Picture Books
Mailing May
by Michael O. Tunnell
Seventy-five miles of Idaho mountains stand between May and her grandmother. The 1914 terrain makes automotive travel nearly impossible. And a train ticket costs nearly a day's wages, a sum May's parents just can’t afford. When they learn that a US postal package could be sent on the train for just a few dollars, however, they decide to send her another way...by mail. This is the true story of five-year-old Charlotte May Pierstorff and her adventures as a “domestic parcel.”
Buffalo Music
by Tracey E. Fern
Based on the true story of Texas rancher Mary Ann Goodnight who adopted several orphaned buffalo calves after their herd was hunted to extinction, this book introduces readers to President Roosevelt's plan to regrow the buffalo population in the newly created Yellowstone National Park. Mary Anne's babies grew up to have babies of their own and in time became one of five foundational US buffalo herds in the national park system.
Please note: In keeping with the late 19th-century vernacular of the southwest, one of the characters uses the word "Lordy" a few times.
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
by Marjorie Priceman
What do you do when the local market closes and you have a hankering for a homemade apple pie? You travel the globe to gather all the necessary supplies--the wheat, the cinnamon, the apples, and more in order to create a tasty treat. In the process, you see all the sights and meet all the people.
In true living literature style, this book gently introduces young readers to the geography, topography, and cultures of different countries around the world.
The Seven Silly Eaters
by Mary Ann Hoberman
Every mother knows that children are picky eaters. But in the Peters' home, there are seven children. That means there are seven different opinions about food at each and every meal. For a while, Mrs. Peters does her best to accommodate all the different taste buds but begins to realize that short-order cooking is not sustainable. It isn't until the children try to make her a birthday cake that everyone realizes how complicated the kitchen has really become.
Leveled Readers
Hot Dog
by Molly Coxe
It's a hot day for this farm dog who does all he can to find a cool place to land.
This Level 1 reader is a great first step for kids who need practice with one-vowel words. The sentences are short and contain 3-5 phonetically appropriate words. For instance: "Dog is hot. Mom is not."
The Long Way to a New Land
by Joan Sandin
A letter has arrived from America! For Carl Erick and his family who are among the thousands of Swedes starving during the 1868 and '69 draught, this letter from Uncle Axel is a welcome invitation to start a new life in a new land. Papa and Mama agree that life in America must surely be better than the current conditions of Sweden. So, they sell the farm, pack their few belongings, and book passage on a ship that will take the whole family, including Carl Erik, to a more promising future.
This Level 3 reader has five short chapters with pictures on every page.
Illustrated Chapter Books
Hotel Flamingo
by Alex Milway
Anna Dupont has inherited a dilapidated animal hotel. The trouble is, she knows nothing about running a hotel and even less about the animals she hopes to welcome as guests. With the help of a lively cast of four-footed characters and a flock of dancing flamingos, however, she is able to bring the hotel back to its former glory days.
The first in a series of four books, this simple yet charming story has delightful illustrations on every page.
The Bears of Hemlock Mountain
by Alice Dalgliesh
Young Jonathan has always been told that there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain. But one winter day, he's sent on an errand all by himself. He must travel through the woods to Aunt Emma's. Could the rustling and crunch-crunch-crunch sound he hears be a bear?
This story will leave young readers on the edge of their seats. (Please note: One of the editions contains a rather scary-looking picture on the cover. The book, however, is not scary. While it is suspenseful, it wraps with a happy ending for all.)
Parents, Be Aware
What is God Like?
by Matthew Paul Turner and Rachel Held Evans
Through a series of similes that compare God to an eagle, a river, a shepherd, a fort, and many other parts of creation, this picture book attempts to give young readers a better understanding of His character and nature.
Things to know: Various pronouns are used in reference to God including he, she, and they. In addition, one illustration portrays God as three androgynous-looking dancers.
Fortunately, the Milk
by Neil Gaiman
Dad went out one day to get milk. Milk, that was all. But he returned with a fantastical tale about being captured by space aliens, pirates, and eventually a prehistoric dinosaur. What finally saves him? The milk.
Things to know: This is a silly, quick novel with even sillier illustrations on every page. Partway through the book when the dinosaur comes on the scene, the text reads, "150 million years ago." There is also a line or two about some cavemen-type people who have plans to sacrifice the milk-carrying father to their gods.
Just for you, Mom
No One Ever Asked
by Katie Ganshert
When an affluent school is forced to open its doors to kids in an impoverished neighborhood, tensions begin to rise all over town. Three very different women, all struggling with their own personal heartaches, are forced to come face to face with their false assumptions of others.
This was one of the best contemporary Christian fiction books I've read in a long time. It had believable characters, a compelling plot, and unlike many Christian fictions, did not sound contrived and unnecessarily preachy. It not only unpacked the very real struggle of racial tension in this country but also revealed the darker side of adoption that no one ever wants to talk about.