<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>House full of Bookworms</title>
	<atom:link href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/</link>
	<description>helping find the right books for your child</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:52:04 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-HFB-logo.png?fit=32%2C32&#038;ssl=1</url>
	<title>House full of Bookworms</title>
	<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
<site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">76678873</site>	<item>
		<title>Starting a Church Children&#8217;s Library</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/starting-a-church-childrens-library/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Book Lists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children's library]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[church library]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[starting a children's library at your church]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[starting a church children's library]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=4057</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I recently volunteered to restart our church&#8217;s children&#8217;s library, and I thought y&#8217;all might be interested in the process. After all, when I went looking for resources on how to start a church library, I found very little. And even if you could never see yourself as a volunteer church librarian, you might be interested [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/starting-a-church-childrens-library/">Starting a Church Children&#8217;s Library</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>I recently volunteered to restart our church&#8217;s children&#8217;s library, and I thought y&#8217;all might be interested in the process. After all, when I went looking for resources on how to start a church library, I found very little. And even if you could never see yourself as a volunteer church librarian, you might be interested in the book list below.</p>



<p>My church growing up had a good sized library, but being a rather shy child, I never ventured in. We&#8217;ve been members at our current church for over a decade. I knew there was a library, but it seemed to have been set up long ago with some complicated cataloging system that was no longer followed. No one was weeding it or adding new books. We have a lot of kids in our smallish congregation, so I thought volunteering as children&#8217;s librarian might be a way I could use my gifts to serve. </p>



<p>Here are the steps I took to establish our church&#8217;s children&#8217;s library.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Ask if starting a children&#8217;s library is a need at your church</h2>



<p>The first thing I did, after talking with my husband and praying, was as a couple friends at church. They were excited about the idea and encouraged me to pursue it.</p>



<p>Next, I talked to the pastor. Who you talk to could vary depending on the size and set up of your church. You may need to approach an elder or committee. But I know my pastor well, and he has several kids. Needless to say, he excited about the idea and agreed to take it to the church elder board.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Develop a mission statement for the library</h2>



<p>Next, I developed a mission statement for our children&#8217;s library. Before this idea was presented to the board or congregation, I wanted to clarify the intention behind this project. This isn&#8217;t just helpful in casting a vision. It&#8217;s also essential because it will help determine what kinds of books belong in your church library. </p>



<p>Here are some examples of topics you need to consider: Christian romance, fictional magic and how it&#8217;s handed (remember, a no magic policy excludes Narnia). I&#8217;d recommend reading C.S. Lewis&#8217;s article &#8220;<a href="https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=9117">On Three Ways of Writing for Children</a>&#8221; to start your thought process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Make a wish list of books</h2>



<p>Once I had a mission statement, I made a list of books I&#8217;d love to see in our church library. I started with an Excel sheet, but I realized an Amazon wish list was also a great method for sharing the list with co-conspirators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Ask for a book budget</h2>



<p>Your church may have an idea of how much they want to spend on a library. But be prepared that they may just ask you for a budget! Thankfully, you already have a book list, so you can estimate spending. But don&#8217;t forget supplies you might need, like bookshelves, labels, book card pockets, an address stamp, or a book return bin. I suggest asking for a get started budget plus quarterly funds to add to the library as more books are requested.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Create a method for taking book requests</h2>



<p>This one was easy for me as I also manage the church&#8217;s website. But a web form isn&#8217;t the only method. You could have a physical suggestion box in the library. </p>



<p>Whatever method you choose, I&#8217;d recommend asking people to read your mission statement before submitting a request.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Decide how to handle book donations</h2>



<p>Be prepared for people to start handing you random books at church. Ideally, there should be a method for this too. I&#8217;ve created a web form for it, but there could be a donation box, or you could ask people to email you photos of the books they&#8217;d like to donate. </p>



<p>The important thing is to make sure people know their donated books might not make it to the shelves. Often people will want to donate old paperback books whose condition might not be suitable to a library. Other times, they won&#8217;t align with your mission statement. But this is exactly why you need that mission statement. You aren&#8217;t choosing by whim (though these conversations still may not be easy). Have a donation method set up for books that are not chosen. It could be a free book bin or you might drop the books off at a resale shop connected with a charity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Weed current titles</h2>



<p>If you are revamping an already existing church library, like I am, there may already be a selection of books. In my case, I believe they&#8217;ve all been there at least thirty years. Some have pages falling out. Some are very dated and not appealing to young readers. And some, while fine for a home library, have been included into the church library for no apparent reason. I kept about half of the current selection, and I may weed more if it becomes apparent that some titles are not being checked out. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Enlist allies</h2>



<p>I&#8217;d recommend at least one co-conspirator. You&#8217;ll want someone who can add something you can&#8217;t. Since I&#8217;m more of a fiction person, I&#8217;m grateful my co-librarian is a non-fiction person. Her kids are also much younger than mine, so she adds a different perspective there as well. Just make sure you can agree on the mission statement!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. Evaluate ways to catalog books</h2>



<p>You could go full library mode and use the Dewey decimal system. But to me, it seems sufficient to have books alphabetical by author in two sections: fiction and non-fiction. We also plan to link to a Google Sheet from the website with a list of all books currently in circulation.</p>



<p>If your church has a consistent budget, you could also consider an electronic catalog through a service like <a href="https://www.librarycat.org/">TinyCat</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. Make the check out procedures clear</h2>



<p>Our church uses an honor system rather than a staffed library open only certain hours. However, that doesn&#8217;t mean a free-for-all is the only option. Ideally, clearly printed check out signs will help indicate how to check out books. We use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Self-Adhesive-Library-Checkouts-Classroom-Supplies/dp/B06Y22QNKH?content-id=amzn1.sym.0c23c44b-a15d-4459-8a8b-26f4b0b72963%3Aamzn1.sym.0c23c44b-a15d-4459-8a8b-26f4b0b72963&amp;crid=1FKXE7U4YUCLM&amp;cv_ct_cx=book+pockets+self+adhesive&amp;keywords=book+pockets+self+adhesive&amp;pd_rd_i=B06Y22QNKH&amp;pd_rd_r=7f39fb43-7df3-4b94-8640-d0463aed71b0&amp;pd_rd_w=a1tCb&amp;pd_rd_wg=5bdSn&amp;pf_rd_p=0c23c44b-a15d-4459-8a8b-26f4b0b72963&amp;pf_rd_r=56BQBTTB26A5QHHVW5DB&amp;qid=1764445081&amp;sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=book+pockets%2Caps%2C188&amp;sr=1-4-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&amp;aref=9vBGywBVGi&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=0e3e3bcd2fe2b07c569f3b163f3d1b42&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">book pockets with check out cards</a>. That way, it enables us to see what books are being checked out or who might have forgotten they have a book at home. All the books will have a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Avery-Address-Printers-Permanent-Adhesive/dp/B00004Z5SM?crid=3G5YJZG5TIG50&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.v5EjUl98nWCjciXzDQostWOLRjEyXhWMd5vYHZvcTo0XRS5AOrZdNbFiV4DKUK2aLfqgq0cphxxQRBbM6ekIxYmzEJ7RNYiqsyNM122KFHJ21Ae-aVslRRCQebZhy5uRJhStZKAktX94cK8Qrh5jf5Zlc3m0R06s8KjIq1zkssrjqp0Hm-FpEQ7vHnGRwjKbgyoBER_SAAyqJgxuhksb2xlLtnSh0ydNp3sc6HemzFM6nidm1EmyF7om-ggvv28jtUzeK6FLrnfpIc4tm7joFUBAscvyXuzriD53fONwLR8.lNbNUnM17DJLsGhNdBaUZfAfSqF-Yt_YJ3OilXyuvLM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=avery%2Blabels&amp;qid=1764445148&amp;s=office-products&amp;sprefix=avery%2B%2Coffice-products%2C328&amp;sr=1-1&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=22de1e6e1380cfdbb6864b29b9b4a3c7&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">label</a> on the spine to indicate they are from our church library. Also, rather than having kids or parents re-shelve books on their own, we have a book return basket. This also helps ensure book cards are placed back inside their proper volumes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Starter Book List for the Children&#8217;s Library at my Church</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060244887?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=43d59e5d3dde0ae0a9332a2d2353d61f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Chronicles of Narnia</a> (hardcover) by C.S. Lewis</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/059323569X?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=f3501b90924383ddd81c818a5a5fa72c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Wingfeather Saga</a> by Andrew Peterson</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bark-Bog-Owl-Wilderking-Trilogy/dp/1951872266?pd_rd_w=MjemE&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&amp;pf_rd_p=dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&amp;pf_rd_r=M7KR0XWDG4RTTSXDXA94&amp;pd_rd_wg=WpcV2&amp;pd_rd_r=0165fe01-0fc5-4559-9cfd-e691a208f60f&amp;pd_rd_i=1951872266&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=58487d965b3572d2b5515c5c7d8c95f3&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Wilderking Trilogy</a> by Jonathan Rogers</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1546000429?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=6c74d75d6d85daaf4b050fefb4a4422d&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Secrets of the Hidden Scrolls</a> series by M.J. Thomas</li>



<li><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Place-Graphic-Novel/dp/0800762541?crid=ND21RMPSOS6J&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PCD1d1X1VvRR51CI9AQD-oebHoHbQ0rTYehFBuPJWr8vmf3KIAm4dX1PzHwxiDoEDywIwrobeQrPjmWQnWzMAMzIXYIm_E32Dd9-cn3Z8pZS6HLp9b-z62uoTO9WfI8uIGLuPIPqSTc9qSYzu4XvEaJpxRkcrfgY1CqnSQkhJnnqZx2HCQbKJCwcQtdfFnhqBMrHIpc1fqhLBoQJ8HHtTxNpJiVT39Q3AQ9bT_ENQ7U.sUw7fM6L-wYNXRd0i6SjYEqyeh3Y3Lbps2AO8Pp9Mhk&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+hiding+place+graphic+novel&amp;qid=1764450350&amp;sprefix=hiding+place+gra%2Caps%2C224&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=4c754d5331022cad416fe1d609d11f00&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Hiding Place</a> </em>graphic novel</li>



