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Children’s Corner — Twas The Season of Advent

30 Nov

If you are looking for a meaning-filled advent guide for your family, look no further than the beautifully illustrated Twas The Season of Advent: Devotions And Stories for The Christmas Season by Glenys Nellist. This hardcover book features 25 advent readings that are perfect for family reading time. Each day begins with a stanza of a Night Before Christmas-inspired poem sharing the Christmas story. The daily reading proceeds with scripture verses chosen from both the Old and New Testaments. A story is then presented, and the reading ends in a simple prayer. The illustrations will captivate the littlest reader, while older children will have a chance to learn more about the Advent season and discover God’s plan. Great for your home library or as a gift for a special family.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: families with children.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Celebrate the Advent season with this beautiful and heartwarming collection of devotions and stories from beloved, bestselling author Glenys Nellist. Told in the style of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas poem, make this read aloud your new holiday tradition.

‘Twas the Season of Advent is a 25-day devotional that will inspire your family as you eagerly await the arrival of Christ’s birth. Written in both prose and poetry, this beautiful picture book will engage children and adults alike and become a new holiday tradition for families everywhere!?

Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple award-winning children’s books, including the bestselling ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas, The Wonder That is You, and five popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, ‘Twas, Good News and Little Mole, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy and hope in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David.

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Children’s Corner — 100 Bedtime Devotions

19 Oct

The tagline for 100 Bedtime Devotions from The Beginner’s Bible is Meaningful Answers to Kids Big Questions. Designed for end of the day prayers and discussions, the book is divided up into topics including Peace, Hope and Patience, God’s Purpose for Us, and Loving God And Loving Others. There are devotions for when a child is scared or hurt, and devotions to encourage gratefulness and kindness — basically, every situation that can come up in a child’s life. The stories are short, simple, and easy to understand, and most importantly taken directly from the Bible. A short prayer prompt can help parents guide their child into quiet time with God. Brightly colored illustrations capture the eye as the truths from God’s word are shared. I can’t wait to share this book with my grandchildren!

Recommended.

Audience: children 4-8.

(I received a complimentary copy from Zonderkidz. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Snuggle up for some special time with God and your little one! The Beginner’s Bible 100 Bedtime Devotions contains sweet, meaningful devotions that are fun and accessible for young children, so you can end the day by reassuring your child of God’s amazing love for them.

The Beginner’s Bible 100 Bedtime Devotions is a cozy, faith-filled addition to any bedtime routine. With devotions organized by theme—including gratitude, courage, friendship, peace, and more—it’s easy to find the perfect message for anything that’s on a child’s heart or mind.

The Beginner’s Bible 100 Bedtime Devotions:

  • Is part of The Beginner’s Bible® brand, the bestselling Bible storybook brand of our time, impacting more than 25 million families for over 30 years
  • Features 100 original devotions perfect for sharing with young children
  • Organizes devotions by topic, so you can easily address anything your child is thinking about
  • Is a fun, accessible way to deepen your child’s faith
  • Features vibrant, three-dimensional art
  • Is perfect for Easter baskets, Christmas stocking stuffers, birthdays, and child dedications

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Children’s Corner — You’ve Got This, Fiona

18 Oct

Whether it’s moving to a new home, city, or school or anticipating a new baby, kids (like adults 😉 ) can be anxious about change. In You’ve Got This, Fiona, Fiona the hippo is anxious about the changes taking place around her. Seasons come and go, and she is worried she will be forgotten by her friends. I loved how all the animals in the zoo banded together to make sure Fiona’s fears were alleviated. My granddaughter loves Fiona books. She is pretty insistent on me reading them to her over and over when she visits. LOL. And I know she is going to love this one as well. She is facing some big changes in the coming months, and I think her favorite hippopotamus will be a big help in facing those changes. The book is one you would expect from a Fiona book — colorful and detailed illustrations and easy to understand, yet meaningful prose. You and your child will love it too!

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

(I received a complimentary copy from Zonderkidz. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, in this perfect read-aloud picture book, You’ve Got This, Fiona, as she learns about the changing seasons of the year and how, even when things change around you, true friendship, family, and love stay the same.

Fiona notices that things are changing—her friends the geese are flying south, the leaves are turning different colors and the weather is getting cooler, her baby brother Fritz is born and brings change to Hippo Cove. But Fiona also wonders is everyone and everything going to change? Fiona gets a little worried … and so she heads to Mama and her friends, looking for answers.

