As we’ve been putting the finishing touches on the October issue of Anabaptist World, I’ve been thinking about books, books, books. Today’s Five Things features five of my favorite recent reads. As I tell my Children’s Literature students: a well-written book is a well-written book! Don’t be afraid to pick up something written for “children;” you might be surprised at how much you enjoy the story, and/or what you learn!
1. Phooey Kerflooey: Three Kids and a Puppy vs The Squirrel of The Apocalypse by Kristen Joy Wilks
This middle grades novel is laugh-out-loud funny! I was reading it to myself and had to just keep stopping to read parts to my family. We all enjoyed the colorful characters and the utter mayhem created by this squirrel! So much to love from the relatable (human) characters, the memorable dog (Phooey Kerflooey), and that darn squirrel! A beautiful message about finding God’s “perfect peace” makes this an ideal book for all ages.
2. The Sower by Scott James
This book, which is illustrated by Stephen Crotts, is a beautiful picture book. It tells the story of creation and restoration to the promise of final reconciliation as one connected story of God’s creative, nourishing, nurturing work. Again, an amazing read for any age.
3. The Pages & Co. series by Anna James
A friend recently told me about this series, and I can’t wait to share them with my daughter! Tilly Pages lives in the bookstore her grandparents know. In the first volume, Tilly wrestles with questions of what happened to her mother (who disappeared 11 years prior), suddenly encounters Anne Shirley and Alice from Wonderland, and finds herself wandering in some familiar stories. Great fun for bibliophiles of all ages.
4. Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano
Jen Turano is my favorite “fluff” read — though her threads of faith often hit home in very important ways. Full of amusing situations, colorful characters, dashing gentlemen (who sometimes just need a nudge in the right direction), this volume in the Matchmakers series was as much fun as I expect from Turano.
5. A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell
Last week my mom and I spent some time raving to each other about this book. It is a lighthearted Christian romance with a very strong-willed heroine who struggles to take care of everyone in her life. Her sense of responsibility for everyone and everything and her journey (both physically and metaphorically) challenges the reader. Oh, and the secret flying owl machine, an apprentice trying to escape his past, a cross-continent scavenger hunt, a mother who has a pet ermine she wears like a live fur-piece and magical clockwork features make this an adventure to savor.
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