Do you love poetry and nature? If so, you will love Poems for Every Season--A Year of Haiku, Sonnets, and More written by Bette Westera and illustrated by Henriette Boerendans. It was translated by David Colmer and published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. The...
Summary Finding Harmony: The Kitten Who Taught Friends Kindness by Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Alejandro O’Kif, follows the story of a little girl, Casey, trying to find her lost kitten, Harmony. Her friends offer to help her search, but they end up arguing over...
In Janice Green’s new picture book, Outside ABCs, more than twenty-six birds, butterflies, and woodland creatures dance across the pages. Green’s rhyming text tells us a tidbit or two about each creature she features. Each page reminds young readers that...
I host Storytime at our local public library once a month. I always look for books for holidays and seasons. Since America will be celebrating its 250th on July 4th this year, I did a search for books for younger children on this topic. I only found one at the time....
The Premise Some books linger with you—the images stay in your mind; the words dance around in your thoughts; and you can’t wait to read them again. Such is the case with Hilary Echol’s debut picture book, What if the World is a Letter? . This picture book showcases...
In Nuria Figueras’s “The Visit”, Little Fox cautiously welcomes Silence to come in and soon gains a new friend.
My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond is a tale of knights and kings, villains and monsters, and magical beings from the spirit world. But Lond has added a clever twist—it's hard to tell which is which! Who are the heroes, and who are the villains in this upside-down...
Do you love fairy tale retellings? If so, you will love The Princess and the Grain of Rice written by Tina Cho and illustrated by Honee Jang. It is a fabulous Korean retelling of The Princess and the Pea. The rich illustrations are beautiful, making the book even more...
A One-Sided Relationship One-sided relationships are challenging especially for children and their pets, and Johan Leynaud captures these feelings perfectly in his book Arthur’s Cat, translated from French by Sarah Ardizzone. Leynaud’s simple color palette of pastels...
A Simple Idea That Feels So Full There’s something really special about a story that feels simple on the surface but carries something deeper underneath—and The Missing Piece by Megan K. Palmer quietly does exactly that. From the beginning, I was drawn into the image...
Author Kathleen Bostrom has a new release from Tommy Nelson entitled See What God Made. Beautifully illustrated by artist Janet Samuel, it is an engaging and colorful lift-the-flap board book. The charming text leads the readers through each day of the biblical...
The Premise Jennifer Grant and Julianna Swaney’s book, Consider the Lilies , was released on February 10th. It’s the second book in the Consider series, published by Eerdmans, and is a beautiful account of the...
J.J. Fischer specializes in fantastic Christian fantasy, and her newest book, Christmas on The Goblin Express, might her most fun read yet. This cozy Christmas romantasy is the perfect book to kick off the holiday season. A Summary of the Story: To escape Christmas,...
I’m excited to share with you two unique Christmas pictures books that have released this month. As we head into the holiday season, be sure to check these out! They would make the perfect gift for the child in your life. Meanwhile, Back at the Manger by Brenda Covert...
Today, I'm excited to introduce Robin Currie to you. Robin spent her library career in the children’s department where she could baa, moo, and honk without getting shushed. Her writing engages children not only in noisemaking but also in jumping, waving, and...
Summary This lower middle grade fantasy set in an ancient Mesoamerican world builds hope and courage rising from destruction. Soledad is a victim of the Phoenix’s evil plagues, just like the rest of her former village. But she’s also different. She’s hiding with her...
Consider the Birds by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, is a lovely new book published by Eerdmans Books that utilizes the activity of birds to subtly remind kids that God sees every detail. Summary In my opinion, the story hints of the verse Matthew...
In today’s review of “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Lin, we’re discussing the beautiful themes this story holds.
Author Olivia Armstrong has a new release from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers entitled The Birds of Christmas . It is beautifully illustrated by artist Mira Miroslavova and is based on a European folktale. This Christmas tale chronicles how the robin got his red...
It’s August, and I have another Christmas book for you! This time it’s because the release date is September 2nd. That’s 2 weeks away! Summary In a tiny barn in Bethlehem, Old Hannah the cow lives alone until the cold wind drives other animals to seek shelter. One by...
Join us for a review of “When I Talk to God, I Talk About You” by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins. Illustrated by Lisa Fields
I know it’s not the Christmas season, but let’s have a little Christmas in July fun! Summary Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job, written and illustrated by Tina Neely, is the story about Bacon, a potbelly pig who wants to help his forever family with Christmas...
