Children's Picture Book Reviews

Kit and the Missing Notebook is a story about calming anxiety. Kit and her family move to a new town, and Kit can't find her precious notebook where she writes all the things she wants to remember. With the help of her new neighbors, she learns some techniques that help calm her anxiety. 

This is a sweet story that's perfect to read aloud to children. The way the authors present the various coping techniques is unique and spot on. The authors also include notes in the back that talk about why they wrote the story and how to use the methods in the book to help a child. Mrs. G's soup recipe is included as well. The illustrations are perfect for the story. 

Race to Kindness is about a race where everyone wins by spreading kindness throughout the community. The story, written by Time's 2021 Kid of the Year, is inspired by his desire to collect toys, food, and books for kids in need. It's an inspiration for all readers and a book that needs to be added to all classrooms and libraries. 

The illustrations are colorful and fun and include the author as a boy leading the way to kindness.

A Heart that Listens

"To be kind is more important than to be right. 

Many times what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks,

but a special heart that listens."

-F. Scott Fitzgerald.

This past week was a crazy, busy week for my granddaughter,

who is a senior this year. 

Dilly and her best friend, Emma, 

competed in and celebrated their fantastic tennis season.

Nominated for homecoming queen, Dilly 

got to ride in a cool Jeep Willy truck in the parade 

and be part of the half-time events at the football game.

As proud as I am of her accomplishments,

I love this beautiful young lady's kind heart even more.

She bought me a charm not long ago that said, 

"Kind people are my kind of people." 

That is true, and they're Dilly's people too. 

She's one of the kindest people I know.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,

 just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 1:32

 

A Touch of Kindness

On our trip to South Carolina, we visited Tandem, in Travelers Rest,

a cute little eatery that features crepes. 

Each table had a sweet bouquet of fresh flowers.

I appreciated this touch of thoughtfulness.

What kind gesture can we show today?

 

Be Merciful

Luke 6:32-36
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Have you seen the movie Jesus Revolution?

If you haven’t heard of the movie Jesus Revolution, it’s based on a true story of an amazing revival that took place in California in the late 60s and early 70s. In short, a conservative preacher of a small church opened the doors and welcomed in hippies who were seeking truth.

I would have been 11-14 years old at the time and remember hearing the stories and reading the Time magazine article. Even in Ohio the effects of the Jesus Revolution reverberated. A hand with the index finger pointing upward and a cross beside it became the symbol for young Christians across the country. Our church had a vibrant youth group, and it was a time of living on fire for Jesus.

When I walked out of the movie with James, Sara, and Eli my heart overflowed with gratitude to the Californian preacher who saw those who were different, the hippies, as people whom God loved. Then I wondered how often I overlook people because they are different from me.

Did you know the flower of Scotland is a thistle? In our country the thistle is considered a weed. Am I seeing weeds where God sees flowers?

In Luke 6, Jesus minced no words about who Christians should help and care for. He says to love our enemies. I’m guessing the preacher in California looked on the hippies as enemies or at least outcasts, but Jesus opened his heart.

Is it easy to love the unlovable? No. Yet, Jesus is specific. Be kind to everyone.

Ah, Kindness

Everyone struggles with something-- 

and most likely we don't know what their struggle is

any more than they know ours.

Be kind.

God calls us to love one another 

and that includes kindness, compassion, and understanding.

Love one another as Jesus loves us.

 

We All Struggle

Every person faces trials in life. 

Every person has the ability to show kindness.

One thing I had to learn about people is it's not about me.

When someone is struggling, they may be grumpy, sad or quiet,

not upset with me, but dwelling in their own stress.

There are three things I can do when I know people are struggling.

Pray

Be kind

Love 

 

Show Them Love in Action

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Someone is always watching.

One thing I know about children: They pay attention and listen, especially when we may not want them to. In other words, children mimic their parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone else they spend time with.

In September, I attended Grandparents’ Day at my granddaughter’s school. We convened in the gym at tables covered with brown craft paper and set up with cups of crayons. The staff served muffins, cookies, and punch and welcomed us with smiles. My granddaughter Ella Cate loves to draw, so this was the perfect set-up for us. We spent time together drawing dogs and cats and chatting about school. I loved sitting with her and sharing this special time.

At a gathering with children, I’m reminded of the many lives being formed and influenced by adults. I can’t help but wonder what they see and hear. As a child, I wanted to be like my second-grade teacher, Miss Mercer. I only had her for six weeks of second grade because we moved into her school district late in the year. She was a gentle, kind teacher who took extra time to catch me up on phonics. I loved and admired her and still remember her sweet personality.

As a believer and follower of Jesus, I’m aware of the traits God wants me to show others. I am particularly alert to how I influence children. I don’t always get it right, but I try to be a good example to my grandkids, the children I help in my daughter’s class once a week, and any other kids I am fortunate enough to interact with. I’m not just talking about the little ones, I’m talking teens and tweens, too.

