who love learning (that’s all of them, really) will love this stunning new picture book. The title and subtitle describe it well—The Things God Made: Explore God’s Creation through the Bible, Science, and Art. That’s exactly what author and illustration Andy McGuire invites readers to do with his unique presentation of the…
New Books to Explore, September 2022
Welcome to BibleWorld: Explore All 66 Books of the Bible, by Mike Nappa. This “seek and find” book imagines the Bible as a theme park, with rides, booths, and games all linked to event in God’s Word. Kids get an overall picture of the Bible’s message as they travel through the park. 365 Best-Loved Bedtime…
Book Review—The Christmas Quest
I will say at the start that I love SO very much about this new book about the wise men and their journey to find Jesus. First off, it’s fun, and sometimes humorous, with just the right amount of lively rhyming text plus bright illustrations with wonderful details and facial expressions (even on the animals!).
Book Review—The Acrostic of God: A Rhyming Theology for Kids
You already know that your kids can memorize anything set to music, or anything with a beat. Right? Well, I don’t know if I can call rap music, but it definitely has a beat. So can kids learn basic theology concepts conveyed as a rap? Of course they can.
My 2021 Autumn Booklist
What does fall look like where you live? How does your family participate—or not participate in—Halloween? What is the Thanksgiving holiday really all about? Fall brings changes and traditional fun. Enjoy and navigate this season with your children with some of the books on this list. Changing Seasons God’s Blessings of Fall, by Jean Matthew…
Book Review—Kids’ Guide to Exploring the Bible
Want to help kids dig into Bible study? Ignite their motivation. Provide the tools and techniques they’ll need and lead some practice sessions. Same things you’d do if you were taking kids along on an archaeological dig—the motif for the new book Kids’ Guide to Exploring the Bible: Tools, Techniques, & Tips for Digging into…
My 2021 Back-to-School Booklist
Hard to believe, but the start of a new school year is just around the corner. Here’s a roundup of new and favorite books to make the transition back to school a little easier. Picture Books Hand to Hold, by JJ Heller. Perfect for bedtime, this lovely book captures the unconditional love parents want their…
My Lent and Easter Booklist
From simple board books to family devotions, here are suggestions to help you explore the meaning of Easter with the children in your life. And every Easter basket needs a book! Board Books Easter Is Coming, by Tama Fortner. Takes children from the garden of Eden to the cross and resurrection in simple, appropriate, child…
About My Book Reviews and Recommendations
My career as a children’s book editor, acquisitions editor, and editorial director greatly influences my response to books. I have high standards for text, illustration, book design, and the purpose of a book. I understand too that parents, grandparents, and others who buy books want and need good value in the books you choose. Your…