<li><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0736977341?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=9e0d66e53ca376766facacb2060c4ad7&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God</a></em> by Shirley Raye Redmond</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0736981330?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=a7bbe9102993fed544b86f5c861b9fb2&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><em>Brave Heroes and Bold Defenders: 50 True Stories of Daring Men of God</em> </a>by Shirley Raye Redmond</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00POQMOKY?coliid=I2DMYYNXOTY3DG&amp;colid=U64PZ1B253W&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=d42bbe263d8989b96246c210d42741c9&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Imagination Station</a> books 1-15</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Squirrels-6-Pack-Books-Squirrelnapped/dp/1496462815?crid=6IAYQ0GQD2US&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M-XviQrLfPzANZDqYkfQdlkXBZacAm6AQlgaKqkzx4zkkxrhX8A6aCusV-8I9TAp-8GjnlBe4iNJqr-ZCIgvTE5dNL9OMPd-NMYCAQBwSCZfDQQXBvUbiuoWNd4-nqXLfoCo2kd4ado9uJjlRzUz4HC4pPNNQZA66z_jivzlgcHqTb86xrq2dOKczu5VEuIT-YDr0ogH-QoVe8uQTvx7wjp8stiZhB0ByUcuD2_N5oA.74E_upKmX3WY35CfTgT2I0pRB2S-wGBm0-h8adlaOF0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=dead+sea+squirrels+book+set&amp;qid=1764450380&amp;sprefix=dead+se%2Caps%2C257&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=158ac509d07f2b1e85cf1914f3e5430a&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Dead Sea Squirrels</a> books 1-6 by Mike Nawrocki</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Green-Ember-4-Book-Set/dp/B086PKX473?crid=CLON1JU5B8C7&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0I7e9C2pgAILbAdg1SFN-Xu_3gNqmNxr1XuW4Gz94Y5yZ5j3Gxx9el5v076LmWDiNgLs-rDcTsy1EhznCY71zsc3my2Emnr796qxr5KqdWU-dFQ84s-TjoA8vhBXahaSGr37qbp-nJiAtWngQWtIC711nseW4nUBzt6IsmmffEnOE1_7F5EAa-AJyFPNvtcCMG0N6v7lC1KWWZB6dHr4H2NFtkk806PuDcUrMSUX8rk.G1DZ1vzWYUGEx8TjFTwcWxJdmsxhff_bZ3giyRzZsNo&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=green+ember+series+book+set&amp;qid=1764450413&amp;sprefix=green+ember%2Caps%2C178&amp;sr=8-4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=dbdeed5bb6a5ab7afe49351c5a00dbab&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Green Ember main series</a> (hardcover) by S.D. Smith</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Street-Amanda-Cleary-Eastep/dp/0802432905?crid=384R1XGFDV6KY&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BySRyxw0Ld06Hgqq4tPzHgp7B-ypxSDJV7M1TZ3AUHRl4660xsI_FCFceDS7Cbv61GM0zBO4PI8bQW8xXKs-6NjKHUgU-4EC-WHQqb0EtogGeDmYqCVYG53JZb3eSbcUAyU0PArvK2_a6-nTOaUrP1zZoMDIAVN4orMNQfcuBQrEmSC_IOqBrLCAvFTzWK1rzQNbgEL-WJlTWXChnMYKuUmOdBTvsqBu2HYWMjFRP2U.agd4GimIo-CHzhL-oQV-yRLlf-7jWDNX0is_Kri26dw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=tree+street+kids+book+set&amp;qid=1764450454&amp;sprefix=tree+street+kids+book+set%2Caps%2C123&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=7c88723248d1bfec7c7b079fb05d1054&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Tree Street Kids </a>books 1-5 by Amanda Cleary Eastep</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Treasures-Snow-Patricia-St-John/dp/0802465757?crid=30SN0ZIILSWBJ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zyRu_S_a72Bo2P6j9Z9NQtT4Fa0n-NRygKe9Sz_DuGsMmVusF6fV4dXjRreNIw5crpUGd0nzx4HTEhEHN6_XWmNpe36lVZTz6NP9TCRPd60NyENEYt9MKU_URwNfhcQELby6pVqNRbB3_Ocxu71dqJKuQU7zL1lL1eFuxyPpdqvrouqZvv42N3T33JxM23lEK9Rbg0-RbUeFfeuDQohaE3eDhNGfXB3o-_BsmN_qCIw.LXKgoJkbcuTL4FLxnMKeM_zNm69SDq73WCtl6VvGMVc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=treasures+of+the+snow&amp;qid=1764450479&amp;sprefix=treasures+of+the%2Caps%2C172&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=c2d25c408080708a9610dc2b4b13d7b4&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><em>Treasures of the Snow</em> </a>by Patricia St. John</li>



<li><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tanglewoods-Secret-Patricia-St-John/dp/0802465765?pd_rd_w=9YQkL&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&amp;pf_rd_p=dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&amp;pf_rd_r=9YG0BQFD6J9R62229JYB&amp;pd_rd_wg=3fuVq&amp;pd_rd_r=ff6f2222-b0e6-47fa-8ddc-a0af3f9535c6&amp;pd_rd_i=0802465765&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=499a56426bfd53f7d5b4f5b5a112d5bf&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Tanglewoods&#8217; Secret</a></em> by Patricia St. John</li>



<li><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Pilgrims-Progress-Illustrated-Bunyans/dp/0802420532?crid=3MUB0QG75RVXL&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YhyB2rpUYxefmROebcqB05DZ3R3bXn6snOpwiWwDC8ZaGa2uBZSXHPFST71Q67gyKUD-mhfLAkImIHPz6u3gClUp5jjh7Ivi55c-aMFrJ4IyIiZpITr6hRFaSslUr3nvyHzrNmyO5Qd_DfuXRjUwVlLOybh6Xo6zZdpaUrHxQNZFRZiKN2X-e5vi_3DYGLNf0gkB2E83iM7t5pWGiRpiLxtYcH4vxDoQhrmnA4SIzic.rO4eUMuYNYbuZAXeu0R5katZ4gLCugYR7MZQOW4iNDw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=little+pilgrims+progress&amp;qid=1764450529&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=little+pil%2Cstripbooks%2C144&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=776184e207c312939ab6da619691888a&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Little Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress</a></em>, illustrated edition</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1576582086?coliid=I2DFLYWYLJO2VV&amp;colid=U64PZ1B253W&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=c46682d22c201c4921e655c64b65a7e4&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Christian Hero&#8217;s, Then and Now</a>, books 1-10</li>



<li><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-Life-Redemption-Tales/dp/1645074919?crid=1S1W3O1LF9A71&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gR3kiJmx0QtOlEz_qlkTFqAFq7gvBr2PxqMLmYnMErPueute3JwCpJhBQAemySDOXe4e2HlATx-MuXPQ4bpLIk1z3TCqXfgvA4rViMBtA4lP3BgFzOh82OnUi5Z6fyz32gy0CxQCwhjBK2txATv5nzplqBZfYLWDmqKaOFLxqf-vi84Adg3WgjLkgx3USX1DLAZFfpZ1rcjl2-zPOndY9aHge_psz00gNejvA48RRn4.sTf9spKhg-opHscJiE9GY4BGWVLm-zUpY1ZoUEI42ZM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=light+and+the+life&amp;qid=1764450551&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=light+and+the+li%2Cstripbooks%2C200&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=04f191d2c8638f5e3ca0213507515be9&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Light and the Life</a></em> by Marty Machowski</li>



<li><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outsider-Retelling-Biblical-Fiction-Chapter/dp/1802542973?crid=8KH62IZMC2BH&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._Ic43s4DOBNXQuewTyYFrt8FvD8ZOTEvu6jlhh-gJKKtIhhGOGwFOzqyx_hjynFKcyPULvHAQSt8t79_-CF5PXfklHJlEQImpjh_9Nn_Kc4.CCSRWcH7wwbjjkFDXZa0n5mKBWnKDfe9ep5x-6lJWOg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+outsider+katy+morgan&amp;qid=1764450581&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=the+outsider+katy+morgan%2Cstripbooks%2C182&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=6fb6673644c4ea6c5bc14429a9ab35ef&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Outsider</a></em> by Katy Morgan</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Keeper-Saga-Set-Volumes/dp/1433598701?crid=3AGALFEQYDKVI&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.062l5A2RJo1ZOitzP9YuBT4X-1yM-ii3Bf6-j8lFEOcMnwh1WR-WrfPU-WEr5v2RA9XJPr9byWSjj64fu-K3OhDygIZgD_l_xfXMIjHoODuelRf3wEmF7Am3UySObsZEuvfdLTONUmHB4-0JbCfsKnWf_uYKWIeljacxjL5D6skr0W9CFL6gcmyzma0hAGNXSA_KBZmxdFJ965Zb8eVSxYnwkO17IhnctypF5CiNAVc.wxYxLVYeNoNcQZM8pWuH96bOVyl-Qe2bD2-ljDV5auU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+dreamkeeper+saga&amp;qid=1764450605&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=the+dreamkeepr+sag%2Cstripbooks%2C271&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=75142afa77ab2777848c5b2afc1bcdaa&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Dream Keeper Saga</a> by Kathryn Butler</li>



<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Swirling-Restorationists-Carolyn-Leiloglou/dp/0593579542?pd_rd_w=F4J6u&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&amp;pf_rd_p=dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&amp;pf_rd_r=WEFBRRCC36FSTY9W02KQ&amp;pd_rd_wg=AMzK7&amp;pd_rd_r=a54c1fd6-aa6a-4ad0-a719-95d997c813c5&amp;pd_rd_i=0593579542&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=e466467f35f9c241e3116a3ce516bd71&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Restorationists Trilogy</a> by Carolyn Leiloglou (me)</li>
</ul>



<p>It may not look like a huge list, but this is 80 books total. Combined with the two shelves of books already at the church which are still in decent condition, it seems our library is off to a great start. (I should note that many of these were half price Black Friday purchases and I donated several that I received from publishers for various reasons). </p>



<p>I&#8217;m still in the set up phase for our church library, but I hope to have it up and running before the new year!</p>



<p>I&#8217;d love to hear if you have any questions or if you have experience starting a church children&#8217;s library!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/starting-a-church-childrens-library/">Starting a Church Children&#8217;s Library</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4057</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Song of the Stone Tiger</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-song-of-the-stone-tiger/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boys]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magical Realism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle-grade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[glenn mccarty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[magical woods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[north carolina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[song of the stone tiger]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=4048</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;ve been waiting for this book to come out for a LOOOOONNGGG time! You see, I first read it in 2021 when my friend Glenn McCarty and I exchanged manuscripts for feedback. I sent him Beneath the Swirling Sky (which was published in 2023). He sent me The Song of the Stone Tiger. I loved [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-song-of-the-stone-tiger/">The Song of the Stone Tiger</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>I&#8217;ve been waiting for this book to come out for a LOOOOONNGGG time! You see, I first read it in 2021 when my friend Glenn McCarty and I exchanged manuscripts for feedback. I sent him <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593579542?bestFormat=true&amp;k=beneath+the+swirling+sky&amp;crid=3GQS5AK34F1EY&amp;sprefix=beneath+the+sw&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=314ab9314c349e889a94dd46b5ce79b2&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><em>Beneath the Swirling Sky</em> </a>(which was published in 2023). He sent me <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Song-Stone-Tiger-Glenn-McCarty/dp/1958863297?crid=4Q2RL2417GFA&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.63aTJnDx9DESBOjs-exJOuH7pVSMEireSsTU-PIzst1APGsdP_dULHjlIMVNsPQxHcuvmj3gWzblHZzTefMZ4dNGX93qQR0CRAQsVV9EEIbkqF9WW3C1s_R_AE0wUJdh3lEub3E0oyWfQTNioKVRpAa5ait4EPOxdnk1SKYHDOovveE46vnK8hNykmJmfV-I9W_7qfiM2k6rLUjQKzM-TOuzqdWKz1nmrVjUYTSZP4U.FgzewWds_sEXMlN5CPxl1lPwkreQ2Zo3hJTGBGjoBHY&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+song+of+the+stone+tiger&amp;qid=1759776281&amp;sprefix=the+song+of+the+stone+tige%2Caps%2C132&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=d0fe58570b9c706c65bf2cc1194a0e21&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Song of the Stone Tiger</a></em>. I loved his story about a boy processing his mother&#8217;s cancer diagnosis who befriends a tiger in a magical woods, all set in North Carolina. </p>



<p>So when I heard that it was being published by Bandersnatch books, I told Glenn he had to let me endorse it! Here&#8217;s what I wrote:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>&#8220;Get ready for a fantastical adventure that will leave you longing to head outdoors&nbsp;&nbsp;and explore our own amazing earth. With stories and&nbsp;songs&nbsp;woven like vines throughout,&nbsp;<em>The&nbsp;Song&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Stone&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;</em>is a tale of hope, beauty, and friendship that makes ordinary moments feel extraordinary.&#8221;</p>
</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="704" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/241469576.jpg?resize=704%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-4049" style="width:311px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/241469576.jpg?resize=704%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 704w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/241469576.jpg?resize=206%2C300&amp;ssl=1 206w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/241469576.jpg?resize=768%2C1117&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/241469576.jpg?resize=1056%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1056w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/241469576.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w" sizes="(max-width: 704px) 100vw, 704px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Story</h2>