When my dad passed away in April 2024, a friend mailed me a copy of the devotional Every Moment Holy Volume 1 written by Douglas Kaine McKelvey and published by Rabbit Room Press. There are several volumes in the series, and I have since purchased Volume 2 which is...
Join us for a review of “Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them” by Melanie Crowder and Megan Benedict.
If you’re looking for a condensed gospel presentation to use as an affordable giveaway for children’s ministry events or something that’s lightweight for mailing, consider The Gospel Story for Kids: God’s Story of Love from Creation to Revelation by Tama Fortner. Of...
One of my favorite books in elementary school was Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants by Lori Z. Scott. When I heard that she also writes YA novels, I was curious to see how they would compare. I was excited to find out that her sense of humor carries over to her most...
Some books feel like a gift — and God's Perfect Peace by Glenys Nellist is one of those rare treasures. It’s more than just a bedtime story; it’s a beautifully written and illustrated blessing and invitation to rest in God’s love and peace. Honestly, it’s the kind of...
Have you ever considered beta reading or book reviewing? Check out 3 benefits of being a beta reader or book reviewer.
THE SYNOPSIS Remmy Raccoon is excited because the fair is in town—and that means carnival food! He is very hungry. He dumpster dives to find his favorite munchables, but don’t worry, he always washes them before eating. When he finds a pink, fluffy confectionary...
In Karen Ferguson’s newest picture book, Guess Who Is in God’s Family, Papa Joe once again opens God’s Word to satisfy Lucy’s curiosity about her family. Papa Joe explains God’s creation of the very first family, and that we all came from this first family in gentle,...
As I’ve said before, I enjoy reading historical fiction novels, and I was especially excited to get to read an ARC of Half-Truths by Carol Baldwin. I first met Mrs. Baldwin at a Write2Ignite conference in 2018, and she walked me through writing my first book review...
I am delighted to bring you my review for The Other Side of Sunshine by Kay DiBianca. This story is a middle grade mystery (ages 9-12), but with a protagonist who is only 10-years-old, kids on the younger side of middle grade will enjoy it. I think older kids will...
Barnaby the Runaway Sheep, written by Maria Antonia and illustrated by Sayani Mukherjee, is a endearing picture book about a sheep who must learn to trust his shepherds. Barnaby is afraid of having his wool snipped so he does everything he can to avoid it. First, he...
Join us for a book review of “Children of the Fog”, Pam Zollman’s character driver, middle grade fantasy novel.
In Guess How Much God Loves You author Karen Ferguson reminds little Lucy, and other kids five to seven years old, that God created them because He loves them.
Maisie Discovers Her Fingerprint written by Sandra Kay Chambers is a picture book written to help children understand that God created each of us in a unique and special way. Children will enjoy the repetitive text and will soon join in with the “Yes, Yes, Yes” and...
Join us for a discussion of Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien and the joy of storytelling.
Growing up, I loved Thanksgiving. It was one of the few times my extended family got together. And while it wasn’t anywhere close to a Norman Rockwell experience, being together meant so much to my young heart. My aunt usually hosted, and she was a fantastic cook. I...
A Turkey for Thanksgiving, by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Diane de Groat, is the perfect picture book to read for Thanksgiving.
What comes to your mind when you read the name of Laura Ingalls Wilder? Does it carry you back to when you were captivated by the freckle-faced little girl with braided pigtails from the popular television show Little House on the Prairie? Or does it warm your...
Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions To Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose by Sandra Kay Chambers is a devotional to help kids understand the importance of their connection with God. With a fun lesson each day, there’s so much to...
Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds (Author) and Peter Brown (Illustrator) Summary Jasper Rabbit is NOT a little bunny anymore. He’s not afraid of the dark, and he’s definitely not afraid of something as silly as underwear. But when the lights go out, suddenly...
With school in full swing, now is the perfect time to check out another picture book: We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Summary It’s Penelope Rex’s first day of school, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But making friends is hard when they’re so...
“Nothing!” by Natalee Creech and Joseph Cowman, published in 2019 by Worthy Kids, explores the reassuring message of Romans 8:38-39 from a child’s perspective. The book beautifully combines captivating illustrations and lyrical language to convey the unbreakable love of God. With engaging scenarios and literary techniques, it enhances both children’s imaginations and their understanding of God’s love.
One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction, specifically World War II novels (check out my previous review of Until Leaves Fall in Paris ), so I was excited to get to be a part of the ARC team for The Stars We Hold by Melissa Armstrong. I’ve never read a...
I Dream a Dream for You by Bob Hostetler is a sweet board book of bedtime rhymes to read to little ones. This love-filled picture book of dreams and hopes can be shared with the toddlers and young children in your life. REVIEW Full of bold illustrations, I Dream a...
