the Review Source
Keep books in your home - encourage your children to read! Read to your children! Give books as gifts and as rewards! When children are surrounded with books, read to, encouraged to read and receive books as gifts/rewards, they will learn to value and enjoy reading! As children are involved in many activities, be sure reading is a part of what your children do! Take kids to the library, visit a bookstore and involve children in writing their own "stories" of the things they do!
A friend of mine has a daughter in 3rd grade - I was distressed to hear of the heavy emphasis on books for this age with horror themes. There are so many quality books with quality stories and ideas that won't put horror themes in the heads of young children. Parents, grandparents and teachers, it may take some looking, but there are many wonderful books for children to read - check out these great books as a starting place!
Harper Collins -
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| Bee Bulletin - What's the Buzz |
I Can
Read #2 - Barry's Buzzy World |
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| Junior Novel | ||||
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Favorite Features -
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What's the Buzz - black and white illustrations from the movie
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Junior Novel - 14 full color art pages from the movie
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Barry's Buzzy World - colorful illustrations throughout
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Strong messages throughout - actions have consequences, we need to find a purpose and place for ourselves and the value of friendship
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This popular movie, now on dvd, has a number of books for children of all ages/stages to read! Get some of these books, read them with your children and then go on a field trip to find and learn about bees, flowers and honey! A honey-tasting party would be fun - make "bee-antenna" for everyone to wear and act out scenes from the book/movie! Extremely well done, Harper Collins!
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If
You Give a Author - Laura Numeroff Illustrator - Felicia Bond Voice on CD - Carol Kane Ages - 3-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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full color book in mini size
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cd with two songs, games, read along and more!
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This loved story in a mini size with the cd makes a great gift for any occasion! Encourage children to read and involve non-readers in the story by having them guess what happens next! Tremendously well done, Laura, Felicia, Carol and Harper Collins!
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I Love You a Bushel Illustrator - Rosemary Wells Song Writer - Frank Loesser Ages 3-6 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful illustrations
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song/music at the end of the book
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Read and sing/dance this song/book with your children for a great time together with a book! This simple song/message of loving others "a bushel and a peck" is one your entire family can make their own! Tremendously well done, Rosemary, Frank and Harper Collins!
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Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library - The Secret Garden Author - Frances Hodgson Burnett Ages - 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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classic story brought back for another generation to enjoy
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encourages imagination
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lovely cover art by Mary Engelbreit
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includes a lovely necklace
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Classic repackaged for a new generation to enjoy! Lots to talk about - how we think is how we behave, how do we treat others and is a great book to introduce questions and a discussion about race. Extremely well done, Frances and Harper Collins!
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The Chronicles of Narnia Based on books by C.S. Lewis Pop-ups by Robert Sabuda |
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Favorite Features -
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seven two-page spreads - one for each book in the series
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brief synopsis of each book on it's two-page spread
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Incredible artwork, design, detail and extra surprises makes this a book any fan of Narnia will love! Absolutely supervise children extremely closely when sharing this book with young ones - they will easily tear the pop-ups. Amazing! Tremendously well done, Robert, C.S. and Harper Collins! This is the perfect gift for Christmas and any special occasion!
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the OK book Author - Amy Krouse Rosenthal Illustrator - Tom Lichtenheld All ages |
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Favorite Features -
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simple, fun drawings
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simple encouraging story
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Encourages readers to try new things without having to be perfect - ok is ok! I love this book! It is easy for beginning readers to read and the message is one children, and adults, of all ages need to learn and be reminded of! Tremendously well done, Amy, Tom and Harper Collins! Read this book with your children and then have them make their own "ok" book with their own drawings of things they have tried and can do!
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Fancy Nancy Author - Jane O'Connor Illustrator - Robin Preiss Glasser Ages - 4-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun, colorful illustrations
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great story - positive messages throughout for families to talk about
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"Unique" can be even better than "fancy" when finding your best "fit"! All children need to hear and understand this powerful message! Help your children make their own book celebrating their own "uniqueness"! Tremendously well done, Jane, Robin and Harper Collins!
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Young Zorro Author - Jan Adkins Ages 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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great chapter novel for young boys
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encourages boys to read for enjoyment
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stretches the imagination of the reader
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Excellent adventure novel full of mystery and adventure! Author did a great job of painting a picture with words so the reader is transported to another time and culture! Tremendously well done, Jan and Harper Collins! Read this book with your children over several nights this winter!
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Kung Fu Panda Adapted by - Catherine Hapka Illustrators - Marcelo Matere & Justin Gerard Ages - 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful illustrations from the movie
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strong messages of not giving up and of believing in yourself
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Children who enjoyed the movie will love the opportunity to read the book! Extremely well done, Catherine, Marcelo, Justin and Harper Collins!