<p>Ten-year-old Thomas arrives in North Carolina with his family for the summer. His mom needs to rest and recover after intensive cancer treatment, but the family soon learns the disease is back. With his parents occupied, his aunt encourages him to explore the woods behind the house. Right away, the woods seem otherworldly. And that&#8217;s before Thomas happens about a stone tiger brought to life by his singing. Through play, exploration, and deep connection, Thomas processes his feelings about his mother&#8217;s diagnosis by trying to help the tiger, Shalomar, stop turning to stone and return home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What I loved about The Song of the Stone Tiger</h2>



<p>The best thing about this story is how McCarty brings the natural world to life and embues it with magic. For most of the story, we aren&#8217;t quite sure if the woods are really magical or if Thomas is just experiencing them that way. But I think this is a book that will pull children out of doors and off to explore the natural world around them. And that is a beautiful thing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Parents should know</h2>



<p>Ten-year-old Thomas ventures into the woods overnight, once without his parents blessing, the second time with, to help Shalomar. I see this more as a story device than a recommendation, but it may be a conversation you want to have with your kids. </p>



<p>Also, as mentioned before, Thomas&#8217; mom has cancer, and he&#8217;s dealing with very serious concerns about what might happen to her and their family. </p>



<p>This is a wonderful novel for ages eight and up! It has elements that will appeal both to kids who prefer more realistic fiction as well as fantasy fans.</p>



<p>Glenn McCarty is also the author of the <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-misadventured-summer-of-tumbleweed-thompson/">Tumbleweed Thompson</a> books. These are great friendship, adventure stories set in the Wild West.</p>



<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-song-of-the-stone-tiger/">The Song of the Stone Tiger</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4048</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beyond the Far Horizon</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/beyond-the-far-horizon/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle-grade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art fiction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beyond the far horizon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[books about art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian fiction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle grade fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the restorationists]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=4037</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I'm thrilled to introduce the finale of my Restorationists trilogy, Beyond the Far Horizon!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/beyond-the-far-horizon/">Beyond the Far Horizon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>I&#8217;m thrilled to introduce the finale of my Restorationists trilogy, <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Horizon-Restorationists-Carolyn-Leiloglou/dp/0593579607?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_w=USaBU&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.9071a05a-ab8a-4eb5-82ca-461a3b81eab8%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&amp;pf_rd_p=9071a05a-ab8a-4eb5-82ca-461a3b81eab8&amp;pf_rd_r=BDJ3Y1006SFJBK1X1FQ9&amp;pd_rd_wg=GZP0o&amp;pd_rd_r=3ce7d383-1893-45f6-9e0c-b5de9b0bb13c&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=b88730b5ce0cbe9ab1e2c59c9bdf02b8&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Beyond the Far Horizon</a></em>! </p>



<p>When I began the Restorationists series, I didn&#8217;t actually know whose story book three would follow. At first, I thought it might be Vincent&#8217;s little sister, Lili, or that maybe Vincent and Georgia would share the focus. Ravi had been a fan favorite from book one with readers asking to know more of his story. And as the series developed, it became clear that this last story belonged especially to him.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&amp;p=1242294&amp;item_no=579601" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/9780593579602.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-4042" style="width:312px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/9780593579602.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/9780593579602.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/9780593579602.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/9780593579602.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/9780593579602.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Story</h2>



<p>When Ravi betrayed &#8220;The Lady&#8221; to join the Restorationists, he didn&#8217;t expect to feel so trapped. But he knows the Restorations have no chance of infiltrating the Distortionists without him. Does he really have a responsibility to these people, or should he just protect himself as best he can? His choice could lead him to isolation or, perhaps, a new family.</p>



<p>This book features new characters, a new Gift (hinted at in <em>Between Flowers and Bones</em>), and even bigger stakes as the Restorationists face their biggest challenge yet!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FAQ</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who is the featured artist?</h2>



<p>There isn&#8217;t a featured artist the same way as in Beneath the Swirling Sky (or even Between Flowers and Bones). Instead, there&#8217;s a featured place. I knew the story would revolve around an attempted heist at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. I even did a research trip there which really informed the writing of this story. </p>



<p>But if any artist could be said to be featured, I&#8217;d say it&#8217;s Henry Ossawa Tanner. The kids visit at least three of his paintings, and one of them is the location of the emotional climax of the book. I hope you&#8217;ll go check out his amazing art.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will there be a hardcover of Beyond the Far Horizon?</h2>



<p>Sadly, no. I realize many people like to have matching sets, so this is disappointing news (to me too). My publisher is moving toward only paperback releases for middle grade novels, and my series got caught in the middle of that shift. </p>



<p>The good news is, if you really need a matching set, the paperbacks are very inexpensively priced (especially at <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&amp;p=1242294&amp;item_no=579601" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">christianbook.com</a>)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is this the last ever Restorationists book?</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s the last one in this story arc, and it&#8217;s the last one under contract&#8230; but it&#8217;s not the last one in my imagination, so we&#8217;ll see! I&#8217;ve gotten many requests for Lili&#8217;s story, and I&#8217;d love to tell it someday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How can I get Carolyn to speak at my book club, school, or conference?</h2>



<p>Take a look at the <a href="https://www.carolynleiloglou.com/school-visits/">options available </a>on my site. Then just use the <a href="https://www.carolynleiloglou.com/contact/">form on my author site</a> to get in touch!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/beyond-the-far-horizon/">Beyond the Far Horizon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4037</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Dream Keeper Saga</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-dream-keeper-saga/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle-grade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[imagination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle grade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle grade fantasy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=3949</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Dream Keeper Saga by Kathryn Butler is an adventurous middle grade fantasy series with clear Christian themes.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-dream-keeper-saga/">The Dream Keeper Saga</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>&#8220;Do we need a new Narnia?&#8221; That&#8217;s what my husband asked me when I described what I felt author Kathryn Butler was trying to achieve in her <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433579472?bestFormat=true&amp;k=dreamkeepers+saga&amp;crid=1X983GD7UZTN6&amp;sprefix=dreamkeepr&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=b87321ee7b8e6e1516de25c0523bbefe&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dream Keeper Saga</a> books. It&#8217;s a good question. In some way, no! I hope that series reigns supreme for a long while in middle grade Christian fantasy! </p>



<p>At the same time, <em>The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe</em> first released 75 years ago. Writing styles have shifted, and tastes have changed, especially among the young. I&#8217;ve spoken with many families who tell me their children aren&#8217;t captured by The Chronicles in the same way I was as a child. And I&#8217;ve seen a hesitancy in my own younger children, even though they&#8217;ve read many other classics.</p>



<p>And while Aslan is irreplacable, I&#8217;d like to introduce you to a new character: Pax. This unicorn is the prince of the Somnium Realm, the place dreams come from. He&#8217;s also a clear Christ figure, especially as the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433579472?bestFormat=true&amp;k=dreamkeepers+saga&amp;crid=1X983GD7UZTN6&amp;sprefix=dreamkeepr&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=b87321ee7b8e6e1516de25c0523bbefe&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dream Keeper Saga</a> progresses.</p>



<p>But let me start from the beginning.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433579472?bestFormat=true&amp;k=dreamkeepers+saga&amp;crid=1X983GD7UZTN6&amp;sprefix=dreamkeepr&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=b87321ee7b8e6e1516de25c0523bbefe&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="663" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/59046414.jpg?resize=663%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-4007" style="width:269px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/59046414-663x1024.jpg 663w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/59046414-480x742.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 663px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Story of The Dragon and the Stone</h2>



<p>Lily&#8217;s imagination often carries her away, which is why her mom doesn&#8217;t believe her story about the small dragon in their kitchen eating the chili. But that dragon insists that Lily come with him to the Somnium Realm. After all, she possesses a soothstone (belonging to her missing-presumed-dead father), which means she must be a dream keeper. </p>



<p>Things are even more complicated in the Realm since Lily is unable to use the soothstone on command and they&#8217;ve inadvertently brought along Adam, a boy who&#8217;s been bullying Lily. The trio spends much of the book is spent trying to reach Castle Iridyll, where they hope to find answers. The last third focuses on the quest to find if her father is alive. </p>



<p>Highlights are when the unicorn Pax, the Prince of the Somnium Realm, enters the scene, only perceived by Lily. I won&#8217;t spoil what happens, but needless to say, it&#8217;s a happy ending.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Series Arc</h2>



<p>The Dream Keeper Saga grows more interesting as the series unfolds. In addition to Adam&#8211;who has become a friend to Lily&#8211;book two introduces a new human character (my favorite), Keisha. While Lily remains the main character, Adam and Keisha have important roles and story arcs of their own. In each book, Pax reveals more about himself and instructs Lily how to follow him. The later books grow in length, complexity, and peril. Ultimately, the series presents a progression analogous to the Christian life of first belief and then learning to trust and obey. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What I loved</h2>



<p><strong>Biblical analogy</strong>&#8211;These books correspond to the Christian life in various ways, and Butler does a great job having Pax be the true hero instead of Lily. In fact, Lily&#8217;s task is often to trust Pax, even when things don&#8217;t make sense.</p>



<p><strong>Parent/child relationship</strong>&#8211;While things do become strained in a later book, I really appreciated that Lily comes to realize her parents are trustworthy and love her, even when they disagree on the right thing to do in a situation.</p>



<p><strong>Themes</strong>&#8211;One of the big themes that resonated with me is that we are made to create. It&#8217;s the same theme that I embedded into my own series, <a href="https://sites.prh.com/the-restorationists" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Restorationists</a>. Another similar theme is that we are given gifts in order to use them to serve others.</p>



<p><strong>Audio versions</strong>&#8211;I read some of the physical books and listened to others. I found the audiobooks very well narrated and enjoyable listens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Parents should know</h2>



<p>As stated before, there are times of strain in Lily&#8217;s relationship with her parents. But ultimately, their relationship is one of love and respect. </p>



<p>There&#8217;s a lot of peril from a missing father to great battles to the possible end of the world! Because of this, and the increasing length of later books, I&#8217;d recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433579472?bestFormat=true&amp;k=dreamkeepers+saga&amp;crid=1X983GD7UZTN6&amp;sprefix=dreamkeepr&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=b87321ee7b8e6e1516de25c0523bbefe&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Dream Keeper Saga</a> as best for readers ten and older.</p>



<p>So is this a new Narnia? No. But if you&#8217;re looking for a series written from a clear love of the gospel, this will certainly satisfy.</p>



<p></p>



<p><em>*I received a copy of each book in the saga as it came out from Crossway. There was no obligation to review. All opinions are my own.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-dream-keeper-saga/">The Dream Keeper Saga</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3949</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>The King&#8217;s Cadets and Little Joe</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-kings-cadets-and-little-joe/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boys]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chapter Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Early Readers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chapter book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early reader]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joe sutphin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kevan chandler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kings cadets and little joe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[little pilgrims progress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[young readers]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=3967</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>If I had to describe The King's Cadets and Little Joe in one word it would be delight. This short chapter book invites early readers to enter the world of Little Pilgrim's Progress, which has been so delightful brought to life by Joe Sutphin. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-kings-cadets-and-little-joe/">The King&#8217;s Cadets and Little Joe</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>If I had to describe <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kings-Cadets-Little-Joe-Adventure/dp/0802433391?crid=1T9J29I6VCFTZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pcgIEtIF118HoJRRpcqZhNazd8Gou6-V4Xt1swZi-1X7eo85YeCxiiLmXkbUT7FQFu95DQM0gGwY7dwgZjR0ng.g5puQWpwy6LgCO0ZSIxbKtS6_O-S3bfij2MvnYIEgeU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=kings+cadets+and+little+joe&amp;qid=1747347394&amp;sprefix=kings+cade%2Caps%2C159&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=ee3652bbd76bf4e2663536cb90d8461f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The King&#8217;s Cadets and Little Joe </a></em>in one word it would be delight. This short chapter book invites early readers into the world of Little Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress, which has been so delightful brought to life by Joe Sutphin. This book of new tales, co-authored by illustrator Joe Sutphin and Kevan Chandler, features five new stories. Readers new to this world can enjoy them just as easily as those already familiar with this world.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kings-Cadets-Little-Joe-Adventure/dp/0802433391?crid=1T9J29I6VCFTZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pcgIEtIF118HoJRRpcqZhNazd8Gou6-V4Xt1swZi-1X7eo85YeCxiiLmXkbUT7FQFu95DQM0gGwY7dwgZjR0ng.g5puQWpwy6LgCO0ZSIxbKtS6_O-S3bfij2MvnYIEgeU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=kings+cadets+and+little+joe&amp;qid=1747347394&amp;sprefix=kings+cade%2Caps%2C159&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=ee3652bbd76bf4e2663536cb90d8461f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="382" height="500" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/216388902.jpg?resize=382%2C500&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3971" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/216388902.jpg?w=382&amp;ssl=1 382w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/216388902.jpg?resize=229%2C300&amp;ssl=1 229w" sizes="(max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Stories</h2>



