We’ve got resources, picture book recommendations, arguments over the best Narnia chronicle, and more for you this week. That’s before we even get to what was published at Story Warren. Have a good week—we’re on your side.

Around the Web

Leslie Bustard Loves Children’s Books

You’ll probably hear more about this new resource from Square Halo Books in the coming weeks, but here’s the start of an introduction: Wild Things and Castles in the Sky is a guide for choosing children’s books that’s absolutely invaluable. Leslie Bustard, one of the editors, is on the Habit this week.

• This week on The Habit Podcast, Jonathan Rogers talks with Leslie Bustard, editor of Wild Things and Castles in the Sky: A Guide to Choosing the Best Books for your Children.
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A Mother’s Call to Compassion

Anne Kerhoulas looks at the special gift of compassion mothers carry.

• When I was a kid, I remember my mom getting upset about seeing suffering, saying things like “I just can’t watch that,” cringing at headlines, or crying over a commercial. I watched in confusion as she became overwhelmed at the sight of another’s pain. But since becoming a mother almost four years ago, the same foreign power that overtook my mom has come for me too.
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New Picture Books

Janie at Redeemed Reader reviews introduces a new set of picture books.

• Four new picture books take a humorous look at knighthood, explore backyard science, and appreciate grandparents.
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Headaches and Housekeeping, Somebody Likes Prince Caspian?

Rebekah Curtis argues for a lesser favored Narnia chronicle.

• When I say that Prince Caspian is the best of the Chronicles of Narnia, I say it in the same way that I say I’d rather eat a chopped salad than anything else, or that my favorite pastime is going to church. There are many fine things about church and chopped salads, but the one only has pews to sit on, and the other isn’t a pile of buttered toast. 
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Around the Warren

Of Kingbirds and Wonder

Hannah Sanders takes us into wonder.

• I park my car and enter the familiarity of Sycamore Grove. My tangled thoughts are equally familiar. “This is why I need this walk,” I tell myself, “to sort out the tangles.” I put my earbuds in. Chris Renzema’s voice helps contain my thoughts.
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Going Ghibli

Lindsey Murphy recommends films from Studio Ghibli.

• Every Friday night, our family snuggles up on the couch with pizza, popcorn, and ice cream to watch a movie.  It’s our way of sliding into home plate after the typical chaotic week of all of the activities in all of the places at all of the times.  The only problem is, after years of this tradition, it feels like we’ve run out of quality films to watch with our children.  I imagine many of you might be in the same situation, especially if, like me, your family runs from preschool to preteen.  
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Something to Do with Your Kids

Looking for ways to brighten rainy spring days or help get the wiggles out as you stretch after winter? Try these!

Something to Watch

Weird borders are my favorite.

Thanks for reading. We’re on your side. 

–The Story Warren Team

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Carolyn Clare Givens

Carolyn Clare Givens is a displaced Northerner exploring the foreign ways of the South. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her literary cat, Lord Peter Wimsey. She's the author of The King's Messenger and Rosefire and in her free time helps run Bandersnatch Books.

You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.

Latest posts by Carolyn Clare Givens (see all)

• Beauty for All - January 5, 2026
• The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 38 - October 11, 2025
• The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 37 - October 4, 2025