Snowman's Story

Everything looks magical when it snows.-Lorelai Gilmore

I've met Will Hillenbrand at several book festivals and rode on the same plane with him to a library conference, years ago. On the plane, as I witnessed him sketching illustrations, I realized how privileged I was to experience one of the great talents in the field of children's books creating his art. 

One of my favorite Hillenbrand books is Snowman's Story. There are no words, but the illustrations depict a beautiful tale. As you share this book with your children, let them tell you the story of this delightful snowman and the rabbit family.

Book Signing for our First Children's Book

Meet Hannah and me at the 

Lynchburg Library on October 30!

 

New Fiona Books

Fiona is back with two delightful stories for beginning readers. On the train, the animals get to travel through the zoo on their way to meet the baby red panda. In school, the animals get to teach each other about something important to them. With humor and comradery Cowdrey and Wu have created books kids will enjoy. The illustrations are colorful and appealing. 

 

Fiona's Train Ride by Richard Cowdrey with Donald Wu

Fiona wants to visit the new baby red panda, but it is so far! What better way to get around the zoo than the fun and fast zoo train. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality. 

Fiona Goes to School by Richard Cowdrey with Donald Wu

Fiona and a few of her animal friends attend zoo school for the very first time and find out just how fun it is to learn new things in the classroom. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality. 

Children's Picture Book Review: I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug by Caroline B. Cooney, Illustrated by Tim Warnes

Book Description:
Let’s get ready to snuggle! This highly engaging sequel to the bestselling and beloved I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! imagines all the cozy, warm hugs little ones love to receive on cold, blustery days.

The story encourages parents and grandparents and their children and grandchildren to giggle and play as they cozy up for their own celebration of the winter season. Imagine who might stomp, sled, and swish through the snow to give a warm hug in these whimsical rhymes and sweet, playful illustrations.

My Review:
As I read I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug, the snow was falling outside my window. Winter is a magical time for children, a let's build a snowman, make snow angels time. So why not be creative and play polar bear hug in the winter wonderland of pretend with "a shivery, quivery, forty below hug." Caroline B. Cooney, known for her young adult novels, has created a lovely, rhyming story celebrating the importance of hugs. In this fun story, the child is hugged by all kinds of animals, at the end, the little one shares a hug with someone special. Tim Warnes colorful illustrations show the story's whimsical words in bright, energetic drawings. This is a great read for 4 to 8 year olds and would make a wonderful holiday gift. Snuggle up with your little one and share a polar bear hug. This book will delight children and adults. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

Children's Devotional Review: Wonder & Wisdom: Everyday Reminders from Psalms & Proverbs by Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner

Book Description:

A highly engaging introduction to Old Testament Psalms and Proverbs for young children, each bite-sized reading draws on the timeless wisdom of these books to remind young ones who God made them to be and how to live their lives with him on a day-to-day basis. The lessons found in Psalms and Proverbs are enduring and key for understanding what it looks like to live a life of love and gratitude, make good choices, and ask helpful questions.

An ideal companion to The Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible, Tiny Truths Wonder and Wisdom helps children ages 4 to 8 discover:

Who God is: the one who made everything and everyone

Who we are: his children, whom he loves unconditionally

What we were made for: to love God and everyone else

My Review:
Tiny Truths Wonder and Wisdom is a beautifully written book for children. The illustrations are eye-catching and fun, they remind me of the cute Funko Pop toys. Most important, they show how God loves all people. The truths written out in a kid-friendly way are timeless. Each story is paired with a verse from Psalm or Proverbs. The book includes a table of contents, an introduction to Psalm and Proverbs, and more to explore verses. Written in easy to read text, the wisdom and wonders will delight little ones. This would be a perfect gift book for many occasions or a great book to use in a class for children. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Reveiw: Pugtato Finds a Thing by Sophie Corrigan

Book Description:

Enchanting illustrations. Giggle-inducing text. Unique and loveable characters. Join Pugtato and his cute and quirky pack of pals in this heartwarming picture book that celebrates the power of friendship, compassion, and believing in your own unique gifts. 

When Pugtato’s simple, quiet life is disrupted after he digs up a strange object in his garden, he enlists his best “spuddies” to help (they are more clever than he is, after all). Tweetroot is certain it’s a new egg for her nest. Tomatoad is quite sure it’s a toy just for him. And Purrsnip simply won’t stop scratching it! Luckily, Pugtato has another very special spuddy to ask …

My Review:
Pugtato is a delightful and fun read. Sophie Corrigans charming illustrations will make kids giggle. The vegetable/pet characters will stir a child's imagination and cause them to laugh out loud. Pugtato Finds a Thing would be great for children age 4-8. The rhyming text is spot on and easy to read aloud. And the ending is perfect for this little mystery. Preschool teachers could use this book to talk about different abilities and gifts and about friendship. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Board Book Review: Nighty Night Narwhal by Victoria Saxson (Author), Irene Montano (Illustrator)

Book Description:

In this sweet, humorous tale about an imaginative narwhal named Nolan, children and parents alike will giggle at, and likely recognize, all of Nolan’s excuses for avoiding bedtime. With soothing, rhyming text and whimsical, playful illustrations, this charming padded board book is sure to help little ones go from deep sea silliness to sweet, soothing dreams.