<p>Each tale, prefaced by a scripture verse, explores The Land of Delight and surrounding areas through the eyes of two young cadets and their brother, Little Joe, a cadet-in-training. Each tale relates a simple situation like finding a gift for a sibling or not being believed when they describe something. Young kids will relate to these stories and characters</p>



<p>Sometimes Little Joe&#8217;s brothers think him too young to join on their adventures. But Little Joe is undeterred. He embodies the idea that we must be childlike to enter the kingdom. The older brothers always learn there&#8217;s more to Little Joe than they thought. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What I loved</h2>



<p>The large text makes this inviting for early readers, though they may still need help with some of the bigger words.</p>



<p>I appreciate that the stories don&#8217;t moralize. Each tale loosely connects to the scripture verse that precedes it, but the authors leave the story to do its work on the reader&#8217;s heart and mind.</p>



<p>And of course I love the illustrations! Sutphin echoes the art style he used in Little Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress but gives it a softer, slightly more cartoonish bent. The overall effect is very inviting.</p>



<p>Christian families looking for sweet chapter books for their early readers will want to add <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kings-Cadets-Little-Joe-Adventure/dp/0802433391?crid=1T9J29I6VCFTZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pcgIEtIF118HoJRRpcqZhNazd8Gou6-V4Xt1swZi-1X7eo85YeCxiiLmXkbUT7FQFu95DQM0gGwY7dwgZjR0ng.g5puQWpwy6LgCO0ZSIxbKtS6_O-S3bfij2MvnYIEgeU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=kings+cadets+and+little+joe&amp;qid=1747347394&amp;sprefix=kings+cade%2Caps%2C159&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=ee3652bbd76bf4e2663536cb90d8461f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The King&#8217;s Cadets and Little Joe</a></em> to their shelves!</p>



<p></p>



<p><em>*I received a complementary copy of this book from Moody Publishers. I was not required to review or endorse the book. All opinions are my own. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-kings-cadets-and-little-joe/">The King&#8217;s Cadets and Little Joe</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3967</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Please Return to the Lands of Luxury by Jon Tilton</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/please-return-to-the-lands-of-luxury-by-jon-tilton/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 12:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dystopian Future]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Imagination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Juvenile Fiction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle-grade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hopeful future stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jon tilton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lands of luxury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[post apocalyptic]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=3951</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Even though it begins on an island of trash, Please Return to the Lands of Luxury by Jon Tilton is a hopeful story about memory, family and friends.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/please-return-to-the-lands-of-luxury-by-jon-tilton/">Please Return to the Lands of Luxury by Jon Tilton</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>I love being surprised by a book that&#8217;s so delightful I just have to share it! I&#8217;d seen the cover of <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Please-Return-Lands-Luxury-Tilton/dp/1960389009?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=f276a7974304455bb629c2ca4d617580&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Please Return to the Lands of Luxury</a></em> floating around Instagram for a while. The cover and title looked interesting, but I had no idea what it might be about. Well, not no idea. I knew it involved a girl living in a land of trash and a place called The Lands of Luxury. I worried the story might be metaphor heavy. But I was pleasantly surprised by a book with great characters and a story about memory, family, and friendship.</p>



<p>I think you&#8217;ll love it too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Please-Return-Lands-Luxury-Tilton/dp/1960389009?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=f276a7974304455bb629c2ca4d617580&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="662" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/81068882.jpg?resize=662%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3952" style="width:263px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/81068882-662x1024.jpg 662w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/81068882-480x742.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 662px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Story of Please Return to the Lands of Luxury</h2>



<p>Jane is happy with her life on the island of trash along with her two friend, Timothy and Rodney. At least, she&#8217;s mostly happy. They find old canned foods among the trash heaps, and the &#8220;metal men&#8221;&#8211;scary robots who are safe to be around as long as the residents stay in line&#8211;distribute water to the residents. But what Jane misses is her parents. What&#8217;s worse, she only has memories of her mother. And she worries she&#8217;ll forget those too, just as memories of her father seem to have disappeared. </p>



<p>So when Jane finds a nearly new looking doll with a tag that asks it be returned to the owner in the Lands of Luxury, she feels compelled to reunite doll and owner. After all, how could anyone forget about something so precious. After a harrowing journey, Jane makes it to the address, only to find a little girl who turns up her nose at both the doll and Jane herself. When a clue to the doll&#8217;s real owner presents itself, Jane worries that the longer she stays in the beautiful Lands of Luxury, the more likely she&#8217;ll be to forget what&#8217;s most precious to her, her memories of her mother.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What I loved</h2>



<p>Hope&#8211;While a futuristic world where some live in trash heaps may not be the most unique premise, I found the approach taken totally unique. I expected a post-apocalyptic story pitting the haves against the have-nots. Instead I found a story full of hope.</p>



<p>Characters&#8211;Tilton dips into the minds of several characters throughout the story, including Jane&#8217;s two friends, who each have their own problems and character growth.</p>



<p>Childlike thinking&#8211;One of the most appealing things about Jane is her child-like logic. The smell of her purple hoodie reminds her of home and her mom. Jane worries her memories might fade if the smell disappears. Her concern feels entirely believable. It draws the reader to consider how we hold onto our memories of those who have passed.</p>



<p>Conversation starter&#8211;&#8220;You don&#8217;t deserve to live in a trash heap. No one does.&#8221; These words, spoken to Jane, should make us all wonder, who in our very real world is facing circumstances similar to Jane&#8217;s. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Parents should know</h2>



<p><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Please-Return-Lands-Luxury-Tilton/dp/1960389009?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=f276a7974304455bb629c2ca4d617580&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Please Return to the Lands of Luxury</a></em> has some peril (such as the scary robots previously mentioned). Even so, I don&#8217;t think it would be too much for the average reader ages 8 and up. (Maybe hold off a bit longer for your sensitive reader.) </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Please-Return-Lands-Luxury/dp/B0BX7G5Z3T?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=4d619880d9a381855c3101fe950aab1b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">audiobook</a> was excellent, and my library had it through Hoopla, so there&#8217;s a good chance yours might too</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/please-return-to-the-lands-of-luxury-by-jon-tilton/">Please Return to the Lands of Luxury by Jon Tilton</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3951</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/sonia-and-the-biggest-block-tower-ever/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Picture Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[book about a child's value]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian picture book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian social emotional learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[imagination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[picture book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[picture books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[read aloud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sonia and the biggest block tower ever]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=3940</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever by Kathryn Butler, illustrated by Samara Hardy, tells a relatable story filled with imagination. What's more, it communicates a truth we all need to hear, whether we're three or sixty-three.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/sonia-and-the-biggest-block-tower-ever/">Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>I love finding picture books that express something universal from a child-accessible perspective. <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sonia-Biggest-Block-Tower-Ever/dp/1433598094?crid=34SUN7M5TFGXL&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kNSJWpfy4n0PJ7BN9cCBqw.x_veaIB6069TQqJV1hoOwcGy7MpH8kiFsFqv7pna8Wg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=sonia+and+the+biggest+block+tower+ever&amp;qid=1742923010&amp;sprefix=sonia+and+the+%2Caps%2C127&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=15dcb57e637f630a6006d4498fa64093&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever </a></em>by Kathryn Butler, illustrated by Samara Hardy, tells a relatable story filled with imagination. What&#8217;s more, it communicates a truth we all need to hear, whether we&#8217;re three or sixty-three.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sonia-Biggest-Block-Tower-Ever/dp/1433598094?crid=34SUN7M5TFGXL&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kNSJWpfy4n0PJ7BN9cCBqw.x_veaIB6069TQqJV1hoOwcGy7MpH8kiFsFqv7pna8Wg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=sonia+and+the+biggest+block+tower+ever&amp;qid=1742923010&amp;sprefix=sonia+and+the+%2Caps%2C127&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=15dcb57e637f630a6006d4498fa64093&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="527" height="522" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sonia-and-the-biggest-block-tower-ever.jpg?resize=527%2C522&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3944" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sonia-and-the-biggest-block-tower-ever.jpg 527w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sonia-and-the-biggest-block-tower-ever-480x475.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 527px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Story of Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever</h2>



<p>When Sonia looks around her preschool classroom, it seems like all her friends are doing amazing things. When she hears her teacher praise their various activities, she wonders what she could do that might be considered wonderful. She starts to build a block tower, but her imagination quickly takes over. She envisions building the tower taller and taller until it breaks through the roof and even reaches to space. At first, she delights in the praise and attention her building brings. However, the taller she strives to make her tower, the further away she is from the very people she wanted attention from in the first place.</p>



<p>Eventually, Sonia learns she doesn&#8217;t have to or make anything in order to be special. She&#8217;s special because God loves her. </p>



<p>But the story doesn&#8217;t end there. Once Sonia is secure in her own identity, she&#8217;s able to encourage each of her friends without feeling like their &#8220;special thing&#8221; makes her value any less. In fact, it&#8217;s clear to the reader that Sonia has her own special gifts: imagination and encouragement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recommendation </h2>



<p>This is a great book for Christian families with young children! It will kids them understand that their worth comes from their Creator and not anything they make or do. I find this especially valuable for younger siblings, who often compare themselves to their older brothers and sisters.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sonia-Biggest-Block-Tower-Ever/dp/1433598094?crid=34SUN7M5TFGXL&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kNSJWpfy4n0PJ7BN9cCBqw.x_veaIB6069TQqJV1hoOwcGy7MpH8kiFsFqv7pna8Wg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=sonia+and+the+biggest+block+tower+ever&amp;qid=1742923010&amp;sprefix=sonia+and+the+%2Caps%2C127&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=15dcb57e637f630a6006d4498fa64093&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever</a></em> reminded me both of <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/books-to-help-little-kids-deal-with-big-emotions/"><em>The Rabbit Listened</em> </a>and the Frog and Toad story <em>The Dream</em>. But perhaps more than that, it brought up images of the Tower of Babel. In a similar way, Sonia tries to make a name for herself by building the tallest tower ever. But thankfully, though she doesn&#8217;t succeed in her goal, this story has a truly happy ending.</p>



