Juvenile Fiction Book Review: Love, Lexi: Letters to God by Sherry Kyle

Publisher's Description:

What is a girl to do when her rival wants to nab the attention of the one boy she’s liked since he shared his peanut butter sandwich with her in the first grade? Love, Lexi follows seventh grader Alexis Dawn Cooper (Lexi) as she navigates middle school and being a middle child. But this is no ordinary middle-school novel. Love, Lexi is a unique combination of a fictional story combined with a devotional and journal to allow readers to watch Lexi learn to seek God first above all else, while writing their own letters to God. Love, Lexi draws young people into Lexi’s life as they contemplate their own place in God’s eyes.

My Review:
Sherry Kyle has a gift for writing for tweens and teens. Love, Lexi is a delightful story written in the form of letters to God from a seventh grade girl. She pours her heart out like most girls her age with a sincere and sweet trust. God's response through scripture creates a great dialog and will help the reader understand how God's word can work in their life. I like that there's space for the reader to answer questions and jot down thoughts. I can't wait to share this with my granddaughter. I think it will be a great tool to help teach her that God is there for her, along with the many encouraging scriptures and thoughts. The hot pink lettering and doodles will make any girl smile as they read Lexi's story. As a grandmother, I'm happy the book emphasizes friendship and relationship in a positive way. I can't say enough good stuff about Love, Lexi. I hope Sherry Kyle write more Lexi books.

I received this book from Tyndale House in exchange for a fair review.

Spring is Sure to Follow

photo by Hailey Jowers

My Pity Party

Psalm 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

My left knee throbs, the spot between my shoulder blades along my spine aches, my thumb joints scream at me. I have arthritis and fibromyalgia. Let me tell you, some days I just plain hurt. I'm not writing this to gain sympathy, it's just part of my life now. What I want to say is I've gained empathy for others who ache and hurt from physical pain. God has provided me an excellent rheumatologist who helps me manage the pain. And God has blessed me through this. He's given me new insight into what others go through. Sometimes illness isn't visible, sometimes handicaps aren't seen, so I'll not judge the person who parks in a handicapped spot and looks "fine". They may not be.

public image domain

There's another side to the physical pain, There's the emotional and spiritual battle. For awhile I was angry because I could no longer embroider, something I'd enjoyed since I was six years old. I could no longer hand-quilt or sew for any length of time by hand. I struggle to crochet, and I've had to adjust to walking slower and in shorter increments. Here's a funny. I like to sit on the floor-but guess what, it's not pretty when I have to get up. As all of these changes to my body have taken place, I've been brokenhearted. I've cried out to God the typical "WHY?" I've felt sorry for myself and been grumpy. But you know what? In the midst of my pity party I felt the Holy Spirit's nudge. He said pray. Pray for healing. The healing wasn't for my body, it was for my attitude, my selfishness, and yes my pathetic spirit. So I've prayed. I've asked God for comfort and peace with my situation. And He's poured it over me. I still struggle sometimes (and I'd say I hit my knees, but I can't physically do that) so I sit down and bow my head and seek my Father who loves me. The One who has healed my crushed spirit. I praise God that He's always there for me.

What do you need to turn over to God?

Children's Book Review: The Legend of the Easer Robin: An Easter Story of Compassion and Faith by Dandi Dadey Mackall, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey

Publisher's Description:
This newly illustrated edition of The Legend of the Easter Robin renews the wonder and charm of the original and timeless tale written by Dandi Daley Mackall. With new vibrant artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, this holiday classic is brought to life for a new generation. The Legend of the Easter Robin tells the story of Tressa, whose grandmother reveals to her the story of a small robin who saw Jesus struggling and soared to help him. This Easter tale reminds Christians everywhere how much Jesus sacrificed for us and how much he loves us.

My Review:

The first thing I noticed when I opened The Legend of the Easter Robin were the lovely illustrations. Spring popped out and filled me with joy. I know children will love the drawings of the robins and spring flowers. I love that this story ties a Pennsylvania Dutch legend with the story of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. As a grandmother and granddaughter share an excitement about a robin's nest on the windowsill and the eggs she lays, Grandma gets to share the legend and talk to her granddaughter about Jesus. Also, I learned about Pennsylvania Dutch egg coloring and decorating. I'd never read this story and find it a delightful tale I'd like to share with my grandkids. The story provides a great way to share about Jesus as well as the tradition of coloring eggs. This would be a great book to read as a family for Easter.

Children's Book Review: Little One, God Loves You by Amy Warren Hilliker, illustrated by Polona Lovsin

Publisher's Description:

Little One, God Loves You, written by Amy Warren Hilliker and inspired by the New York Times #1bestseller The Purpose-Driven Life, is a cute and cuddly board book that let’s children know God made them solely for the purpose of loving them.

My Review:

Amy Warren Hilliker, daughter of Rick Warren, has written a delightful book to share with little ones. This board book assures children that God loves them. The playful rhyme is easy to read aloud and will be fun to share with small children. I love the illustrations. The sweet bunnies in the story, depicted in various scenes of play and family life, bring the text to life. They're sure to bring a smile. This would be a perfect Easter gift. 
I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Book Review: A Royal Easter Story by Jeanna Young & Jacqueline Johnson, illustrated by Omar Aranda

Publisher's Description:

It is the most spectacular spring in history. The princesses—Joy, Grace, Faith, Charity, and Hope are busy with preparations for the annual Easter celebration and the castle is alive with activity.

Into the kingdom ride five new friends, young knights, who are as spirited as the princesses. In the new Princess Parables title, A Royal Easter Story, a challenge is presented and the boys and girls decide to race to the neighboring village where the annual Easter celebration and feast will be held. Along the way, the princesses must weather a scary storm and rescue another new friend. But in the end the lesson is clear … trust in the Lord and his love and you can overcome any obstacle.

My Review:
I recommend A Royal Easter Story for older children (4-9 years old) as the wording on each page is a bit long. I like the story of the princesses as they discover what is more important-- helping someone or winning a race. The focus on Easter and Jesus is refreshing, especially the prayer the girls shared for guidance. And I like the reference to the girls being daughters of the King, just as God is Father and we are his daughters. The "Parable Thoughts" at the end were a great tie in to share with children. This would be nice for a family to read together or maybe at a girls' Bible study. I would have enjoyed reading this with my daughters when they were young. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and bound to please any girl. The dust cover even has glitter!

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Little Ladybug

I've been learning to draw with watercolor pencils. Still need lots of practice!