Nolan the Narwhal tries to go to sleep. He really does. But he’s thirsty ... and hungry ... and there might be a giant sea horse in the closet ... or under the bed ... and his eyes won’t stay shut ... and his horn is achy ... and all the blankets are too hot ... but no blankets are too cold ... and maybe one more song would help ... and one more story ... that’s it! One more story and Nolan promises to go to bed.

My Review:
Who doesn't love a narwhal? Kids will enjoy this sweet bedtime story of a little narwhal (the unicorn of the ocean) who just can't settle down to sleep. Parents will relate to mom and dad narwhal as they try to help their little one resolve to stay in bed for the night. Irene Montano's illustrations will delight readers. Make sure to share the details in the artwork with the children, like the froggy alarm clock. They'll love it. This copy is a board book great for ages 2-4. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: Seek and Explore Devotions for Kids by Yvonne H. Van Ee, PhD & Michael Williams, PhD

Book Description:

The Seek and Explore Book of Devotions is a full-color, interactive journey through every book of the Bible—365 days (plus one for leap day!) of reading and hands-on activities, like journaling, crosswords, word searches, puzzles, and more. During each week, your child will learn about one or two books of the Bible in short, easy-to-handle activities. Whether reading, writing, drawing, crafting, moving, or going out into the world, kids will learn about the Bible, God, and themselves. By the end of this interactive journey, your child will have a better understanding of the Bible as the story of God’s people and his love for them. Perfect for a child to use on his own, as a family, in a classroom, or even in a Sunday school setting, this devotional is unique and engaging for ages 6–10.

My Review:
I like the premise of Seek and Explore. The illustrations are engaging and fun. The devotional activities are varied. I'm not convinced a six to eight-year old would be able to use this book to the full extent. But with an adult or as a family, this would be a great addition to devotion time. For independent use, nine to twelve might be a better target age. The activities look enjoyable and will help the child have a better understanding of the scripture. I especially like the devos that are more like a puzzle than the writing activities. I can also see this as a good home school tool to prompt Bible discussion. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Did you think the book of Psalms was only for adults? Think again! Snuggle Time Psalms, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the poetry book of the Bible. This padded cover board book uses simple concepts, rhyming text and adorable art to help children engage with the Psalms. Beginning with “Bedtime Peace” and ending with “Wonderful Me!” this collection of fifteen bedtime poems enables young children to discover the One who holds them in his arms, leads them like a shepherd, created them just as they are, and cherishes them with a love that never ends ... snuggle and see!

My Thoughts:
I am a big fan of Glenys Nellist's books. She writes lovely and engaging prayers and poetry. I enjoy them as an adult and highly recommend them for children. In Snuggle Time Psalms she shares a short verse then gives a rhyming prayer. The prayers talk about things a child might think about; fear in the night, being scared, love and friendship. This would be a great book for an early reader to keep by their bed. And it would be wonderful to read with your little one before they go to sleep. Cee Biscoe has created precious illustrations that make the book even more beautiful. Children will love her sweet rendition of animals and nature. If you are looking for a way to share God's love with a child, this is a great pick. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Board Book Review: Counting Blessings by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Lee Holland

Book Description:
Children count along from 1 to 10, following the sweet rhyming text by beloved author Eileen Spinelli and the cute and cuddly illustrations by Lee Holland. Along with counting, this padded cover board book teaches children to see the blessings in life. With whimsy and joy, Counting Blessings captures the attention of young children, filling their minds with numbers and their hearts with happiness.

My Review:
I can count on Eileen Spinelli to deliver an enjoyable rhyming text that's fun to read to my grandchildren. In Counting Blessings, which is more than a counting book, she leads the child through numbers 1 to 10 then goes on to name many blessings like, "snow to dance in and songs to sing." My favorite blessing in the story is, "Six books beside your chair." What reviewer wouldn't love that. The bunny in the story is adorable thanks to Lee Holland's delightful illustrations. They're the kind of drawings that make me go ahhh— charming and colorful. The sturdy board book pages, simple text, and bright illustrations make this a perfect book for little ones. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy at Amazon.

Children's Book Review: Thank You, Lord, for Everything by P.J. Lyons, illustrated by Tim Warnes

Book Description:

Love surrounds you, beauty, too.

Notice how God blesses you!

Clap your hands, shout and sing:

Thank you, Lord, for everything.

A comfortable and relaxing rhyme tells the story of God’s great blessings in this padded cover board book. P.J. Lyons’ engaging text and Tim Warnes’ playful illustrations remind readers how much they have to be thankful for.

My Review:
This soft-cover board  book is perfect for little hands and as a read aloud. The little bear in the story is so enthusiastic, his thankful attitude will rub off on the reader. They'll be repeating the thank you chorus along with the reader. What a positive example.

P.J. Lyon's sweet poetry, "Jeweled flower, stained glass wing..." paints a delightful picture of bear's day. Children will enjoy Tim Warnes' soft and colorful illustrations. I love reading rhyming books to my grandchildren. I'll definitely share this one with them. Thank You, Lord, for Everything is a great book for Thanksgiving or as a Christmas gift. 

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.