<p><em>*I received a complementary, no-obligation copy of this book from Crossway. All opinions are my own.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/sonia-and-the-biggest-block-tower-ever/">Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3940</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dear Duck, Please Come!</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/dear-duck-please-come/</link>
					<comments>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/dear-duck-please-come/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Animal books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Picture Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charles santoso]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dear duck please come]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[friendship story]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[missing tooth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[picture book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[read aloud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sarah Mackenzie]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=3927</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Dear Duck, Please Come! is a delightful story of friendship and misunderstanding with beautifully textured illustrations.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/dear-duck-please-come/">Dear Duck, Please Come!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>When Sarah Mackenzie told me about her upcoming picture book, <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Duck-Please-Sarah-Mackenzie/dp/1956393110?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_w=WI9sA&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&amp;pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&amp;pf_rd_r=ZTQCZN5X1BJZ3WQZ3TQP&amp;pd_rd_wg=CwGwT&amp;pd_rd_r=94e659b2-726c-48f5-b7dc-599bfbf561c4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=33c229cd39117b2ae1d8755dbc64de23&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dear Duck, Please Come!</a></em> I thought it sounded delightful. Now that I&#8217;ve read it, I can say it&#8217;s every bit as wonderful as I expected.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Story</h2>



<p>Duck opens his mailbox and finds a letter from his friend Rabbit. The letter urges Duck to &#8220;Please come! I lost my tooth.&#8221; Duck, being the good friend he is, determines to help Rabbit find his missing tooth. So, instead of coming right then, he spends his time searching, collecting other animals to help along the way. I bet you can guess the adorable ending. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Duck-Please-Sarah-Mackenzie/dp/1956393110?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_w=WI9sA&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&amp;pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&amp;pf_rd_r=ZTQCZN5X1BJZ3WQZ3TQP&amp;pd_rd_wg=CwGwT&amp;pd_rd_r=94e659b2-726c-48f5-b7dc-599bfbf561c4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=33c229cd39117b2ae1d8755dbc64de23&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="970" height="924" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/91gyXjzl2CL._SL1500_.jpg?resize=970%2C924&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3930" style="width:405px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/91gyXjzl2CL._SL1500_-1280x1219.jpg 970w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/91gyXjzl2CL._SL1500_-480x457.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 970px) 970px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What I loved</h2>



<p><strong>Illustrations:</strong> While cover of <em>Dear Duck, Please Come!</em> has a bit more of a cartoony style, the interior illustrations are warm, textured, and absolutely adorable! The artist, Charles Santoso, even hid a tooth shape in nearly every scene, which young readers will love discovering. </p>



<p><strong>Writing:</strong> Mackenzie is the master of lyrical text with just the right amount of repetition, making the story comforting a memorable for little ears.</p>



<p><strong>Theme:</strong> This story isn&#8217;t really about a missing tooth. It&#8217;s about friendship. As Duck&#8217;s friends assure him, helping find Rabbit&#8217;s tooth is a &#8220;good-friend thing to do.&#8221; But what Rabbit really wanted was his friend&#8217;s company to help him celebrate. Which is also a good thing to do. I&#8217;d also imagine this story could be reassuring for a child afraid to lose their first tooth.</p>



<p><strong>Free Audiobook!</strong>: I&#8217;ve never seen this done before, but there is a QR code on the back of the book. It leads to a page where two audio versions are available&#8211;one with page turn queues and one without. Both are expertly narrated by Sarah Mackenzie, complete with music and sound effects!</p>



<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Duck-Please-Sarah-Mackenzie/dp/1956393110?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_w=WI9sA&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&amp;pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&amp;pf_rd_r=ZTQCZN5X1BJZ3WQZ3TQP&amp;pd_rd_wg=CwGwT&amp;pd_rd_r=94e659b2-726c-48f5-b7dc-599bfbf561c4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=33c229cd39117b2ae1d8755dbc64de23&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><em>Dear Duck, Please Come!</em> </a>is sure to please parents and young readers alike, whether they&#8217;ve lost their first tooth or not.</p>



<p></p>



<p></p>



<p><em>*I received a complementary copy of Dear Duck, Please Come! from the publisher, Waxwing Books, without obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own honest opinion.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/dear-duck-please-come/">Dear Duck, Please Come!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/dear-duck-please-come/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3927</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Wormwood Abbey</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wormwood-abbey/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 13:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Classics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Young Adult]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean fiction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dragons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jane austen with dragons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mystery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[victorian historical fiction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wormwood abbey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=3910</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Wormwood Abbey transports readers to a delightful world that takes Victorian era mystery and adds dragons! </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wormwood-abbey/">Wormwood Abbey</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Rarely do I read or listen to a book and then feel compelled to immediately buy the rest of the series. But that&#8217;s exactly what happened after I read <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wormwood-Abbey-Secrets-Ormdale-Christina/dp/B0CNTTYVTS?crid=2GBD5WJFRLT9G&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.na04wZuEz4_GiHdRAp0x_rOoif57mF_bsCtHqsb_y6yIoweT6mxjaGG_LholRvrUE4WzfTn1mFwOl3AWMgEX7-SnCDHsTvza-0AsyPQmxYsafsczWx5kTOzZvYJ9zi2egawtlRMzPHAJSmP8lvBCc3tElPaTUNHQXAxEhEA-K6thgMtUfP3vdSQANcgTXsIeKL-CzV8RXt6X99mBfgyGB8pu-7FRg2DivxJONEqsPa4.isJ5w2jvxuvooMQNVstSpVxvSOfccEocHk8H2sYeBgo&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=wormwood+abbey&amp;qid=1735850617&amp;sprefix=wormwood+abbey%2Caps%2C204&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=9030ca13edc335734960553421f7b30f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Wormwood Abbey</a></em>, the first book in the Secrets of Ormwood series by Christina Baehr. <em>Wormwood Abbey</em> transports readers to a delightful world that takes Victorian era mystery and adds dragons! My daughter and I both blew through the first three books of the series between Christmas and New Years, and I can&#8217;t wait to share them with you!</p>



<p>Technically, these aren&#8217;t &#8220;children&#8217;s books.&#8221; But they are clean, engaging reads that hold a lot of interest for those who love both classics and fantasy.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wormwood-Abbey-Secrets-Ormdale-Christina/dp/B0CNTTYVTS?crid=2GBD5WJFRLT9G&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.na04wZuEz4_GiHdRAp0x_rOoif57mF_bsCtHqsb_y6yIoweT6mxjaGG_LholRvrUE4WzfTn1mFwOl3AWMgEX7-SnCDHsTvza-0AsyPQmxYsafsczWx5kTOzZvYJ9zi2egawtlRMzPHAJSmP8lvBCc3tElPaTUNHQXAxEhEA-K6thgMtUfP3vdSQANcgTXsIeKL-CzV8RXt6X99mBfgyGB8pu-7FRg2DivxJONEqsPa4.isJ5w2jvxuvooMQNVstSpVxvSOfccEocHk8H2sYeBgo&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=wormwood+abbey&amp;qid=1735850617&amp;sprefix=wormwood+abbey%2Caps%2C204&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=9030ca13edc335734960553421f7b30f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="625" height="1000" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/198096255.jpg?resize=625%2C1000&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3913" style="width:311px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/198096255.jpg 625w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/198096255-480x768.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 625px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Story</h2>



<p>Edith Worms is a Victorian clergyman&#8217;s daughter and secret mystery novelist. She finds herself plunged into a whole new world when her father inherits an estate from his estranged relatives. Edith and her family are outsiders, and the austere manners of her cousins and their distantly related neighbor Mr. Drake lend an air of mystery to the Abbey. Edith discovers a strange fireproof salamander and adopts him as a pet. But the lawyer the family hires to help them break the entail on the estate shows too keen an interest in both her new pet and the strange tapestries on the wall. Edith determines to put on her detective novelist hat and discover what mysteries her cousins have been keeping from them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What I loved</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Victorian Era plus dragons</strong>&#8211;Need I say more? I&#8217;d seen another reviewer describe this series as Jane Austen plus dragons. While not entirely accurate time-period wise, does describe the feel. I&#8217;d say it&#8217;s Austen+Brontes+Sayers with dragons, which feature more and more as the series progresses.</li>



<li><strong>Fun but serious</strong>&#8211;I love how the author wove serious themes into this delightful concept. One theme explored in the first book is anti-semitism, as Edith&#8217;s mother was Jewish.</li>



<li><strong>Writing style</strong>&#8211;While I don&#8217;t generally prefer first person, when it&#8217;s well done and character&#8217;s unique voice shines through, it really sings! Edith is one of those characters whose delightful narration makes reading a pleasure.</li>



<li><strong>Audiobook</strong>&#8211;The audiobooks for this series are absolutely perfect! </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Parents should know</h2>



<p>This story contains some peril, and there are characters who perish off page, though nothing gory is ever described. Also, later books in the series deal with some more adult topics. These include a child born to an unwed mother (implied that she was taken advantage of) and human trafficking. However, the Victorian period keeps them appropriate for even younger teen readers. If you have concerns, I recommend you try the series for yourself first before handing it to your kids. I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ll enjoy it!</p>



<p>Overall, I&#8217;d highly recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJTYNM4V?binding=kindle_edition&amp;linkCode=ll2&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=5659eac81d2ec44c8a6f4261b03d752e&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Secrets of Ormdale series</a> to readers age 13 and up, particularly readers who love Austen or the Brontes and enjoy a dose of fantasy.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wormwood-abbey/">Wormwood Abbey</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3910</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Books for Christmas Gift Guide 2024</title>
		<link>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/books-for-christmas-gift-guide-2024/</link>
					<comments>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/books-for-christmas-gift-guide-2024/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Carolyn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Book Lists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Books for Chistmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[give books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle grade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[picture book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[something to read]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/?p=3875</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I love looking back over the books that I've read in the past year to create this gift guide (and also to pick Christmas gifts for my nieces!). </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/books-for-christmas-gift-guide-2024/">Books for Christmas Gift Guide 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>I love looking back over the books that I&#8217;ve read in the past year to create this gift guide (and also to pick Christmas gifts for my nieces!). Find something for all the young people on your list (and maybe something for yourself too)!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">To read during the season</h2>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Christmas-Carol-Charles-Dickens/dp/0802432832?crid=V0420IP5C4GY&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SZFksSouajnj6XVMtTgClU76i5JjNha6PwWRA2FiuJqRMqYCyXK_BSA8ANkDt0933WuY3bMJHmU0HKAOlghsnrv2po70DjiJdxUMggGIwN25FIyBlGpVZ8p1pUWqtVE46HdTYtc7XTFCTVDccjxNSdfkz8CU_SjCR1ZiCvRBD-kq13_jNjXiPUe4kxJhitSMlFzXTeootNxr1_Aqgtbx3xL2E_KoWbEFNqS9WZqejN0.YFj6va5T_IHgAaDlTx5OuUEX6EBJP9cSzDXp5l_yL1o&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=little+christmas+carol&amp;qid=1732381244&amp;sprefix=little+christ%2Caps%2C165&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=70ddfbac502d4454d59c4001823013c9&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Little Christmas Carol </a></em>by Charles Dickens envisioned and illustrated by Joe Sutphin</strong></p>



