Children's Book Review: Thankful by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Archie Preston

Bestselling author, Eileen Spinelli, exemplifies what it means to be thankful. Throughout her delightful rhyming book, the waitress, the fireman, the dancer, the poet and many other folks give thanks for what they do. Archie Preston's charming illustrations make this a perfect read aloud to young children and a great reminder to adults on how much we have to be grateful for.

As a children's librarian, I read many of Spinelli's books to young listeners. I do believe this is one of my favorites. The simple language, the people she chose as examples, and the beautiful rhythm make me want to read Thankful out loud over and over. Mr. Preston's illustrations match the story so well. I like how he flows one page into the next from the gardener to the fireman and how the ballerina reappears in scenes. His whimsical, colorful paintings will keep a child's attention and delight the adult reader. Even though this is a book for all seasons, I plan to take it to our family's Thanksgiving dinner and read it to all the children. 

Eileen Spinelli's website

Do I Have to be Patient?

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.

The country band Alabama sang a song about being in a hurry to get things done. They talked about rushing and ended up realizing they didn't even know why they pushed from one thing to another without stopping. Some days I feel that way too. I make a list of things to get done and move from one to the other just trying to finish. I don't like living in a rush. When I'm in a hurry for something to happen, I miss the moments. The quiet times when I need to listen for God's voice. The nudges from the Holy Spirit. The reminders from Jesus.

The Psalm speaks to those who believe in God. "Wait patiently," even when other people succeed with their plans. As I've gotten older, I realize God has a plan and he works in his time. When I get ahead of him circumstances get stressful, but when I wait his purpose unfolds as it should. If you're a list maker, like me, add time to reflect and think on his word. Stop and pray. Let things go. God doesn't expect me to be perfect, he expects me to obey. Praise God for his plan!

A Country Wedding

In a corner of the woods, cleared of trees, brush, and poison ivy; white chairs snugged around a young maple tree. Twine stretched from tree to tree with the bride and groom's names printed on black flags. The sister of the bride drew a sign for the entrance in whimsical lettering -- "Choose a seat not a side, we're all family once the knot is tied." The weather cooperated, hot but no rain.

The bride and her maids carried wildflowers and the groom and boys wore suspenders and bowties. The tiny flower girl learned to walk just in time for the special day. A magical wooded fairyland in place, the couple exchanged vows and were pronounced husband and wife.

The day my daughter married the man she loves overflowed with beauty. Both have survived trials and tribulation. Both have children. Both wore huge smiles. Not only did they tie the knot, the groom gave his life to Jesus that morning. As mom of the bride, I was thrilled. I ask that you pray with me as they move forward in life, that their marriage will be blessed with peace, love, trust, and a large amount of faith. Congratulations Maggie and Michael!

The Stinky Weed

2 Timothy 1:8-10
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (Letter written to Timothy from Apostle Paul)

As Tim and I walked the dogs near a meadow, I noticed pretty purple blooms. I grabbed my camera and clicked. As I focused the lens, I realized I was snapping pictures of ironweed. Yes -- a weed, not a flower. God creates beauty in unexpected places.

The Apostle Paul's life, before he met Jesus, was ugly. He killed Christians. But when he traveled on the road to Damascus and fell before God and declared Jesus as his Savior, he lost his ugliness. Through grace and forgiveness, love and faith God transformed Paul into a beautiful weed. No one expected Paul to have a change of heart. He'd been persecuting Christians for a long time. Yet God's love changed him. 

God's grace can change any sinful, stinky weed of a human into a beautiful bloom. While sin resembles the stinging nettle weed; crowding out good plants, irritating, burning, annoying, and harmful. Grace is more like chicory, the pretty blue weed that blooms along the roadside and brings joy. God can change any heart if the person is willing. Praise God for his grace and forgiveness.

Be Kind

Contagious Joy!

Psalm 100:1-5
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (KJV)

Years ago, Bill Gaither and his wife Gloria produced a record titled I Am a Promise. My daughters often listened to the upbeat praise songs written for kids and to the children who recited Psalm 100:1-5. There was something pure about the sweet voices speaking David's words.

This week my daughter shared a short video of my youngest granddaughter (14 months old) standing in junior church dancing and clapping to a praise song. Talk about precious,  her joy was contagious. She moved with enthusiasm and freedom (and she was so adorable!)

Children don't hesitate to sing out or shout about Jesus' love. They aren't afraid. As I watched Ella Cate dance, I found myself thanking God that my grandchildren still have the freedom to worship. I pray the freedom we have is never taken away. And I don't want to take it for granted. My challenge this week--dance like no one is watching, sing like no one but God is listening, make worship totally about Him, and say prayers of thanksgiving every day. " For the Lord is good and his love endures forever..." 

The Plans I Have for You by Amy Parker, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

I wish I'd had a book like The Plans I Made for You when my daughters were young. Amy Parker's story reminds children they are each different and have a special purpose in life. She reflects on the verse Jeremiah 29:11 to show how they can be God's hands and feet and an important person in the kingdom.

As I raised my girls I encouraged them to be themselves and find out what talents and interests fit them. I knew God had a plan for each of them and hoped I could help guide them. This book is perfect for parents to share God's intentions for their lives. Children will enjoy Vanessa Brantley-Newton's vibrant illustrations. I love the page "I've left you instructions-- right here in my book!" with words like love, grace and patience floating around bright-faced children. On the zoo page she's created adorable animals, each labeled appropriately. Children age three to seven years old will enjoy this book.

BookLook Bloggers provided me a free copy of The Plans I Have for You in exchange for a fair review.