Media Matters

 Book by Natalie Lloyd. Natalie Lloyd is a master at writing magical realism for children. There was a lot to like in this book that celebrates family, gifts, and forgiveness.

 Book by Allen Levi. Overall, a lovely homage to really looking at people and seeing the good in them. Note: aimed at an adult audience, but clean enough for teens.

 Book by Beth Brower.  This was a deep and compelling story based loosely on Beauty and the Beast. I really appreciated the religious symbolism and depth of themes: good vs. evil, light vs. dark, hope, courage, sacrifice, free will to choose for yourself, accepting a calling to serve beyond your own interests, repentance as a slow painful but worthwhile endeavor, redemption available to all, power in prayer, holy rituals and ordinances and tokens and garments, receiving heavenly inspiration and instruction, allusions to the Savior (“a figure, in robes as bright as the white fruit in the courtyard window, who quietly invites “), the inconstancy and disloyalty of evil beings who use then betray, and so much more!  Note: the “beast” character is truly evil and chose to be that way (he kills people and drinks their blood) so this may be too much for younger or sensitive readers; however the redemption arc is much more powerful with a truly amoral character than it would be wi...

 Picture book by Josh and Sarah Sabey. I was impressed with the writing in this word-heavy picture book. It tells three stories (the garden, the cross, and the tomb) and ties them together beautifully.  Recommended age 7- adult

 Picture book by Candace Fleming. A funny original fairy tale with a strong message.

 Picture book by Beth Ferry. Adorable. A grumpy retired seaman becomes friends with his new noisy neighbors, with a bit of help from the sea.

 2026 movie about George Washington as a young man, focusing on how he was prepared and preserved by God to fulfill his role in later years. Wartime violence. Age 13+

 Animated 2025 movie from Angel Studios. Animated musical story of the biblical David, starting with his childhood and ending with his becoming the king. Quite well done! There is some imagery that could be scary for younger viewers. Recommend for ages 7+?

 Book by Brigid Kemmerer. This was a compelling, don’t want to put it down, kind of book for me. It was not an easy read, as it deals with a lot of heavy issues (grief, abuse, etc), but it was worthwhile, illustrating important themes: the way we inaccurately view other people and situations, the importance of the way we talk to and about others, loyalty in family and friendship, using agency well, etc. Note: a few profanities, a passing question asking if a boy had sent her nude pictures of himself. Overall surprisingly clean for a YA contemporary novel. Recommended for high schoolers

 Book by Michiko Aoyama. This book was unusual, in that it consists of just five chapters, each about a completely different character whose interactions with the librarian improve their lives. It is a bit frustrating to be sucked into a person’s story, then have to switch gears without getting closure with the previous character’s story. That said, it was a really interesting and thought-provoking read.  Note: contains just a couple of swear words

 Book by Wendy Watson. I really appreciated the author’s approach outlined in the introduction:  “Rock-solid relationships are built upon the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. His Power, Light, Love, Truth, and Spirit are their foundation. Relationships built on these “cannot fall.” “ “The scriptures are the very best “how to” books on relationships. The scriptures are the first and last word on how to be a better husband, father, wife, mother, parent, son, daughter, sibling, in-law, friend, neighbor, boss, employee, or any other relationship you can name.“ Each chapter was based on a scripture and a true principle taught by that scripture, which were then applied to examples of how that principle could strengthen a real-life relationship.  Although not every piece of advice may apply to every situation, I feel confident in recommending this book that every reader will find something that will prove helpful in improving one of their relationships. A few quotes: “We hav...

 Book by Katherine Reay. A charming modern retelling of Daddy-Long-Legs. Squeaky clean.

 Book series by Beth Brower. The series starts a bit slow, but it will hook you soon enough. Absolutely charming!

 Board books by Abbey Wedgeworth. This series (eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet) is great! It teaches truths and connects them back to Jesus.

 Book by Kelly Barnhill. The moral of the story is more on the nose than I generally prefer, but I honestly didn’t mind it in this book because it is so utterly charming! The story is a wonderful illustration of the Biblical question: Who is my neighbor?  The audiobook narration is fantastic! A great listen or read-aloud for the whole family!

 Book by Elizabeth Enright. A glimpse into another time and place for most modern kids (with a few spots that don’t age as well), but the essentials of this portrayal of a loving family are timeless. The siblings feel real and make mistakes, but are kind and generous and respectful. The idea for their independent Saturday outings reminds me of Jonathan Haidt’s current movement to allow children more freedom and responsibility in interacting within their neighborhoods. Other books in the series I recommend: The Four-Story Mistake And Then There Were Five

 Picture book by Trillia Newbell. A lovely message that when it comes to loving people, Jesus doesn’t play favorites, so neither should we. References parable in James.

 Picture book by Randall Goodgame. Could work as a Christmas or Easter book! Tells a parable from the NT, focuses on the surprising nature of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, and encourages the reader to be ready for the second coming by loving God and loving others.

 Board book by Janet Moreno. This was an ingenious idea for a board book! On the first page spread, it references the story of Noah, and teaches children two ASL signs: flood and rainbow (which use the same hand shape). Each subsequent spread pairs a color of the rainbow with one of God’s promises (each pair uses the same hand shape). I love the way this combines the academic (colors) and kinesthetic (ASL) with scriptural promises in such a memorable context!

 Picture book by Jane Werner Watson. I was shocked at how beautiful both the prose and illustrations are in this book! Really lovely for ages 5-10!