As adults, we have a responsibility to show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to the kids who depend on us to teach them well. When children see love in action, they are more likely to show it too.

Jesus loved the children. He talked with them and showed them love. Let’s do the same.

Defined by the Fruit

When I spoke at camp, I asked the daughters and moms to give examples of

how we incorporate the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. 

One young girl reminded all of us 

how important it is, whether anyone is watching or not, to be kind.

Character, for believers, is defined by the Fruit of the Spirit.

Fruit not Fruits

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t fruits.

By the time you read this, I will have talked to a group of moms and daughters at Woodland Lakes Christian Camp. A while back, Amy, the director of Mother/Daughter camp asked me if I would put together a devotion to share about the fruit of the Spirit.

As I’ve searched for the words and examples to share, I remembered my realization that the “fruit” is not “fruits.” As a child I thought the word was plural, like there were nine different fruits standing on their own. As an adult, I realized I was wrong.

Now I see the fruit of the Spirit like an apple. When I purchase an apple at the grocery store or orchard, I have one whole piece of fruit in my hand. I bring it home and cut it into pieces. Is the apple multiple fruits now? No it’s still one apple, just with several slices.

The fruit of the Spirit is like the apple, one fruit with many pieces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all part of the same fruit. As a follower of Jesus, I need to nurture all aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. If I seek peace and joy, without kindness, my fruit spoils. If I try to be good and faithful, but lose my self-control, my fruit rots. God has given his children this amazing gift through the Holy Spirit, and I long to embrace all the fruit and make them a constant in my life.

God calls His children to live with all nine segments of fruit. He knows the world needs all of these and as Christians we are the ones to inject love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control into all aspects of our lives.

Take the challenge to actively live by the fruit of the Spirit and share God’s gift with the world.

Waffles or French Toast

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.

Tim and I stopped in for breakfast at a little diner near our home. The menu tempted me with so many choices. When a waitress stopped by our table, we both ordered coffee, then waited for her to return. With coffee in our cups, we placed our orders. "I would like to try the waffle with blueberries and a scrambled egg." I don't often ask for waffles, but I thought I'd give it a try, and with blueberries how could I go wrong. She came back to the table, head hanging, and told me, "We are out of the mix. I'm so sorry, what else would you like? We have French toast with blueberries."

I smiled and ordered the French toast. As we waited on our order, we sipped our coffee, and talked about the Reds, the book I'm working on, and what we planned for the rest of the day. Not long after, the waitress placed a plate of French toast and blueberries in front of me that looked heavenly. Again, she apologized, but I stopped her. "I love French toast and blueberries. I was getting the waffle just to try something different." She sighed with relief and hurried to the next table.

The waitress didn't know me, yet she wanted me to enjoy my breakfast. She had no idea French toast reminds me of my dad, who made it for us on Saturday mornings. Even though, she didn't know me, she was kind and wanted the best for me.

What if I passed along her caring attitude and her desire to make my day better? That's called kindness, folks. Simply caring for the people around me and considering their needs ahead of my own, both those I know and those I don't. Did I mention, she was the only one working the floor, clearing the tables, and taking orders? Yet she wore a smile and spread kindness all over the room.

Paul penned in his letter to the Ephesian church a segment about Christian living. One of the things he mentioned at the end, and I believe he did that to emphasize the point, was to be compassionate and kind to each other. As believers and followers of Jesus I want to show kindness to others, not simply because Paul said so, but because the act of caring creates a better environment for everyone and shares the love of Jesus.

Join me in finding ways to be kinder and more caring.

Gracious Words

Proverbs 16:23-24

The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
    and their lips promote instruction.
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

The purple powder puffs attracted bees. 

Along the shore of Lake Erie, on a Port Clinton beach, nodding thistle grew. Their purple heads bobbed in the breeze as bees buzzed around them. The little winged creatures sought out the sweet nectar the thistle offered. So content to collect the liquid from the plant, the bees ignored me as I snapped their photo. They were intent on gathering the ingredients to make honey, a sweet reward.

Unfortunately, in our busy lives sweetness doesn't always abound. Have you ever said something you wished you could take back as soon as the words left your mouth? I have. Instead of lifting someone up; I said things that hurt. In junior high school, before I became a Christian, I remember saying something offensive to a girl I barely knew, to this day I wish I hadn't said anything. I not only hurt her feelings, but I carried the burden of speaking without thinking with me. I don't even remember what I said, but I know it upset her.

Maybe it's a good thing the pain I caused stayed with me—as a reminder that God wants me to choose my words wisely, to run what I say through His filter and determine if it is hurtful or kind. The lesson has stuck with me for years.

