All in a Day

Name of Book: All in a Day Author:  Cynthia Rylant Publisher: Abrams Books ISBN: 978-0810983212 Audience:  Ages 2-5 Summary:  Come and follow a boy through a beautiful summer day as he works in the garden, feeds the animals, plays games, takes a nap, and explores the wilderness. It is a full day and he is [...]

Stories from A to Z – 26 Brief Reviews

Union Presbyterian Seminary student Beth Lyon-Suhring has written brief reviews of 26 children’s books, along with suggestions for ways to use these books as a ‘springboard for faith talk’.  This delightful resource is yours to download and use by clicking on Stories from A to Z.   by  Jim Davies 

Paul and Sebastian

Name of Book:  Paul and Sebastian Author:  René Escudié Illustrator: Ulises Wensell Translator: Roderick Townley Publisher:  Kane/Miller Book Publishers ISBN:  9780916291495 Audience:  Although, I think the book is appropriate for children ages 4-8, one review I read said that her five-year-old son became afraid when the boys were lost.  Summary:  Paul and Sebastian is a [...]

Parables: Stories Jesus Told

Name of Book:  Parables: Stories Jesus Told Author:  Mary Hoffman Illustrator:  Jackie Morris Publisher:  Phyllis Fogelman Books ISBN:  0803725604 Audience:  Age 4 and up Summary:  This is an illustrated collection of eight of Jesus’ parables: The House on the Rocks, The Good Samaritan, The Lost Sheep, The Workers in the Vineyard, The Prodigal Son, The [...]

Walking Home to Rosie Lee

Title:  Walking Home to Rosie Lee Author:  A. LaFaye Illustrator: Keith D. Shepherd Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press ISBN:  9781933693972 Audience: First grade and up, parents and children Summary: Slavery separated many African American families as parents and children were sold and sent to different plantations. At the close of the Civil War these people were [...]

Mr. and Mrs. God in the Creation Kitchen

Name of Book:  Mr. And Mrs. God in the Creation Kitchen Author:  Nancy Wood Illustrator:  Timothy Basil Ering Publisher:  Candlewick ISBN:  978-0763612580 Audience:  Ages 5 and up suggested by publisher.  I would suggest older adolescent – adult learners could use this book as well. Summary:  In this picture book, Mr. And Mrs. God are in [...]

A Good Day

Name of Book: A Good Day Author: Kevin Henkes Publisher: Greenwillow ISBN: 9780061140181 Audience: Ages 2-5 Summary: Four animals face small disappointments that threaten to ruin their good mood. But before gloom can settle over an otherwise sunny day, their momentary losses – of self, freedom, love and food – are seen in a new [...]

At Break of Day

Name of Book:  At Break of Day Author:  Nikki Grimes Illustrator:  Paul Morin Publisher:  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers ISBN:  978-0802851048 Audience:  Ages 4 – 8.   This book, while categorized as a children’s picture book, is not at all juvenile in its language or illustrations. It would thus make an excellent addition to any [...]

Naamah and the Ark at Night

Name of Book:  Naamah and the Ark at Night Author:  Susan Campbell Bartoletti Illustrator: Holly Meade Publisher: Candlewick Press ISBN: 978-0-7636-4242-6 Audience: 4 and up, intergenerational, women, new parents or mixed age choirs Summary:  Noah’s wife, Naamah, sings all through the night to the animals of the ark. Literary elements at work in the story:  [...]

You’re Finally Here

Title: You’re Finally Here Author: Melanie Watt Illustrator: Melanie Watt Publisher: Hyperion Books ISBN:9781423134862 Audience: 4-8 years Summary: “You’re finally here,” shouts the rabbit in an excited welcome.”  “But where were you?”  And the rabbit turns from excitement to irritation as he recounts with analogies how long he has waited and how bored he has [...]