Age 00-04. 4 Stars. In this pleasant sequel to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle introduces a spider who, carried by the wind, lands on a fence post and begins to spin her web… The spider’s example of steady, goal-oriented and satisfying work is a good model for children who need to grow up into productive adults.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. There are a many well-written, poorly illustrated Bible storybooks, and even more well-illustrated versions which drift from the original meaning of the biblical text. Ruth Bell Graham’s Christmas Bible storybook, illustrated by award-winning artist Richard Jesse Watson, is visually one of the best Bible picture books I have seen, while remaining close to the original text of the Bible.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Peter Spier has again brought us an enthralling rendition of a beloved Bible story.

Age 12-16. 5 Stars. Burnford’s story of three beloved family pets (a Labrador retriever, bull terrier and Siamese cat) who make a cross-country trek across Canadian wilderness to reach their home has an undeniable appeal for animal lovers.

Age 08-12. 5 Stars. The Moffats, who live in the same town as the owners of Ginger Pye, are a close-knit family of four children and a hard-working seamstress mother… Estes’ engaging characters, living in the context of a sweetly old-fashioned small town, hold an undeniable appeal that has caused this story to endure for 70 years.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. City by Numbers is another volume in the same spirit as Alphabet City.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Stephen Johnson has captured alphabet shapes in ordinary places around a bustling city… These are reproduced in paintings that are so realistic that at first glance they might be taken for photographs.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Teunis and Gertrude Van Alstyne are Dutch homesteaders caught in the middle of the French and Indian War, and one night Teunis is called away to fight… There are few stories in which a child is given such an important and difficult task, and [ten-year-old Edward's] courage and responsibility are awe-inspiring.

Age 00-04. 5 Stars. Bruce Whatley’s paintings bring new life to the beautiful old hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander, originally written to help children understand the opening of the Apostle’s Creed… This makes for a joyous read and is an excellent supplement to a child’s Christian training.

Age 12-16. 4 Stars. Most of my generation, when they think of Bambi, think of the sentimental 1942 Disney movie. But the original book was a serious work. Its one-of-a-kind conception and spectacular writing have earned it classic status… There is a clear sense that Bambi’s coming-of-age is defined by no longer needing to rely on others… In contrast to this message of isolationism, the Bible teaches that a solitary existence falls short of God’s plan… The romantic appeal of Bambi’s self-chosen exile has an especial attraction in our individualistic culture. Adults will need to use discernment about when a child is ready for this book.