Every person is going through something. Difficulties have touched everyone, especially during the pandemic. Proverbs tells me gracious and kind words sooth and heal. With February proclaimed the month of love, help me spread love, kindness, and joy to every person. Instead of spitting negative thoughts into the air, let honey pour from our lips.

Speak with the graciousness and spread God's love.

 

Most of All be Kind

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Glitter, sparkle, shine, but most of all be kind.

When my kids were growing up, our home was kind of messy. We crafted, drew, glued, and sewed. If the girls had a school project with friends, our house was often the one where they made dioramas, science projects, and book reports. On Valentine's Day and Christmas the cards required as much glitter as they would hold. Little hands scattered the shiny sparkles over white glue and made a fine mess. Sort of like the sprinkles we shook over Christmas cookies. When I attempted to vacuum the tiny, sparkly pieces, I inevitably left some behind. It seemed like I'd find glitter for months, after a project.

What would the world look like if we sprinkled kindness and compassion like glitter? So much so, that the kindness stuck around and was difficult to remove. In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul addresses the church. A place where kindness and compassion should indeed be present. Yet, he had to remind the very people who said they loved Jesus to be kind. I imagine if Paul lived today, he would preach his message in homes, workplaces, at sporting events, and in public spaces.

In a world where we can be anything, shouldn't we be kind? Considerate? Thoughtful? And shouldn't those traits be so ingrained we don't have to think about them. I know sometimes I don't feel kind, I get grumpy like everyone else, but Jesus calls me to have compassion, so I need to work on that daily.

Jesus loves people. When he walked the earth, he showed kindness. Even when he rebuked or corrected someone, he did it with love.

Sprinkle kindness like glitter, so it sticks around. 

Bee Kind

I love honey.

I eat it with peanut butter and add it to my tea.

The sweet, mellow flavor soothes my throat and pleases my taste buds.

This proverb has been a favorite for years.

Like honey, kind words are sweet, encouraging, and healing.

Bee... kind.

I've heard honeybees are becoming scarce. 

Thank you to all the beekeepers out there who are helping

plants grow by keeping bees.

 

Window to the Soul

Ephesians 1:18-19a
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

Due to COVID-19 rules, all the spectators wore masks in the gym.

The fifth-grade boys ran up and back, shot baskets, and defended their team. We cheered them as they played hard. Tim and I especially enjoyed the enthusiasm of one of the grandparents. She said she played ball back in the day, and I could tell she loved cheering for her grandson.

A week later in a different gym, we sat at the top, away from most everyone. But after the game, I saw the grandma we sat near the week before. Even though we wore our masks, I could see the smile in her eyes. She waved and pumped her hands in the air because she saw me as a co-conspirator and cheerleader for our team. But her eyes told the story. They shared joy, recognition, and excitement.

In our mask wearing society, I’ve noticed peoples’ eyes more. Some look weary and sad, some happy and smiling, while others stare into the distance hoping for better days.

Some say the eyes are the window to the soul.

Paul prayed for the Ephesian church, that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened to hope in Jesus. What do my eyes reflect? Hope—or despair and sadness. As a believer in Jesus, I’m called to show the Lord to the people around me. I pray my eyes glimmer with hope, kindness, and love, for those are the things God asks me to carry in my heart.

Eyes express genuine feelings and reflections of the heart. What do our eyes show others? Confidence? Contentment? Anger? Fear? Peace? Love?

With your eyes as the window to your soul, what will you show the folks you meet?

No Darkness at All

No matter how dark the world seems, God's light outshines.

He houses no darkness, only light.

The birds, in this beautiful print, remind me of 

the gold finches who visit my feeder.

Even on bleak winter days, 

they flit and flutter and go about their business.

I notice when the rain pours and clouds darken the day,

they gather at the feeder eight to ten at a time. 

They bring me great delight!

Like the little flock of birds, let's join together 

and shine God's light in the darkness. 

Let's bring joy, peace, and kindness to a hurting world.

Only in Him will the light break through the dark.

 

We Need More

Voices of kindness, listening for compassion, generous charity, 

minds for truth, and hearts of love...

More of these...

Add caption

 

Fiction Review: The Peasant's Dream by Melanie Dickerson

Book Description:

In this reverse Cinderella story, a poor farmer’s son, who dreams of using his talent as a woodcarver to make a better life for himself, falls in love with a duke’s daughter and must fight for a chance to win her heart.

Adela is the youngest daughter of Duke Wilhelm of Hagenheim and is never allowed outside of the castle walls. She loves her family, but she sneaks away one day to the market in the town center. There she meets a handsome young man and wonders what it might be like to fall in love with a poor farmer with a kind heart instead of marrying the man her family is suggesting for her.