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Prince Caspian Adapted by - Lana Jacobs Written by - C. S. Lewis Ages 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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photos throughout from the movie
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strong messages of faith, friends and of standing for what is right
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Tremendously well done - this is a great add-on to a Narnia collection! This book provides opportunities for children to read an excellent story with exciting elements of bravery and battle and good triumphing over evil!
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Prince Caspian Adapted by - J.E. Bright Written by - C.S. Lewis Ages - beginning readers |
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Favorite Features -
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strong messages about fighting for what's right and the value of friendships
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short, easy to read, first chapter book
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Great book for children to read before going to see the movie or as a follow up! Extremely well done Harper Collins!
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Harvey Moon Museum Boy Author/Illustrator - Pat Cummings Ages 3-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful illustrations throughout
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family story of a museum coming to life at night with an unexpected ending.
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Fun read for young children! Very nicely done, Pat and Harper Collins!
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Not a Stick Author/Illustrator - Antionette Protis Ages 3-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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seven simple drawings of what a stick "is"
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short, simple story
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encourages children to use their own imaginations
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Imaginative, fun, creative, brilliantly simple! Encourages imagination and is a fun read for children and their parents! Tremendously well done, Antionette and Harper Collins!
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Duck Soup Author/Illustrator - Jackie Urbanovic Ages - 4-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful, fun illustrations
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unexpected story of friends desperately trying to save a friend they mistakenly believe to be in danger!
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funny, silly, sure to be loved story!
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Extremely well done, Jackie and Harper Collins! I love the "Duck" books and hope to see many more! Children and parents will have many laughs reading this book together!
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Danny Diamondback Author/Illustrator - Barry Jackson Ages 5-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful, unique, bright illustrations
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story told with a "drawl" and a "twang"! Great fun!
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Unique, unexpected and fun, this story about friendship and acceptance is sure to be a favorite of children and adults! Be sure to read it with the "twang"! Tremendously well done, Barry and Harper Collins!
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Narnia Chronology Author - C.S. Lewis |
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Favorite Features -
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filled with a complete "time-line" for the entire series of books in both, "Narnian time" and our own time
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pop-ups, pull-outs, flaps and more add to the fun and entertainment of this book
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Excellent coffee-table book
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great resource for a quick and easy look at any particular major theme in the Chronicles of Narnia
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Excellent combined with the Narnia Pop-up Book for a gift the devoted fan of Narnia will treasure for years! Excellent, original artwork makes this a true collector's book! Tremendously well done, Harper Collins!
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Harriet Tubman Author - Ann Petry Ages 10+ |
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Favorite Features -
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biography of Harriet Tubman
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walks through her life and amazing accomplishments
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interesting, and little-known, tid-bits of history at the end of each chapter
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Every child, and adult should read this book about this amazing person from the history of our country. Harriet Tubman's life is an interesting and exciting read - this is an excellent choice for winter reading! Tremendously well done, Ann and Harper Collins!
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Anne of Green Gables Author - Lucy Maude Montgomery Illustrator - Mary Englebreit Ages 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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classic re-released for a new generation to discover and love
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includes a charm necklace
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important messages about family, dreams and friends
Every girl should read this book - alone and with her mom! This classic makes for great winter reading! Start a tradition of reading at least one classic novel each Christmas break - you can't go wrong with Anne of Green Gables! Tremendously well done, Lucy, Mary and Harper Collins!
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Zonderkidz
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Little Lu Author - Silvia Hilli Weber Illustrator - Nina Dulleck Ages 4-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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giraffes, sparrows, rabbits and badgers tell this story - excellent use of not as familiar characters
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fun illustrations
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simple story of help, mother's love and God's plans for our best
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encourages thankfulness
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Fun book for parents to read to their children and continue with conversations on these important lessons! Extremely well done, Silvia, Nina and Zonderkidz!
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Creation Author/Illustrator - Gennady Spirin All ages |
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Favorite Features -
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text is Genesis 1 from the NIV
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incredible, detailed illustrations with a wealth of colors
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Enjoyable to read and to look for/identify various plants, animals, birds and water creatures! Extremely well done, unique book Gennady and Zonderkidz!
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Seriously Sick Author - Ed Strauss Illustrator - Erwin Haya Ages 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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part of Luke 2:52 series of books for boys - Smarter, Stronger, Deeper and Cooler
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information on what Bible times were really like and what it took to live in those days
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challenge for boys to live the 2:52 challenge
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This is the perfect book for boys, 8-12 - they will love all the gross information and shocking details! If you want to encourage boys to read, give them a book like this! Tremendously well done, Ed, Erwin and Zonderkidz!
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Fading Tracks Author - Kristi Holl Ages 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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FaithGirlz Boarding School Mysteries series for elementary age girls
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encourages reader to trust God
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all the features of a good mystery book - mystery others can't solve, kidnapping and confusion - who is the good guy and who is the bad guy?
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Girls will enjoy this mystery with strong messages about trusting God and friendship! Extremely well done, Kristi and Zonderkidz!