Discover the exciting world of “At Mossingford Gate” by B.K. Napier. Filled with sweet characters and a delightful setting.
Join us for a review of the first two books in the Jolley Tales series, a set of character building picture books.
Book Review – Barbara Seregi’s Armor of God series.
The calendar tells me it's October, but before you know it, December will be here and it'll be time for the holidays. I'm getting ahead of the game with today's book review. Many of you are familiar with the multi-talented award-winning children's author Nikki...
"There is magic in starlight, of course. This is well known. But because the light travels such a long distance, the magic in it is fragile and diffused, stretched into the most delicate of threads. . . Moonlight, however. That is a different story. Moonlight is...
Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri is a true story about Nayeri’s family and his experiences as an Iranian refugee in Oklahoma. Since I enjoy reading memoirs and biographies, the book’s synopsis intrigued me.
“And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.” (Isaiah 34:7 KJV) If you ever come across this verse in the King James Bible, it might give you some pause....
Join us for a review of “Skyborn: Sparrow Rising,” a captivating middle-grade fantasy novel by Jessica Khoury.
Helping little ones walk each day with Jesus
Join us for a review of Kathleen Long Bostrom’s new book, ‘Since the Baby Came’, a story about new siblings, written in 16 poems.
I was excited to get a chance to read and review the second installment of The Red War Annals, The Red Bard of Roche by Helena S. George, after reading and reviewing its predecessor, The Lost Bard of Taliyaven, last year.
I recently reviewed the first novel in Tim Shoemaker’s High Water series, Escape from the Everglades. While I enjoyed Escape from the Everglades, its sequel, Every Hidden Thing, is my favorite of the two.
Join Karley Conklin for a discussion of 3 tips for growing strong and healthy writing habits, from James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits”.
I was able to meet Tim Shoemaker at a homeschool convention when I was about ten, and my mother purchased his novel Code of Silence for me. It was one of my favorite novels, and I was excited to review the first two novels in his High Water series, Escape from the Everglades and Every Hidden Thing.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HOPE Hope, second of the three great virtues named in 1 Corinthians 13, can be hard to come by, in life or writing. Refresh Your Hope , third in Lori Hatcher’s “Refresh” devotional series, reminds readers that the essence of hope is found,...
I first heard about The Reason by Lacey Sturm when I read and reviewed God Breathed by Rut Etheridge III last summer. In God Breathed, Etheridge references The Reason and includes many quotations that greatly intrigued me. The more quotations that I read, the more that I wanted to read this book.
Melanie Dickerson’s novels are usually adaptions of fairy tales such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” and Veil of Winter is no exception. It is part of a new series, Dericott Tales, which Dickerson began after completing her intriguing Hagenheim series.
REVIEW OF JACK VS. THE TORNADO Jack vs. the Tornado by Amanda Cleary Eastep is the first book in the series, The Tree Street Kids, and tells the story about ten-year-old Jack Finch. He has to leave his home on a farm and move to the suburbs so his dad can find a...
Sharing Christmas books such as Happy Birthday, Christmas Child with little ones is a wonderful way to provide time to treasure the true story of Christmas.
Why do we think it is strange for young children to want to praise the Lord? Author Vanessa Fortenberry turns this idea on its head in her book Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God.
Behind the Story of Inside the Ten-Foot Line Inside the Ten-Foot Line by Lori Scott broaches issues such as life goals, God’s leading, and relationships, but also deeper relevant subjects like eating disorders, grief, and physical abuse. All these themes grow...
Annette Whipple’s “Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs” is perfect for kids who love to learn about the wonders of this world and its creatures.
The Lost Bard of Taliyaven by Helena S. George is a Christian fantasy novel that follows the story of Masha, a villager who is forced to flee her hometown when a neighboring country invades.
Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors, and her latest novel, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, does not disappoint. Until Leaves Fall in Paris is a stand-alone novel that loosely connects to Sundin’s previous novel, When Twilight Breaks.
In my last post, I gave a brief overview of Jaime Jo Wright’s novels and a review of her most recent one, The Souls of Lost Lake. I also mentioned two of her other novels, Echoes Among the Stones and The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, which I have read recently.
I have read nearly all of Jaime Jo Wright’s novels and enjoyed them, especially her most recent one, The Souls of Lost Lake.
Sally Matheny recommends 3 books for Christian teens.
Everyone likes a good party, especially one that gives you a personalized invitation in the shape of a puzzle piece. This is how Tim Tebow's debut picture book, "Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember," begins. The animals in the story each receive their own unique...
