Age 16-18. 5 Stars. All Things Bright and Beautiful continues the memoirs of James Herriot, newly married to Helen, as he continues his veterinary practice in Yorkshire. This book is simply more of the same witty, incisive commentary on animal ways and human nature, and how they came together in his unique professional life. Utterly enjoyable.

Age 16-20. 5 Stars. All Creatures Great and Small opens an unforgettable series of personal memoirs by a country veterinarian in 1940’s Yorkshire… These are written in engaging chapters that cover brief vignettes, which are written with a warm, wry humor that vividly, affectionately, and sometimes mercilessly captures human nature in the context of this cultural scene. Many descriptions are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and will be spontaneously read aloud to the nearest listener. But Herriot is no cynic — his writing pokes fun at himself at least as often as others, and his self-deprecating wit provides an appeal that is near irresistible.

Age 00-04. 5 Stars. Goodnight Moon is an apparently simple bedtime book whose appeal has endured for over sixty years. In it, a small rabbit delays bedtime by saying goodnight to all the objects in his room. The text is soothingly rhythmic, and the well-conceived artwork depicts the same bedroom from different perspectives in two-page colored spreads, alternating with close-up pictures of individual objects in shades of gray. As the bunny slowly subsides into bed and sleep, the light in the room dims until shapes are nearly imperceptible. This warm and comforting story traces the emotional transition of a young child from active relationship to restful solitude, all in the context of a stable and secure home emblemized by the unchanging objects in the room. A wonderful book.

Age 00-04. 5 Stars. This is a delightfully comforting story of a little bunny who decides to run away from his mother. When she informs him that she intends to follow him, he invents many imaginary scenes in which he is transformed into something else and escapes…. This book playfully and gently underscores the unconditional love children ought to expect from their parents, and echoes God’s own relentless pursuit of human souls to be included in His household (Psalm 139:7-12; Ephesians 1:4-6). It is an essential addition to any child’s library, but may be especially well suited for children who who experience anxiety about their place in the family — siblings of a new addition to the family, adoptees, or children who have experienced trauma.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This is a very simple story about a young boy’s confidence that the seed he plants will grow. He persists in caring for it, even though his family expresses skepticism, and his perseverance is met with success. This is a nice short read-aloud for young children who are just beginning to grasp the structure of stories, or those who are just moving into reading on their own.

Age 04-08. 3 Stars. Nothing new ever happens at Grandfather’s house, and his favorite response to everything is “Could be worse!” One day he overhears his grandchildren wondering if anything interesting ever happens to him, and the next morning he greets them with a tremendously tall tale…. The story is well paced, nicely crafted and easy to read, but what really makes it fun is Stevenson’s whimsical, funny artwork. The gentle relationship between Grandfather and his grandchildren is positive and warm, and children will enjoy this flight of fancy, grounded in the context of a secure relationship. It’s not a classic, but certainly worth reading a few times.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. This lovely tale illustrates the truth that although God’s decisions regarding the lives of His creations may seem inscrutable, He is always working for good purposes…. While the book does not present the full story of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection to restore humanity to God (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 3:18), it is an excellent complement to the story. This would make a good addition both to your Christmas and Easter reading basket.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This classic book tells the story of a train whose engine stalls out before it can get over the last mountain to deliver toys and food to the good children on the other side of the mountain. The toys begin to flag down passing engines to take them the rest of the way. Several engines refuse, but a little blue engine agrees to try, even though she has never pulled such a heavy load. Through generous good will and tenacity she makes it over hill. The well-written and original plot, and the pleasantly repetitive “I think I can… I thought I could” has ensured its popularity for over sixty years.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. This beautifully written story follows a year in the life of a 19th-Century New England family….. The hard work of colonial life is made very attractive in this story, as the children cheerfully pitch in and the family works together to build their life and homestead. The rhythmic text is gentle and spare, with just the right tone of anticipation for what will come next. Cooney’s beautiful paintings, with earth-toned colors and straight lines, evoke a feeling of peaceful simplicity that encourages the reader to look back to those bygone days with romantic nostalgia. A beautiful book.

Age 08-12. 5 Stars. The Hobbit, like The Chronicles of Narnia, defines the standard for fantasy literature for children…. Tolkien’s works have attained classic status through their excellent story quality, deeply coherent story world, and a perceptive eye toward human nature. Christian thinkers especially appreciate that Tolkien’s stories, while not allegorical, are firmly rooted in a Christian view of the world.