<p>Sutphin is one of the most talented illustrators of our generation. (Okay, he&#8217;s a friend, so I may be just a bit biased.) I love how he&#8217;s bringing classics back to life like <em>Watership Down</em> and <em>Little Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress</em>. You won&#8217;t want to miss his version of Dickens&#8217; <em>A Christmas Carol</em>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Christmas-Carol-Charles-Dickens/dp/0802432832?crid=V0420IP5C4GY&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SZFksSouajnj6XVMtTgClU76i5JjNha6PwWRA2FiuJqRMqYCyXK_BSA8ANkDt0933WuY3bMJHmU0HKAOlghsnrv2po70DjiJdxUMggGIwN25FIyBlGpVZ8p1pUWqtVE46HdTYtc7XTFCTVDccjxNSdfkz8CU_SjCR1ZiCvRBD-kq13_jNjXiPUe4kxJhitSMlFzXTeootNxr1_Aqgtbx3xL2E_KoWbEFNqS9WZqejN0.YFj6va5T_IHgAaDlTx5OuUEX6EBJP9cSzDXp5l_yL1o&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=little+christmas+carol&amp;qid=1732381244&amp;sprefix=little+christ%2Caps%2C165&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=70ddfbac502d4454d59c4001823013c9&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="829" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/209495737.jpg?resize=829%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3876" style="width:443px;height:auto"/></a></figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Picture book for the littles</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Worked-Hard-That-Robyn-Wall/dp/1665938722?crid=22MT263HKVBNQ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5Yqt2hY0spfqEnsmSufknXsfQ57SkMqltWVgHB7Ot7IBk0pTT4M_-nPR4V81mLeHIDq54IKn7FoDV-EAvxmrq7AKi_WUj9wcUpfJTUPBVDZYr2MKfBiHPc8Joaj3KMvPfBAgkmCzkhM3oC67As4bsHLo62Gz8FYnnpQVAquJgospeAxdAJvqVTnU-FIQkQOu_Mm2lkJgr2K6Q_KH3D1JeOhsfG3PY-2kueL92Qd7I5Y.nwB7YaqtBz8bPUfFYd2730PjjL7f3zMfxiFg7jUJsgk&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=i+worked+hard+on+that&amp;qid=1732381313&amp;sprefix=i+worked+hard+on+that%2Caps%2C136&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=bdff09ddb46f4b6d2147e770fe8c3bb4&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><em>I Worked Hard on That</em> </a>by Robyn Wall illustrated by A.N. Kang</strong></p>



<p>I haven&#8217;t read many picture books recently, but this one certainly stands out. My friend Robyn Wall created a beautiful story that&#8217;s also a kind of guidebook to the creative life. Even though it&#8217;s a more fleshed out story, this book gives me <em>The Rabbit Listened</em> vibes, which is high praise. I&#8217;ve written a full review of <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/i-worked-hard-on-that-by-robyn-wall/"><em>I Worked Hard on That </em>HERE.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Worked-Hard-That-Robyn-Wall/dp/1665938722?crid=22MT263HKVBNQ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5Yqt2hY0spfqEnsmSufknXsfQ57SkMqltWVgHB7Ot7IBk0pTT4M_-nPR4V81mLeHIDq54IKn7FoDV-EAvxmrq7AKi_WUj9wcUpfJTUPBVDZYr2MKfBiHPc8Joaj3KMvPfBAgkmCzkhM3oC67As4bsHLo62Gz8FYnnpQVAquJgospeAxdAJvqVTnU-FIQkQOu_Mm2lkJgr2K6Q_KH3D1JeOhsfG3PY-2kueL92Qd7I5Y.nwB7YaqtBz8bPUfFYd2730PjjL7f3zMfxiFg7jUJsgk&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=i+worked+hard+on+that&amp;qid=1732381313&amp;sprefix=i+worked+hard+on+that%2Caps%2C136&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=bdff09ddb46f4b6d2147e770fe8c3bb4&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="924" height="935" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/207294536.jpg?resize=924%2C935&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3860" style="width:520px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/207294536-980x992.jpg 924w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/207294536-480x486.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 924px) 924px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Non-fiction for your fact driving kids and teens</h2>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mythmakers-Remarkable-Fellowship-Tolkien-Graphic/dp/1419746340?crid=11C2HITL7AHTE&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LLZp259Tl-YcpjElr-uZ9zgGDfzWmesDRSHYh3Hps341NhpzaQq5O12Dxg6qpHWX4-3lHNar0lqYW3pT_9PiD486ki9fSc0IiIctD2oqfUHiHNTspozCFVS2I4MrRshKqQAJ99yGbxiF40oCLjbB9nzJMM1IyT0PUbcq84fH6py_9v4s0hd1URMP9iSor48ySJF03xkZu_zd52UvO1QxfmlUmn3NR8jr_nH-evvUw6E.bdLIaGFe9MD_Tw7j6no8m93U1ij1Rssb4pnmN4zUyTU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=mythmakers&amp;qid=1732381357&amp;sprefix=mythmakers%2Caps%2C134&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=2375c15902fe579434fdd282f45d109a&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mythmakers</a></em> by John Hendrix</strong></p>



<p>This book was probably my top read of the year! It&#8217;s a non-fiction graphic novel about the friendship of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. A friendship that perhaps birthed the modern fantasy genre. But this book also contains a fictional spine story featuring a lion and wizard who act as avatars for Lewis and Tolkien. It&#8217;s so creative and well done, that just about anyone on your Christmas list would be happy to receive this (adults included!).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mythmakers-Remarkable-Fellowship-Tolkien-Graphic/dp/1419746340?crid=11C2HITL7AHTE&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LLZp259Tl-YcpjElr-uZ9zgGDfzWmesDRSHYh3Hps341NhpzaQq5O12Dxg6qpHWX4-3lHNar0lqYW3pT_9PiD486ki9fSc0IiIctD2oqfUHiHNTspozCFVS2I4MrRshKqQAJ99yGbxiF40oCLjbB9nzJMM1IyT0PUbcq84fH6py_9v4s0hd1URMP9iSor48ySJF03xkZu_zd52UvO1QxfmlUmn3NR8jr_nH-evvUw6E.bdLIaGFe9MD_Tw7j6no8m93U1ij1Rssb4pnmN4zUyTU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=mythmakers&amp;qid=1732381357&amp;sprefix=mythmakers%2Caps%2C134&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=2375c15902fe579434fdd282f45d109a&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="738" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/208512484.jpg?resize=738%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3851" style="width:404px;height:auto"/></a></figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middle Grade Fantasy for your imaginative kids and tweens</h2>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inkling-Kenneth-Oppel/dp/1524772844?crid=13XPQC3QHSY5P&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tR9QsSGRJmcCwci7c3dll1Tm-CccovWxKtfirxD3LbTGIymmKUOfV8zaKo5inp1nhD_8VXXUCfKS5xH22ZT21veKH2GgP0gPf7TygxFtZN_cnzK-mta3-Cl8DT2PKQZ47zCpiX-IvHXQHJKdDgVbnpB3KUySg8L2cwzn9GPdeyWguq3Lq0J0KI1J2YQlG173XFJUtGy0LQTZjiD_8xNma0V6XXXdMAV0dpLcYt3L_0Y.SAFmxFvQClq9D-I3IQ8Bj9YqjANlQaL4Qy4VQmFcIMk&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=inkling&amp;qid=1732381401&amp;sprefix=inkling%2Caps%2C162&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=736c22ba3c0870233269159f2d1f0acb&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Inkling</a></em> by Kenneth Oppel</strong></p>



<p>This is not a new book but was new to me this year. I love any story with a theme of creativity, so this one was in my sweet spot. It&#8217;s also got one of the best sibling relationships I&#8217;ve read in a long time. I&#8217;ve got a <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/inkling-by-kenneth-oppel/">full review HERE </a>if you want to check it out.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inkling-Kenneth-Oppel/dp/1524772844?crid=13XPQC3QHSY5P&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tR9QsSGRJmcCwci7c3dll1Tm-CccovWxKtfirxD3LbTGIymmKUOfV8zaKo5inp1nhD_8VXXUCfKS5xH22ZT21veKH2GgP0gPf7TygxFtZN_cnzK-mta3-Cl8DT2PKQZ47zCpiX-IvHXQHJKdDgVbnpB3KUySg8L2cwzn9GPdeyWguq3Lq0J0KI1J2YQlG173XFJUtGy0LQTZjiD_8xNma0V6XXXdMAV0dpLcYt3L_0Y.SAFmxFvQClq9D-I3IQ8Bj9YqjANlQaL4Qy4VQmFcIMk&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=inkling&amp;qid=1732381401&amp;sprefix=inkling%2Caps%2C162&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=736c22ba3c0870233269159f2d1f0acb&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="315" height="475" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/36671127.jpg?resize=315%2C475&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3791" style="width:394px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/36671127.jpg?w=315&amp;ssl=1 315w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/36671127.jpg?resize=199%2C300&amp;ssl=1 199w" sizes="(max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px" /></a></figure>



<p></p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inkwell-Chronicles-Ink-Elspet-Book/dp/1546001999?crid=3RV6J118Y05JE&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jbgskzVFnv8zMJ8N4Ho0K90Voe2o_9bcj9QlVYLd-t2lUJGhIUiijfJ_1_MEGNahXsoxHViNaAJyHk5yqnokbrc4J-KDS_ZsXpWpX0hqOjB6ooSzNVx681GETuYxOVv1eq1MUJBi32iH32QbunZOXq0xiyqajF8XIOY0uMtmyfYPLa9yM2ZMHTxKeKJ76qgDzPkl3FHJYOKysdiOOVrk5VBv2yRfSU5is1DEGN07sO0.IqYJGqyxh6AytJGqgxH9uaxzz9lf2SqLt2NScpX_16g&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=inkwell+chronicles&amp;qid=1732381450&amp;sprefix=inkwell+chr%2Caps%2C148&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=ab9d93ab13fcae06e9a0d68613d5cb70&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Inkwell Chronicles</a> by J.D, Peabody</strong></p>



<p>While I&#8217;ve only had a chance to read the first book in this series, I think it will sweep your kids away into a wonderful adventure. Along the way, they&#8217;ll meet some of the Inklings (C.S. Lewis and friends) who serve as mentor characters for the young heroes. I&#8217;ve got a full review of book one, <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-inkwell-chronicles-the-ink-of-elspet/"><em>The Ink of Elspet</em> HERE.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inkwell-Chronicles-Ink-Elspet-Book/dp/1546001999?crid=3RV6J118Y05JE&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jbgskzVFnv8zMJ8N4Ho0K90Voe2o_9bcj9QlVYLd-t2lUJGhIUiijfJ_1_MEGNahXsoxHViNaAJyHk5yqnokbrc4J-KDS_ZsXpWpX0hqOjB6ooSzNVx681GETuYxOVv1eq1MUJBi32iH32QbunZOXq0xiyqajF8XIOY0uMtmyfYPLa9yM2ZMHTxKeKJ76qgDzPkl3FHJYOKysdiOOVrk5VBv2yRfSU5is1DEGN07sO0.IqYJGqyxh6AytJGqgxH9uaxzz9lf2SqLt2NScpX_16g&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=inkwell+chronicles&amp;qid=1732381450&amp;sprefix=inkwell+chr%2Caps%2C148&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=ab9d93ab13fcae06e9a0d68613d5cb70&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="275" height="400" data-id="3888" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/60021490.jpg?resize=275%2C400&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3888" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/60021490.jpg?w=275&amp;ssl=1 275w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/60021490.jpg?resize=206%2C300&amp;ssl=1 206w" sizes="(max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inkwell-Chronicles-Race-Krakatoa-Book/dp/1546004173?pd_rd_w=72y4e&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.53b72ea0-a439-4b9d-9319-7c2ee5c88973&amp;pf_rd_p=53b72ea0-a439-4b9d-9319-7c2ee5c88973&amp;pf_rd_r=NCT5Y0RWZ1C388STMA4C&amp;pd_rd_wg=o5Wvt&amp;pd_rd_r=68be0e48-117a-487c-b7de-1500e3fa063c&amp;pd_rd_i=1546004173&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=8c3a9f55076aa9d9a7b0e8ff0776a0f7&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="272" height="400" data-id="3886" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/75593832.jpg?resize=272%2C400&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3886" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/75593832.jpg?w=272&amp;ssl=1 272w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/75593832.jpg?resize=204%2C300&amp;ssl=1 204w" sizes="(max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inkwell-Chronicles-Operation-Bungaree-Book/dp/1546007687?pd_rd_w=eEUbQ&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.53b72ea0-a439-4b9d-9319-7c2ee5c88973&amp;pf_rd_p=53b72ea0-a439-4b9d-9319-7c2ee5c88973&amp;pf_rd_r=JPY3XNYRRZW7T5T2ZW3Z&amp;pd_rd_wg=wysz8&amp;pd_rd_r=48c06118-e31a-4d26-b8e5-c62b409df85e&amp;pd_rd_i=1546007687&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=f76aed620e28361a3401a944ff5d331c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="705" height="1024" data-id="3887" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/204593478.webp?resize=705%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3887"/></a></figure>
</figure>