Deborah DeCiantis reviews Lori Hatcher’s new devotional, Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon devotions to restore power and praise
Ever feel as if your writing is a waste of time? That the entire universe is laughing at your paltry literary efforts? That’s one of my biggest fears, and it’s founded on reality. I wrote three unsuccessful children’s book series for David C. Cook in the 1990s. And by...
“Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village? Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with worry and bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is wooing and preparing her for a greater mission—far beyond what she could imagine. This middle-grade historical novel reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost.”
Book review of The Sky So Heavy by Kathryn Dover
Book review of Bedtime with Mommy.
Save the Cat Saves Your Novel–in more than one way!
Guest blogger Esther Bandy recommends several books for middle grade readers and young adults.
“Isn’t it common for Christians to talk about Jesus with far less interest than we show for our favorite team, music, or food?” (22) If God doesn’t speak to you in any other quote from God Breathed by Rut Etheridge III, He will through this one. At least, Etheridge’s...
A writer can never have enough craft books—true or false? True, of course! In that case, I have two for you. The first, Blueprint for a Book is written by Jennie Nash, and the second is The Conflict Thesaurus. Both stellar in helping you flesh out plot and characters.
Two young adult readers review BEAUTIFUL by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma and share why they recommend it.
Book review of a young adult fantasy, The Button Girl.
What do you think of when you hear the title Purple Moon ? I didn’t know what to expect when I purchased this novel by Tessa Emily Hall at the Write2Ignite conference in 2018. Purple Moon is full of plot twists and keeps you in suspense. The reader is constantly...
Write 2Ignite rarely posts two reviews of the same book. But, in a few weeks Helena George will be posting a great article on how to write a clean YA book and I thought I'd bring her book to your attention again. - Carol Baldwin, blog administrator. ***** Sarah...
Wanting to support a Christian journalist who openly owns her faith, I pre-ordered a copy of Shannon Bream’s new book, The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today (HarperCollins, 2021), but I confess my expectations were...
In my last post, I talked about one of the assigned essay collections for my creative nonfiction course: The World is on Fire by Joni Tevis. Although the book did not appeal to me at first, within the first pages, I was captivated by Tevis’ unique writing style:...
Last September, Joyce Hostetter was our first Master Class Teacher on writing Middle Grade books. It is my privilege to share her next book (unfortunately, the last in the Bakers Mountain Stories series), EQUAL with you. PROLOGUE When I went to the river that day in...
Laura Sassi, our Master Class instructor, gives us a peek into her publication journey.
Social Media for Today’s Writer offers practical advice for building an author platform. Read a full review here.
Suffer Strong: A Book Review by Kathryn Dover I reviewed Katherine and Jay Wolf’s first book, Hope Heals, a few months ago and have been looking forward to reading the sequel, Suffer Strong (Zondervan, 2020). Suffer Strong is different from its predecessor but...
A Review by Jean Matthew Hall of STEERING THE CRAFT: A TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY GUIDE TO SAILING THE SEA OF STORY by Ursula K. LeGuin Dear Writers, If the beauty of language thrills you; If you love weaving words, sounds and silences as they move readers through a story;...
by Jean Matthew Hall Gus Makes a Fuss is a cute and funny introductory story to Puddle Dog Press’ Pet Sitters series for new readers (in grades one through three). Our own Penny Reeve co-authors this series. Lina and Cassie have been best friends forever. They...
"Too few [writers] are open to the possibility that the business side calls for as much imagination as the artistic process itself . . . An open attitude toward business can provide focus, discipline, and, sometimes most importantly, self-awareness about what you want...
I do not read many fantasy novels, but when I heard about LAUNCH by Jason C. Joyner (Little Lamb Books, 2020), it appealed to me. LAUNCH follows the story of four teenagers, Sarah Jane, Lily, Demarcus, and Harry, as they experience the Launch Conference hosted by...
"Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Ps. 34:11 NKJV As a group of writers dedicated to sharing our faith with the next generation, do we effectively communicate thanksgiving and hope in difficult events as well as holidays? Why...
REVIEW Pebbles is a wonderful, reflective collection of devotionals with modern-day parables suitable for readers in their mid-teens written by one of our Write2Ignite bloggers, Leah Meahl. Girl readers in particular may be more inclined to draw similarities...
When I received an email about Cracks in the Ice by Deanna K. Klingel , I could not wait to read it. While I enjoyed the novel, it was not what I expected. The synopsis on the back cover described the protagonist, Gina Mangalli, as a mafia princess, but the...