Giant by Judith McQuoid

 Sarah Mackenzie interviewed Mrs. McQuoid on RAR about her debut book, Giant. It was one of my favorite author interviews ever! Redeemed Reader also reviewed it this past summer (2025). 

Mrs. McQuoid offers readers a sample of C.S. Lewis's childhood when he lived in Belfast. The main character, however, is Davy, a boy from a working-class family. Davy's mother works for the Lewis family as a housekeeper. When she brings Davy along to work in hopes he can work small jobs for the Lewis family, Davy forms a friendship with C.S. Lewis. Their friendship bolsters both of them-Davy to pursue his love for art and reading and Lewis to persevere during his mother's illness, her eventual death, and then a horrible boarding school situation. 

I loved the book and would have read it in one sitting if time allowed. Will middle grade readers like this gentle story? If they value friendships, character-driven stories, and a love for C.S. Lewis, they will appreciate it. More plot-driven readers may not see the point to it. 

I love that Mrs. McQuoid includes in the back a list of books mentioned throughout the novel.

-I own it.

The Sword -Magnus and the Mystery of Romans by Marty Machowski illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino**

 Through three different stories, parents and their children can study the book of Romans together. The story opens with a brother & sister discovering a sword and an ancient book in an off-limit trunk in the family home. With their father, they read the story of Magnus and his encounter with Paul, the writer of Romans. Each chapter begins with the fictional story about Magnus & his eventual conversion to Christ. Then Mr. Machowski provides specific passages (chronological) from Romans to read and pages with further explanations and analogies. Each chapter also includes a section connectiong the Old Testament with the New Testament.

Currently, the pastor at my church his preaching through Romans. If I had younger children, this book would be a perfect choice to study Romans as a family.

World magazine selected as their Children's Book of the Year (2025).

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my church's library. 😊

Give Me This Mountain by Dr. Helen Roseveare*

 Dr. Helen Roseveare shares her surrender to Christ and then her experiences in the Congo in the 1950s & 1960s as a doctor and missionary. 

Although she divulges many tales about her time in Africa, she does not elaborate on details. Her writing style is mostly telling, not showing. Surprisingly, I liked her style and pacing. It seems to me that the purpose of this book was to reinforce and/or reveal how missionaries are not perfect nor are they the Christians "who have arrived". She is candid about her sin nature and spiritual struggles. As a result, God receives more glory. Also, because of her vulnerability, I could connect to her. I found it interesting how the African Christians and European Christians struggle with unity after a time. . .but, they resolve their differences and reconcile. 

If I owned this book, I would have been highlighting often and jotting comments in the margin.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my church library.

One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Emily Sutton*

 Theo, a lonely boy, is left alone on Christmas Eve because his parents are more dedicated to work than home and family. Left with a neglectful baby-sitter, Theo spies a "shooting star" and wishes not to be alone. Suddenly, old ornaments hanging on the Christmas tree come to life and give Theo an incredible Christmas Eve.

Substantial length-(64 pages)

The illustrations look old-fashion. Quite a few two page spreads are included. Beautiful.

*Highly recommend.

Considerations/discuss: parents who love work more than child (but this is resolved by the end), the word a** when referring to donkey at the manger

-Borrowed from the library

Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell

 A teeny book packed with thought-provoking essays about children's books, their history, and their benefits. I do not agree with the author's politics.

-Borrowed via ILL.

A Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri illustrated by Vesper Stamper

 Readers will learn about the complicated process of creating a rug in this picture book. An Iranian boy and his grandmother make a Persian rug together (from wool prepping to dying to weaving). The subject matter fascinated me. When children are learning about weaving, the Middle East, or Iranian culture, this book would be perfect to share.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Smell of Wet Dog & Other Dog Poems and Drawings by Barry Saltzberg*

 A wide variety of poems about dogs    

Some poems are from the dog's point of view; others are from the human's point of view. Based on his poems, Mr. Saltzberg has observed dogs and their antics very well! Fun poems!

I especially like the last poem! 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.