<p></p>



<p><strong>New Green Ember story: <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Key-Green-Ember-Tales/dp/1951305833?crid=Q8GBZSM5PP24&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fVzc-DfF_39h0EcU-M_-fWV0qzkKqrlHXBZONG2gVag.1DwpNxjhSI_BPah6_sDXdKFhw-vGWAbdf6DTVoDuSME&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+lost+key+green+ember&amp;qid=1732381559&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=the+lost+key+green+ember%2Cstripbooks%2C116&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=30c9a21776c3186fec725ab0ef909634&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Lost Key</a> </em>by S.D. Smith</strong></p>



<p>I&#8217;m going to assume you&#8217;re already familiar with the Green Ember series! You only thought the series was complete, but there&#8217;s a whole new side series of Lost Tales. <em>The Lost Key</em> comes out just in time for Christmas.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Key-Green-Ember-Tales/dp/1951305833?crid=Q8GBZSM5PP24&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fVzc-DfF_39h0EcU-M_-fWV0qzkKqrlHXBZONG2gVag.1DwpNxjhSI_BPah6_sDXdKFhw-vGWAbdf6DTVoDuSME&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+lost+key+green+ember&amp;qid=1732381559&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=the+lost+key+green+ember%2Cstripbooks%2C116&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=30c9a21776c3186fec725ab0ef909634&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="658" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/221458732.jpg?resize=658%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3885" style="width:369px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/221458732-658x1024.jpg 658w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/221458732-480x747.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 658px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<p></p>



<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bark-Bog-Owl-Wilderking-Trilogy/dp/1951872266?crid=19HOFTUBKVH1L&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5ZjL2cU1a4RBaemCGhGYZ6ATE8dEremUCQMnh-_n1peiD1zPOhfQFJjEAIo9V75pYYTIIarWgXfZGNFJJ2WKxD7SpXFww-XN-NwW4jYkLodXCoj5LnTeYj9aS_nnclcp.x0bUPoqZAGhXdNUsa7pdlAygJAXbYmOi8Qw78WsEt5k&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=wilderking+trilogy&amp;qid=1732663324&amp;sprefix=wilderking%2Caps%2C148&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=bc2f9b7c20580b044541140da336f2e1&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Wilderking Trilogy</a> by Jonathan Rogers</p>



<p>This fantastic fantasy trilogy is celebrating twenty years with all new editions including gorgeous new covers and fantastic interior illustrations. Read my original review <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-wilderking-trilogy-a-fresh-take-on-the-life-of-david/">HERE</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bark-Bog-Owl-Wilderking-Trilogy/dp/1951872266?crid=19HOFTUBKVH1L&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5ZjL2cU1a4RBaemCGhGYZ6ATE8dEremUCQMnh-_n1peiD1zPOhfQFJjEAIo9V75pYYTIIarWgXfZGNFJJ2WKxD7SpXFww-XN-NwW4jYkLodXCoj5LnTeYj9aS_nnclcp.x0bUPoqZAGhXdNUsa7pdlAygJAXbYmOi8Qw78WsEt5k&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=wilderking+trilogy&amp;qid=1732663324&amp;sprefix=wilderking%2Caps%2C148&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=bc2f9b7c20580b044541140da336f2e1&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="669" height="1024" data-id="3902" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TheBarkoftheBogOwl-1.jpeg?resize=669%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3902" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TheBarkoftheBogOwl-1-669x1024.jpeg 669w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TheBarkoftheBogOwl-1-480x734.jpeg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 669px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Swamp-King-Wilderking-Trilogy/dp/1951872274?pd_rd_w=7zeSI&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.53b72ea0-a439-4b9d-9319-7c2ee5c88973&amp;pf_rd_p=53b72ea0-a439-4b9d-9319-7c2ee5c88973&amp;pf_rd_r=G75SVMFDENTS4PX9QV3B&amp;pd_rd_wg=EqLH4&amp;pd_rd_r=fcf900c3-2d33-4f98-81bb-28aad517be3b&amp;pd_rd_i=1951872274&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=5c8f74b9a4f02c60cb2a228f1a26d2cf&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="664" height="1024" data-id="3901" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SwampKing.jpeg?resize=664%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3901" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SwampKing-664x1024.jpeg 664w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SwampKing-480x740.jpeg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 664px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Way-Wilderking-Trilogy/dp/1951872282?pd_rd_w=Xyqgg&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.53b72ea0-a439-4b9d-9319-7c2ee5c88973&amp;pf_rd_p=53b72ea0-a439-4b9d-9319-7c2ee5c88973&amp;pf_rd_r=SKNF8QAS4FW9T7YDKSX6&amp;pd_rd_wg=EVERr&amp;pd_rd_r=9dac12ad-8b1d-40d1-9265-958bd9d04f53&amp;pd_rd_i=1951872282&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=60e4b0f789884a2364f5dec84c7c506d&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="664" height="1024" data-id="3900" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9781951872281-1.jpeg?resize=664%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3900" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9781951872281-1-664x1024.jpeg 664w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9781951872281-1-480x740.jpeg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 664px, 100vw" /></a></figure>
</figure>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Swirling-Restorationists-Carolyn-Leiloglou/dp/0593579542?crid=1294Q3S6WDIMN&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XBTUlbidCjQ1i9-GoSpJUb2GUgZq4l9rYuI0huQlM_kAq-t4M5ZlaORyjVxaGdSKGmPb1X8Qpgia66zNDcUSqeRapK0jYHxFUsKw8WwEQJC-CezwKDBy0Uu2W4oDhlUaRDVdzVHkkMzWTu3m6Ahj8Wqzg64jl2QEjaEB4TsqQW9-ADYrcZ-8rhvRMm-pAh1Vxo3AjDN3LtybbtijabXXaCAbecfG3xiO6OX0yTw2M6c.6R52MgEzndnVjH0dL9BjyuxsxLa0VIDTNpFmTAwJKG8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=restorationists&amp;qid=1732381629&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=restorationists%2Cstripbooks%2C124&amp;sr=1-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=1fa7f40c3c819a93101631f286734e6c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Restorationists Books</a> by Carolyn Leiloglou</strong></p>



<p>If you haven&#8217;t heard me talk about my Restorationists series, you&#8217;re probably new here. But you don&#8217;t have to take my word about these books. Here&#8217;s what others have to say:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>&#8220;A delightful adventure, excellent for reading&nbsp;aloud. This book will make you want to study Van Gogh and get out the paintbrushes!”</p>



<p>Sarah Mackenzie, Founder&nbsp;+ Host, Read-Aloud Revival ® Author,&nbsp;The Read-Aloud Family</p>
</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“Certain to captivate and delight your creative kids.”</p>



<p>S. D. Smith, author of The Green Ember Series</p>
</blockquote>



<p>If you&#8217;d like to learn more, I&#8217;ve written some introduction posts for <em><a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/introducing-between-flowers-and-bones/">Beneath the Swirling Sky </a></em>and <em><a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/introducing-between-flowers-and-bones/">Between Flowers and Bones</a>.</em> And in case you&#8217;ve been jaded by other series that never finished, the final book, <em>Beyond the Far Horizon</em>, is complete and with the illustrator. It releases September of 2025, and there&#8217;s a sneak peek of the first chapter in the back of book two!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Swirling-Restorationists-Carolyn-Leiloglou/dp/0593579542?crid=1294Q3S6WDIMN&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XBTUlbidCjQ1i9-GoSpJUb2GUgZq4l9rYuI0huQlM_kAq-t4M5ZlaORyjVxaGdSKGmPb1X8Qpgia66zNDcUSqeRapK0jYHxFUsKw8WwEQJC-CezwKDBy0Uu2W4oDhlUaRDVdzVHkkMzWTu3m6Ahj8Wqzg64jl2QEjaEB4TsqQW9-ADYrcZ-8rhvRMm-pAh1Vxo3AjDN3LtybbtijabXXaCAbecfG3xiO6OX0yTw2M6c.6R52MgEzndnVjH0dL9BjyuxsxLa0VIDTNpFmTAwJKG8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=restorationists&amp;qid=1732381629&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=restorationists%2Cstripbooks%2C124&amp;sr=1-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=1fa7f40c3c819a93101631f286734e6c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="678" height="1024" data-id="3627" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BTTS_9780593579527_FrontCover.jpg?resize=678%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3627" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BTTS_9780593579527_FrontCover.jpg?resize=678%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 678w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BTTS_9780593579527_FrontCover.jpg?resize=199%2C300&amp;ssl=1 199w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BTTS_9780593579527_FrontCover.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BTTS_9780593579527_FrontCover.jpg?resize=1017%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1017w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BTTS_9780593579527_FrontCover.jpg?w=1688&amp;ssl=1 1688w" sizes="(max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Between-Flowers-Restorationists-Carolyn-Leiloglou/dp/0593579577?pd_rd_w=IgaXs&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.281550a9-05fa-4fa0-a033-b1923adca8ef&amp;pf_rd_p=281550a9-05fa-4fa0-a033-b1923adca8ef&amp;pf_rd_r=297BWB874PFQW9WZQ6BJ&amp;pd_rd_wg=c0Bid&amp;pd_rd_r=cfb4798e-e592-43ec-a8ee-b477ddc59e94&amp;pd_rd_i=0593579577&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=46829f8cdee47d0b5419b2349a765468&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="678" height="1024" data-id="3835" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Leil_9780593579558_pob_all_FCO-smaller.jpg?resize=678%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3835"/></a></figure>
</figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Realistic fiction for your more practical kids</h2>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Luminous-Life-Lucy-Landry/dp/0823453634?crid=SCWE42B3ISO6&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4HOqCLeORiVnyeqcEfKr_g.pPUWr9hHC-trqbAQOOMCOlotUEtp5mVDRNT9aA42Fnc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+luminous+life+of+lucy+landry&amp;qid=1732381705&amp;sprefix=luminous+life+of+%2Caps%2C112&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=0e999428e52efe1960c1d713050e6d9f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry</a> </em>by Anna Rose Johnson</strong></p>



<p>If you have kids that love <em>Anne of Green Gables</em>, the imaginative Lucy Landry is a character they&#8217;re sure to love. Plus, there&#8217;s a mystery waiting to be solved. It&#8217;s not terribly long, so it&#8217;s also great for kids who are slower readers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Luminous-Life-Lucy-Landry/dp/0823453634?crid=SCWE42B3ISO6&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4HOqCLeORiVnyeqcEfKr_g.pPUWr9hHC-trqbAQOOMCOlotUEtp5mVDRNT9aA42Fnc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+luminous+life+of+lucy+landry&amp;qid=1732381705&amp;sprefix=luminous+life+of+%2Caps%2C112&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=0e999428e52efe1960c1d713050e6d9f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="267" height="400" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/173476119.jpg?resize=267%2C400&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3877" style="width:366px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/173476119.jpg?w=267&amp;ssl=1 267w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/173476119.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w" sizes="(max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px" /></a></figure>



<p></p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Misadventured-Summer-Tumbleweed-Thompson-Adventures/dp/1951305132?crid=2ZFY1DMB79LZT&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UHlYW97Ctg5Ubktp7SsTkvJcw4uAYKIxDmAzUjzzpF0hNBNyh3U0WIAaHG7RMoUusO08MX2avDLmtjA4yr80JY49PBMZh8jYQUg2uFmvISZ-IRIAZqbavTeT9o_PIPhxsCbMP8hMbVUus86tI5Pjxw.d-yggrYzy3L0KAt2ZP1Eyb3BOjStlYQGsQz2HxXtGYE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=tumbleweed+thompson&amp;qid=1732381752&amp;sprefix=tumbleweed+thompson%2Caps%2C178&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=e58fef6757b52cbb4d1980825b9441ce&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Tumbleweed Thompson</a> Books by Glenn McCarty</strong></p>



