Children’s Picture Book Review: The Stories of God (and Kiki) by Dave Connis, illustrated by Amy Domingo

What it’s About:

Little Kiki is an aspiring author and illustrator who weaves daring tales about swashbuckling otters, all-knowing sea cucumbers, and nail-biting rescues from the clutches of gerblins (part gerbil, part goblin). But where do her imagination, creativity, and ideas come from?

Meet God, the author of all stories. He writes adventurous tales such as Esther Saves Her Family and Friends, Jesus and the Tomb that Couldn’t Hold Him, and the Story of Kiki.

Kiki loves to write but sometimes she forgets to include important pieces (like the time she forgot to give the ship’s cook a kitchen). God also loves to write, and He knows exactly what every story needs. They are both writing their biggest story of all, and the endings are bound to be incredible.

My Thoughts:

The Stories of God (and Kiki) is a delightful book that focuses on how God created us in His image. Kiki is a writer and illustrator who understands she may make mistakes in her stories, but God never will. Amy Domingo’s illustrations are refreshing, colorful, and fun. This is a great book to share with a child and help them understand God created them to be themselves, even as He, in his wisdom, created the world. This would be a great book to use in Sunday School or with a group of children, then have them write a story and illustrate it.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Children’s Picture/Board Book Review: Near: Psalm 139 by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago

Book Description:
From Sally Lloyd-Jones, the author of the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, comes an uplifting new board book in a soft padded format that is a perfect fit for little hands. Inspired by Psalm 139—which begins, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me”—Near’s lyrical text reminds little ones that God is with them anywhere they go in God’s wide world.

God is my Father who made everything.

And I am a little explorer of the wide world.

He is near me

And he protects me.

He sees me

And he knows me.

He is strong

And he looks after me. He is with me—always!

My Thoughts:
Jago’s vivid illustrations and Sally Lloyd-Jones insightful text come together to create a dynamic board book that teaches children, God is always with them. As I read through the text, I found comfort in the words. I can imagine this book would fill little ones with peace and joy to know that the one who loves them so much is with them always. I love the opening: “God is my Father who made everything. And I am a little explorer of the wide world.” The beautiful illustrations take the reader on a great adventure with three children who travel from the city—to the arctic—to the ocean floor and more. This is a perfect gift for Easter, a wonderful story to share with grandchildren, or a teaching tool for Sunday School. Five stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just in Time for Christmas! Now in Board Book: A Very Fiona Christmas and A Night of Great Joy

Book Description:
It’s Fiona the hippo’s very first Christmas, and the zoo is sparkling with holiday spirit. When the adorable little hippo asks her friends, “What’s Christmas?” they set out to show her all the wonders and excitement of the season. With each new experience Fiona lets out a snort, wiggles her ears, and asks, “Is THIS Christmas?”

Amidst the snow, twinkling lights, mistletoe, and stockings, Fiona ends up meeting a new friend at the zoo who helps her discover the true meaning of the holiday: Love. Snuggle up with your little ones and join Fiona and her adorable animal friends for a heartwarming holiday romp through the zoo.

My Review:
A Very Fiona Christmas is a delightful story of a baby hippo discovering Christmas for the first time. Living near Cincinnati, I am familiar with Fiona. She was born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo. She survived and thrived and has become a favorite of young and old. Richard Cowdrey's illustrations are fantastic. The color and movement of the beautiful characters will delight children. If you are looking for a gift for an animal lover, and what child isn't, pick up a copy of A Very Fiona Christmas. I won't spoil the ending, but I'll say it is perfect. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit

Book Description:
Mary Engelbreit presents A Night of Great Joy, a delightful picture book that celebrates the joyful season of Christmas. This book tells the story of the nativity through the performance of a children’s Christmas pageant. With adorable illustrations and simple storytelling, Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born.

A Night of Great Joy recalls that fateful night with wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.

Mary Engelbreit, New York Times bestselling illustrator of the blockbuster Christmas classic The Night Before Christmas, brings readers a new holiday picture book that’s sure to become a family favorite.

My Review:
Who doesn't love a Christmas pageant?

I've long been a fan of Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and of Christmas pageants. A Night of Great Joy embraces the colorful whimsy of her art with the sweet, often amusing joy of a children's play. Mary's simple telling of Jesus birth pairs beautifully with her wonderful illustrations. I love the expressions on the faces of the diverse cast of children as they participate in the most important holiday story. And the shepherds and angels are a hoot. Parents and children will have a lot of fun reading this version of the Christmas story. I see this becoming a classic in years to come. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Two Christmas Books to Share with Little Ones

The Beginner's Bible Little Lamb's Christmas: A Finger Puppet Board Book

Book Description:
Introduce babies and toddlers to the Christmas story told through the eyes of little Lamb. Children will love listening to the story of Jesus' birthday and play with the adorable, plush lamb finger puppet included.

The Beginner’s Bible Little Lamb’s Christmas brings the story of Jesus' birth to life from a new and fun but faithful retelling. Readers will follow little Lamb from the hillside to the manger where he celebrates the arrival of God's only son.

Featuring vibrant art from the beloved The Beginner's Bible, this chunky, durable board book with finger puppet is perfect for parents to share with their children. It makes an adorable stocking stuffer or wrapped gift.

