Three new picture books from small publishers, perfect for young readers (and listeners). All are illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans, but the authors differ. Penguin Sets Sail by Jessica Linn Evans. Rainstorm Publishing, 2020. Wordless books should invite young readers and storytellers to tell the story while allowing for some editorial additions. Penguin Sets Sail delivers. Young readers will be able to narrate the surface story from the first reading, but they will undoubtedly notice more details on a second pass through. Penguin does indeed set sail, but the story is also about his dreams, his friends, and their communication with one another. Evans’s use of panels and different perspectives…

Welcome back to the magic that enchanted us in Circus Mirandus. The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley. Dial Books, 2019, 416 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 10-12Recommended for: all ages Micah Tuttle is dealing with grief at the loss of his beloved grandfather. He is also struggling to find his place in the amazing magical circus that he now calls home. This middle grade sequel could be enjoyed as a standalone, yet it builds nicely on the first book.  As Micah tries to understand his purpose and the purpose of the Circus, a malevolent force threatens to upset his new home. Faced with evil, I love the wisdom Micah is…

Books About Racism Are Important Books don’t save. Only Jesus saves. But books can be terrific discussion starters, particularly when we want to discuss current events, understand a different point of view, or simply show our children the tremendous diversity the Lord put in his creation. These are some of the books we have found helpful in bringing up good conversation about race and racism with children and teens. We hope they are helpful to you, too. Readers, we hope you do not visit this list this week and move on. We have reviewed these books over the years because they are always important. Books About Racism for Children and…

Ryan Hart, a next-generation Ramona Quimby, makes sunshine out of challenges in this warm-hearted series opener. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson. Bloomsbury, 2020, 175 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 7-11, or 5-10 as a read-aloud Ryan’s name means “king”–that’s her comeback when people observe it’s a boy’s name. It’s a leader’s name, and Ryans parents gave it to her because they want her to feel powerful when her name is called. Not in a bossy way, but in a self-assured way. But how do you feel powerful when your dad loses his job? and the landlord decides to sell the house you’re living…