<p>Glenn McCarty is a fantastic writer, and his Tumbleweed Thompson books are ready to pull your kids into a fantastic adventure in the old west. I&#8217;ve got a full review of <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-misadventured-summer-of-tumbleweed-thompson/"><em>The Misadventureed Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson</em> HERE.</a> <em>The Golden Road of Tumbleweed Thompson </em>just released from Story Warren Books. </p>



<p>(Glenn is also a good friend. Don&#8217;t hate me if all my friends happen to be amazing writers!)</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Misadventured-Summer-Tumbleweed-Thompson-Adventures/dp/1951305132?crid=2ZFY1DMB79LZT&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UHlYW97Ctg5Ubktp7SsTkvJcw4uAYKIxDmAzUjzzpF0hNBNyh3U0WIAaHG7RMoUusO08MX2avDLmtjA4yr80JY49PBMZh8jYQUg2uFmvISZ-IRIAZqbavTeT9o_PIPhxsCbMP8hMbVUus86tI5Pjxw.d-yggrYzy3L0KAt2ZP1Eyb3BOjStlYQGsQz2HxXtGYE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=tumbleweed+thompson&amp;qid=1732381752&amp;sprefix=tumbleweed+thompson%2Caps%2C178&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=e58fef6757b52cbb4d1980825b9441ce&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="318" height="448" data-id="3880" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/43341452._SX318_.jpg?resize=318%2C448&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3880" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/43341452._SX318_.jpg?w=318&amp;ssl=1 318w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/43341452._SX318_.jpg?resize=213%2C300&amp;ssl=1 213w" sizes="(max-width: 318px) 100vw, 318px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951305167?psc=1&amp;pd_rd_i=1951305167&amp;pd_rd_w=7ySBE&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&amp;pf_rd_p=8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&amp;pf_rd_r=8K3F26RCW760B5RA4F0G&amp;pd_rd_wg=7y1l8&amp;pd_rd_r=3351c1c7-e177-4011-9f66-742bea57bc46&amp;s=books&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=240ba18f6504257a4d2f1485677b8155&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="328" height="500" data-id="3879" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/220446565.jpg?resize=328%2C500&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3879" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/220446565.jpg?w=328&amp;ssl=1 328w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/220446565.jpg?resize=197%2C300&amp;ssl=1 197w" sizes="(max-width: 328px) 100vw, 328px" /></a></figure>
</figure>



<p></p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Found-Boys-S-D-Smith/dp/0736985859?crid=34C04V0W8B6Z4&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cB-AWvHAON5CSjFky5pIQRGveaZatLTSXcSh4n5brggBOrJ9CO_eJ0jIEkFb_3NMhl0oBaIZ2r6HInc1-B1JwJnBkc57JTBIVoAn_Sdmsz27k-GUbOBUz9EKB_03WDZb_vyJWdq2nB8eiX8ZK9bdQAzjx2LJp7E6ik78w0ShwNGxjY7SdRH65amkgAEPMS9mjXkeTXmtAUy3XlSTfJ_RwNs6WsftCYQYNKD7ZEfisyA.ajuvRp6g8mB9ClhDE2bcWU1Ryct1VDnuDCHonIuB_VE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+found+boys&amp;qid=1732381825&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=the+found+boys%2Cstripbooks%2C120&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=b0ecb607be6266f112215e8e601a7cc5&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><em>The Found Boys</em> </a>by S.D. Smith</strong></p>



<p>This story, set in the 1980&#8217;s, addresses race and friendship. It&#8217;s a short read, and boy age nine and up will be especially drawn to it. This is S.D. Smith&#8217;s first historical fiction.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Found-Boys-S-D-Smith/dp/0736985859?crid=34C04V0W8B6Z4&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cB-AWvHAON5CSjFky5pIQRGveaZatLTSXcSh4n5brggBOrJ9CO_eJ0jIEkFb_3NMhl0oBaIZ2r6HInc1-B1JwJnBkc57JTBIVoAn_Sdmsz27k-GUbOBUz9EKB_03WDZb_vyJWdq2nB8eiX8ZK9bdQAzjx2LJp7E6ik78w0ShwNGxjY7SdRH65amkgAEPMS9mjXkeTXmtAUy3XlSTfJ_RwNs6WsftCYQYNKD7ZEfisyA.ajuvRp6g8mB9ClhDE2bcWU1Ryct1VDnuDCHonIuB_VE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+found+boys&amp;qid=1732381825&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=the+found+boys%2Cstripbooks%2C120&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=b0ecb607be6266f112215e8e601a7cc5&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="731" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/62692883-1.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3881" style="width:444px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/62692883-1.jpg?resize=731%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 731w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/62692883-1.jpg?resize=214%2C300&amp;ssl=1 214w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/62692883-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/62692883-1.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1097w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/62692883-1.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px" /></a></figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Super Hero story to inspire</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Minor-Miracle-Amazing-Adventures-Noah/dp/0593445333?crid=1XYX3GWN2667W&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x8Vz94ziCR44LF4obJCYjXkpYabqns6rCbavHUCLoiJYdsy70OZRzWWdO-9VpLvII7_uj_MEdLioOZkjX_v4sca-WC93TAHoRC7Wyl26j2jWHlywsncaCrcjsZPbGw9XzBHkWWNCq34hRfJuxiNRJfNr6qHXNXydHgwK0-j4JQhYVITA0eGU81ie4Gcws61ksyY_NQwta7L5b2orfJBoEL-5IT71DRGir8khn7s-vOA.klvxllcX0tf9amRVjV-odK3j0o-RGb2a6-U_zxJG7pM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=minor+miracle&amp;qid=1732381865&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=minor+miracle%2Cstripbooks%2C115&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=6351f2a6e80c014fbc1ec8e06190a12c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><em>The Minor Miracle</em> </a>by Meredith Davis illustrated by Billy Yong</strong></p>



<p>This superhero/spy story where the characters can manipulate gravity really captured my 11-year old&#8217;s imagination this year! <em>The Minor Miracle </em>is published by my same publisher, WaterBrook, and the sequel will be out in May 2025! Read my full review of <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/the-minor-miracle/"><em>The Minor Miracle</em> HERE.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Minor-Miracle-Amazing-Adventures-Noah/dp/0593445333?crid=1XYX3GWN2667W&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x8Vz94ziCR44LF4obJCYjXkpYabqns6rCbavHUCLoiJYdsy70OZRzWWdO-9VpLvII7_uj_MEdLioOZkjX_v4sca-WC93TAHoRC7Wyl26j2jWHlywsncaCrcjsZPbGw9XzBHkWWNCq34hRfJuxiNRJfNr6qHXNXydHgwK0-j4JQhYVITA0eGU81ie4Gcws61ksyY_NQwta7L5b2orfJBoEL-5IT71DRGir8khn7s-vOA.klvxllcX0tf9amRVjV-odK3j0o-RGb2a6-U_zxJG7pM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=minor+miracle&amp;qid=1732381865&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=minor+miracle%2Cstripbooks%2C115&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=6351f2a6e80c014fbc1ec8e06190a12c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/200112797.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3800" style="width:444px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/200112797.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/200112797.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/200112797.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/200112797.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/200112797.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></a></figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Young adult (for your teens or yourself!)</h2>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tress-Emerald-Sea-Cosmere-Projects/dp/1250899664?crid=3DG4719VNYFD&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gP0fYiVlI3K-ql2Rwca8D2ZK-O5W3cHPkpohMNGtmVNhpM5UU3F73GrNd_KSNbeOn3GSvakOoiVKahU1gQJnuzY9gJizYJQglukBvtK61b2XsqcNo8nGG8nb5-wwD9dRdRiSS4DP8vxag19wZCP9-7n1aTF9YOEDyW6MeZBu45_lL03uDXeIfItBcZwzmlL0f_6TPMwnys7EKQr5pHiqWENp5drV_sO5cIgQIgVRPJU.F2ZBUCdVypkSJcxlD2sOyCo7alrzbkdHeTCz7tmmTZg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=tress+of+the+emerald+sea&amp;qid=1732399600&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=tress+of+%2Cstripbooks%2C116&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=024b9f658e0860bee57bc0ce5d8c24e2&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tress of the Emerald Sea</a></em> by Brandon Sanderson</strong></p>



<p>This fun fantasy romp takes readers to a fascinating world where the sea is made of spores that become dangerous when wet. This was a book my teens read first and told me I had to read. I wasn&#8217;t disappointed! There&#8217;s some light romance, but it&#8217;s spice-free, so you can feel comfortable handing it to your teens.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tress-Emerald-Sea-Cosmere-Projects/dp/1250899664?crid=3DG4719VNYFD&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gP0fYiVlI3K-ql2Rwca8D2ZK-O5W3cHPkpohMNGtmVNhpM5UU3F73GrNd_KSNbeOn3GSvakOoiVKahU1gQJnuzY9gJizYJQglukBvtK61b2XsqcNo8nGG8nb5-wwD9dRdRiSS4DP8vxag19wZCP9-7n1aTF9YOEDyW6MeZBu45_lL03uDXeIfItBcZwzmlL0f_6TPMwnys7EKQr5pHiqWENp5drV_sO5cIgQIgVRPJU.F2ZBUCdVypkSJcxlD2sOyCo7alrzbkdHeTCz7tmmTZg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=tress+of+the+emerald+sea&amp;qid=1732399600&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=tress+of+%2Cstripbooks%2C116&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=024b9f658e0860bee57bc0ce5d8c24e2&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="656" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/60531406.png?resize=656%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3883" style="width:387px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/60531406-656x1024.png 656w, https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/60531406-480x749.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 656px, 100vw" /></a></figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Treat yourself or give away</h2>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Home-Susan-K-Macias/dp/0999308564?_encoding=UTF8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UYodVCDv0qb4_l6yjnm8jSf4GSiA9724gZ2QSBV1bzA.ED3B28HNBmoNEDyQldQfdZ2JIXnB8mbkisr7Lz8k3A0&amp;qid=1732399655&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=9549bb4bde288dc18d3a0ef3c5eae1d5&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Finding Home</a> </em>by Susan Macias</strong></p>



<p>Here&#8217;s a book that surprised me this year. It&#8217;s a retelling of the parable of the prodigal son. But makes this book stand out is how every character is fleshed out and made so very real. My general jam is fantasy, but I couldn&#8217;t put this one down!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Home-Susan-K-Macias/dp/0999308564?_encoding=UTF8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UYodVCDv0qb4_l6yjnm8jSf4GSiA9724gZ2QSBV1bzA.ED3B28HNBmoNEDyQldQfdZ2JIXnB8mbkisr7Lz8k3A0&amp;qid=1732399655&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=housfullofb0a-20&amp;linkId=9549bb4bde288dc18d3a0ef3c5eae1d5&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="331" height="500" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/205671975.jpg?resize=331%2C500&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3884" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/205671975.jpg?w=331&amp;ssl=1 331w, https://i0.wp.com/www.housefullofbookworms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/205671975.jpg?resize=199%2C300&amp;ssl=1 199w" sizes="(max-width: 331px) 100vw, 331px" /></a></figure>



<p><strong>What about you? Have you found a book you love this year and can&#8217;t wait to give away for Christmas? Let me know about your favorite books for Christmas in the comments!</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/books-for-christmas-gift-guide-2024/">Books for Christmas Gift Guide 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.housefullofbookworms.com">House full of Bookworms</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/books-for-christmas-gift-guide-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3875</post-id>	</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