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Girls of 622 Harbor View Raising Faith Author - Melody Carlson Ages - 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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FaithGirlz story
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strong lesson on friendship, trusting God and family
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A fun series for girls chocked full of adventure, girl stuff and real messages! Extremely well done, Melody and Zonderkidz!
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Tomo Authors - Andrew Simmons & Rob Corley Illustrator - Ariel Padilla Ages 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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comic book style graphic novel
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story has strong messages about family, faith, friends, choices and life purpose
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This book will appeal to boys and girls and may be a good tool to get reluctant readers to discover the enjoyment of reading! Interesting illustrations and a solid music. The "cliff-hanger" feature ties each book together so kids will want to read them all! Extremely well done, Andrew, Rob, Ariel and Zonderkidz!
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Son of Samson & the Judge of God |
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Son of Samson & the Raiders of Joppa |
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Author - Gary Martin Illustrator - Sergio Cariello Ages 8-13 |
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Favorite Features -
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comic book style graphic novel
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mix of Scriptural accounts of Samson and fiction
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Easy, fun read for kids, both boys and girls. Another excellent option to help interest kids in reading! Extremely well done, Gary, Sergio and Zonderkidz!
Crossway
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A Hat for Ivan Author - Max Lucado Illustrator - David Wenzel Ages 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful, fun illustrations
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strong message of God's plan for our lives
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There is only one you! Great message, great illustrated book! Parents, have you child draw a picture of a hat that would be the perfect hat for them! Consider getting supplies to make such a hat, but whatever you do, have fun reading this book together! Extremely well done, Max, David and Crossway!
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The Big Picture Story Bible Author - David Helm Illustrator - Gail Schoonmaker Ages 4-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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11 old testament and 15 new testament stories
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colorful illustrations throughout
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This book focuses on showing Jesus on every page of the Bible! Great bedtime or start-your-day book for parents and children to read together! Extremely well done, David, Gail and Crossway!
Tommy Nelson
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Secret Agent Dingledorf Author - Bill Myers Illustrator - Meredith Johnson Ages - 7-11 |
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Favorite Features -
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unique, silly characters - this will appeal to early readers who are boys
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crazy stories about how this boy comes to the "rescue"
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Strong messages about being responsible
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Incredibly silly, imaginative and fun story about responsibility - sure to be enjoyed by boys ready for chapter books . . . particularly if they have sisters and an imagination! Tremendously well done, Bill, Meredith and Tommy Nelson!
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Toby Diggz Author/Illustrator - David Hernandez Ages 7-11 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun, unique feature we don't see often on books anymore - flip animation for Tut.
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maps and charts help place the story
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how to draw Tut bonus features
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hidden secret messages and how to decode
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digz-tionary
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This book has strong messages about forgiving, trusting and not having to be afraid. Walks kids through the Armor of God. Extremely well done, David and Tommy Nelson!
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Timebenders Author/Illustrator - Jim Denney Ages 9-13 |
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Favorite Features -
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characters, story and setting will appeal to this age level
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unique story with features from real kids real lives
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Fantasy with an intriguing twist. Strong message of trusting God. Unexpected storyline young readers will enjoy! Extremely well done, Jim and Tommy Nelson!
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Horned Avenger Authors/Illustrators
- Ray Nelson, Ages 7-11 |
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Favorite Features -
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info on how to draw cartoons
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colorful illustrations throughout
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silly story with great info on how to draw and write a story
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encourages imagination and creativity
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Fun, unique interesting way to involve kids in creative drawing and writing! Great book to read and work through on snowy days this winter! "Arm" a kid with colored pencils, paper and let them create! Tremendously well done, Ray, Ben, Doug and Thomas Nelson!
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Will - God's Mighty Warrior Author - Sheila Walsh Illustrator - Meredith Johnson Ages - 4-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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excellent illustrations with lots of color
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story about obedience with suspense and adventure - for little ones!
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Mystery, excitement and an unexpected ending combine for a fun story for children! Extremely well done, Sheila, Meredith and Tommy Nelson!
Harper Collins
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Roscoe Riley Rules #1 - Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs |
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Roscoe Riley Rules #2 - Don't Swap Your Sweater for a Dog! |
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Author Katherine Applegate Illustrator - Brian Biggs Ages 7-10 |
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Favorite Features -
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strong messages about loyalty, appreciation, trying your best and friends
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believable character kids will be able to understand and relate to
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excellent early reader chapter book
Funny! Funny! Funny! I absolutely love these books! Be sure to add these to the top of your child's reading list, gift list or just because you need a good book to read list! This little boy, Roscoe, begins each book greeting you from his familiar place in the corner! He then proceeds to tell you all the grim, and hilarious, details leading to his detainment in the corner! I actually laughed out loud when reading this with a seven year old I know! Absolutely tremendously well done, Katherine, Brian and Harper Collins! I hope to see many more in this series!
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