My Review:
Little Lamb is excited he gets to visit baby Jesus at the manger. Told in simple text, Little Lamb introduces children to the reason we celebrate Christmas. I like the interactive element of the lamb finger puppet as he tells the story on each page. What a fun way to share Jesus' birth with little ones. This would be a great stocking stuffer or teaching tool for toddlers. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Over in a Stable by Suzanne Nelson (Author), Aleksandar Zolotic (Illustrator)

Book Description:
Over in a Stable, written by award-winning author Suzanne Nelson, is a beautiful and engaging Christmas read-aloud for you and your little ones that tells the story of the nativity, featuring the memorable counting and cadence of the beloved classic poem “Over in the Meadow.”

Children ages 4 to 8 will enjoy counting aloud from one little drummer boy to ten little children. 

Over in a Stable features vibrant illustrations from artist Aleksandar Zolotic, showing the animals and people who gathered to celebrate the arrival of baby Jesus on that miraculous night in Bethlehem

Over in a stable, though the hour was growing late,

grazed one mother sheep and her fleecy lambs eight.

“Give,” said the mother. “We give,” said the eight.

And they gave their hay to make a bed to rest a King so great. 

With a shiny cover that features glitter accents, Over the Stable is a treasured picture book your family will cherish for many years.

My Review:
Over in the Stable is a beautiful counting book that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The words of Suzanne Nelson and illustrations of Aleksandar Zolotic marry together for the perfect book to share on Christmas Eve before the little ones are tucked in. The animals in the story have such sweet, beautiful faces. This would also be a great book to use in Sunday School or Junior Church. I can see Over in the Stable becoming an annual holiday favorite. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

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 Picture Book Review: Fiona, It's Bedtime by Zondervan (Author), Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)

Book Description:

It’s time to go to bed and Fiona can’t fall asleep until she’s said “GOODNIGHT” to all her animal friends at the zoo.

Fiona, It’s Bedtime, a follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Fiona the Hippo and A Very Fiona Christmas, is the latest book to showcase the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo. Fiona is beloved by fans all over the world, and her newest book is the perfect bedtime read-aloud for cuddling with your little one. Fiona, It’s Bedtime, illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey, features everyone’s favorite hippo who wanders through the zoo saying “GOOD NIGHT” to all her animals friend before she heads to bed and settles into slumber.  

My Review:
Richard Cowdrey's charming and colorful illustrations will delight little ones as they're encouraged to go to sleep. The rhyming text of Fiona, It's Bedtime is fun to read aloud, as Fiona visits all her friends at the zoo. The text also captures the sleeping habits of the various animals. Living near Cincinnati, I have a soft spot for this lovable hippo. Cowdrey has captured her sweet persona on each page. This is perfect for children ages 2 to 8. Or an adult like me who loves children's books. Fiona, It's Bedtime will become a good-night favorite. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Picture Book Review: The Wonder that is You by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Aurelie Blanz

Book Description:

Every parent dreams of embracing their new child, and when that dream comes true, it’s as if all of creation rejoices with them. In the tradition of Nancy Tillman’s On The Night You Were Born and Emily Winfield Martin’s The Wonderful Things You Will Be comes The Wonder That Is You by critically-acclaimed author Glenys Nellist. This heartwarming book beautifully captures the universal love and joy parents feel as they celebrate the arrival of a new child. A perfect gift for baby showers, baptisms, adoptions, birthdays, or any time you want to tell your little one how much they are loved.

It felt as if the world stood still
The day my dream came true,
And all creation paused to see
The wonder that is you. 

I thought I heard the trees clap hands
And as their leaves unfurled,
They whispered softly in the breeze,
Welcome to our world.

My Review:
Glenys Nellist has penned another beautiful book for parents and children. Her poetic voice and verse sing the joy a new parent has for their child. This is a sweet ode to the child and should be shared often as the child grows. Aurelie Blanz's illustrations are drenched in color and whimsy. Perfect to show to a little one who is exploring the world. As always, I love how Glenys paints a heart-warming picture of God's love. This is a beautiful book to share with grandchildren or any child in your life. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Picture Book Review: A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit

Book Description:

Mary Engelbreit presents A Night of Great Joy, a delightful picture book that celebrates the joyful season of Christmas. This book tells the story of the nativity through the performance of a children’s Christmas pageant. With adorable illustrations and simple storytelling, Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born.

A Night of Great Joy recalls that fateful night with wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.

Mary Engelbreit, New York Times bestselling illustrator of the blockbuster Christmas classic The Night Before Christmas, brings readers a new holiday picture book that’s sure to become a family favorite.

My Thoughts:
Who doesn't love a Christmas pageant?

I've long been a fan of Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and of Christmas pageants. A Night of Great Joy embraces the colorful whimsy of her art with the sweet, often amusing joy of a children's play. Mary's simple telling of Jesus birth pairs beautifully with her wonderful illustrations. I love the expressions on the faces of the diverse cast of children as they participate in the most important holiday story. And the shepherds and angels are a hoot. Parents and children will have a lot of fun reading this version of the Christmas story. I see this becoming a classic in years to come. If I could only buy one Christmas book for the children in my life this year, I'd choose this one. I received this book for free from Zonderkidz.