Category Books

Book Thoughts: The Dragon and the Garden (Wilson)

Type: picture bookAges: 6-9Author: N.D. WilsonIllustrator: Peter Bentley I’ll say right off the bat, I still had my children read this per our curriculum, because they’re old enough to have great discussions with. However, proceed with caution if that is…

Book Thoughts: See How It’s Made (Smith)

Type: non-fiction children’s bookAges: 5-15Authors: Penny Smith, Lorrie Mack In total, there are 20 distinct items they go over in detail–each getting at least two page spreads, sometimes three. I even grew to like how there was no order within…

Book Thoughts: The Secret Valley (Bulla)

Type: beginner chapter book (historical fiction)Ages: 5-8Author/Illustrator: Clyde Robert Bulla All the Bulla books I’ve read in my life have been well-written. They clearly articulate a historical message to young readers while also staying classy and appropriate. This one was…

Book Thoughts: Snowman’s Story (Hillenbrand)

Type: wordless picture bookAges: 2-6Author/Illustrator: Will Hillenbrand I loved the sweet illustrations in this one. They simply make one smile! If you’re looking for a wintery book that’s not Christmasy, add this to your findings. It’s cozy.

Book Thoughts: The Noisy Paint Box (Rosenstock)

Type: historical fiction picture bookAges: 4-8Author: Barb RosenstockIllustrator: Mary Grandpré The general premise of this book is based on the true life of Vasily Kandinsky, with some added dialogue and other small embellishments. Kandinsky “heard” colors and his art reflects…

Book Thoughts: Clara and the Bookwagon (Levinson)

Type: longer picture book (with “chapters”)Ages: 5-8Author: Nancy Smiler LevinsonIllustrator: Carolyn Croll It’s always a joy to witness (in real life or in books) a child discovering the love of words, reading and storytelling. This one’s based on a true…

Book Thoughts: The Hundred-Year Barn (MacLachlan)

Type: picture bookAges: 3-8Author: Patricia MacLachlanIllustrator: Kenard Pak This shines a light on simpler times–something I think we all commonly wish for in our modern busy lives. The artwork is beautiful, which you’d probably guess if you’ve seen other books…

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