Frederick earns the income for his family and defends his mother from his father’s drunken rages. He also uses his talent and creativity to carve figures, animals, and scenes into wood, and he's asked to carve these scenes into cathedral doors when his talent is noticed. Frederick is inspired by the sweet and beautiful Adela, but he has no knowledge of her true identity. When he gets swept up into a plan to kidnap the duke’s daughter, both are shaken by what they learn about the other.

With the heartbroken Adela resigned to an arranged marriage with her noble suitor, Frederick must decide what he’s willing to risk for love.

My Review:
Be ready to swoon. Dickerson has created a beautiful fairy tale featuring a kind-hearted young man who wants nothing more than to provide a better life for his mother and sisters. Then he meets Adela, the lovely daughter of a duke. With elements from the Cinderella story, she's woven a delightful tale filled with adventure, chance meetings, deception, and of course love. The Peasant's Dream is book 11 of the Fairy Tale Romance series. I loved the setting and the story. This book made me smile, laugh and fret. If you enjoy fairy tales, or beautiful love stories, pick up a copy of The Peasant's Dream and drift off to another world and time. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

He Hears Me When I Call

Psalm 102:1-2, 17 (NIV)

Hear my prayer, Lord;
    let my cry for help come to you.
Do not hide your face from me
    when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me;
    when I call, answer me quickly.

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
    he will not despise their plea.

Prayer is a privilege. If I don't ask my heavenly Father for help, that's on me.

My five-year-old granddaughter bows her head and prays every night with her momma. During the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, she asked Jesus to "stop the rona." Her little heart echoed the prayer of many. I asked God to protect my family and friends from the virus and to put an end to its rampage through the world. I prayed for the folks who lost loved ones and healing for those infected. No doubt God's ears have been filled with cries for help.

Now as I cry out once again to end racial tension and distress in our nation, I ask God to hear me. Please fill my heart with how to love better and how to respond as a Jesus' follower.

In the Psalm, the writer of chapter 102 sought out God in a time of distress. He understood God heard his voice and his request. Yet he begged him to answer quickly. Even as God's timing isn't my timing, I need to remain faithful and believe he will answer. And he does. In verse seventeen, the writer reminds me, "He will respond." In the meantime, I need to follow his lead and love well. I need to be encouraging and caring. I need to reach out to people with the arms of Jesus.

If I doubt God hears my pleas, I read Philippians 4:6 and am reminded to take everything to God in prayer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

He hears me when I call.

How Will I Respond?

Psalm 20:5

We will shout for joy when you are victorious, and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.

A response is a written or verbal reaction.

Photo by Maggie Wickline Jowers

In January, I chose "response" as my word for the year. I'm in deep with this word; honing appropriate answers, pausing before I spew a reply. Recently, I spilled my guts over something, when I should have backed up and evaluated my words a bit more. (Actually, that's happened more than a time or two.) Once my reaction landed, I couldn't take it back.

My mom is currently in a rehab facility. After a hospital stay, she was moved to a great place where the people are caring and kind. Yet, if I see something I think needs addressed, I find myself at the nurses' station asking questions. Not a bad thing, right? Not at all, as long as I keep my mouth in check. 

God urges me to be kind even when I'm fired up.

God gifted humans with emotion. He created us with feelings that enhance communication. He also gave us a guide for our reactions to each other. Galatians 5:22-23 shares a beautiful list of positive responses. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." I need to sprinkle these God-given emotions and characteristics throughout my responses.

As a believer in Jesus, he asks us to show the world who he is. Let's share the gospel by responding with God's love.

Sweet or Stinky, How do you Smell?

2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Big Apple Bagel serves the best bagels in Cincinnati. They are the perfect balance of chewy and light. If you stand outside in front of the big picture window, you can watch the bakers process the delicious treats. They pull the dough into an "o" shape, boil them in water, then bake them to a golden brown. When you walk in the door, the smell hits you. That luscious fragrance of fresh baked bread.

Research has shown that smells tug at our memory. Every time I inhale the scent of fresh cut wood, visions of my grandpa come back to me. We had an elevator at work that smelled like oil and metal and reminded me of my dad. A fragrance can conjure up a happy moment and bring back sweet memories.

Odors attract or repel.

As followers of Jesus, Paul says we are the "pleasing aroma" for people who believe and those who don't. As the odor of Jesus, we should smell sweet, drawing others to him. Most everyone has gotten a whiff of a skunk. They reek. The stench they give off isn't a pleasing aroma, instead their smell insults the senses. We've all sniffed a flower. Flowers spread a lovely perfume that draws bees and butterflies. Jesus wants his followers to smell like flowers instead of skunks. Our fragrance reflects our behavior and our faith. People will know Jesus by our aroma of grace and kindness.

Are people attracted to Jesus by your scent? Or are they repelled?