You’ve Got This, Fiona:

  • is the perfect story to read aloud to children ages 4 to 8.
  • features art by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey (Fiona the Hippo,Bad Dog, Marley)
  • takes kids through the seasons of the year at the zoo
  • helps children see that change—from the seasons to new babies in the family–is normal and it’s ok to be unsure about change
  • introduces Fiona’s baby brother Fritz, who was born at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens in August 2022

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Children’s Corner: Fiona I Can Read Books

11 Jan

I had the pleasure of keeping my now 3 year old granddaughter for 2 weeks following Thanksgiving. She is such a bookworm! Her parents have read to her since her birth, so the love of reading and books is ingrained in her. We spent hours reading and re-reading (I need to increase my kid’s library 😉 ). She had her favorites, but the Fiona books captured her imagination. I have 4 I Can Read Fiona books. All star Fiona, the hippopotamus from the Cincinnati Zoo. The first, Meet Fiona The Hippo, tells the story of Fiona’s first days at the zoo, along with fun facts and Fiona’s progress as a baby. Fantastic Fiona details what make many of the zoo animals special, as well as reinforcing the message that all have their talents and contributions to the world. Fiona Saves The Day shows how teamwork can make a big difference in accomplishing goals, and Fiona And The Rainy Day makes a thunderstorm look not so scary. The books are Level 1 in the I Can Read series — perfect for young readers to sound out words and engage them in story. My granddaughter is too young for reading on her own, but she was captivated by these books, so I see them easily being part of learning to read journey.

Recommended.

Audience: young readers.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for complimentary copies of these books. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Meet Fiona, the adorable hippo who became a worldwide internet sensation. Learn how Fiona came to live at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, and what this fun, fearless hippo hero loves to do!

Created by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey (Fiona the Hippo, Bad Dog, Marley), beginning readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona in this Level One I Can Read book. Fiona the hippo was born six weeks before her due date. The whole world watched as this tiny baby hippo learned to eat, walk, and swim. Her courage and spunk helped her become a happy, healthy hippopotamus.

Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, in this story of sharing and caring about friends—and the good thing about a little rain storm too.

It is raining, but Fiona still wants to hang out with her good friends at the zoo. When Flamingo stops by Hippo Cove for a visit, she brings her big umbrella. 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.

Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she and her animal friends attempt to help their friend Mango the little blue penguin who’s stuck on a ledge.

Get ready to let out a snort, wiggle your ears, and say, “I’ve got this!” alongside the cute and courageous Fiona the hippo. Beginning readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this adventure-filled Level One I Can Read book.

Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she visits her zoo friends, finding out what makes each one special. Is it their speedy running? Their lovely singing? And what makes Fiona so special to all of her friends?

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.

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Children’s Corner — I’m So Glad You Were Born

4 Jan

I gave my 3 year old granddaughter I’m So Glad You Were Born by Ainsley Earhardt (co-host of Fox And Friends) on her birthday. Her first response was it’s a party! And she was right! This colorful book, whimsically illustrated by Kim Barnes, is a celebration of your child’s life — from newborn to all grown. I loved that Earhardt focused on how a child is divinely and uniquely created with a purpose all her own. It emphasizes the ways in which a child can become who they are meant to be, while living their lives to best of their abilities. It’s a long-ish book for the preschool set, but its rhyming verse makes it easily flow from one page to another. It’s also a great conversation starter with your elementary aged children. Perfect for the home library, get this book for the next birthday boy or girl on your list.

Recommended.

Audience: preschool to early elementary.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Parents and children both have big dreams—about their life and the wonders the future holds. I’m So Glad You Were Born celebrates those dreams as well as the wonder of everyday experiences like sweet and special snuggles and cuddles, fun times and learning times too!

New York Times bestselling author and FOX News anchor Ainsley Earhardt has created a picture book that celebrates ALL the dreams come true–a parent’s, a child’s, and Creator God’s! I’m So Glad You Were Born is full of love and hope and has a sweet, playful message inspired by Scripture that will leave your child without a doubt just how thankful you are that they are in your life and that they were created to be extraordinary.

Ainsley Earhardt is a journalist who is the cohost of FOX and Friends. Earhardt is an anchor and correspondent for the Fox News Channel and Earhardt also reports for FOX’s The Sean Hannity Show with her own segment called “Ainsley Across America.” She was the former cohost for Fox & Friends First and has also cohosted FOX and Friends Weekend, FOX’s All-American New Year’s Eve, America’s News Headquarters, been a panelist on The Live Desk and appeared on Greg Gutfeld’s Red Eye.

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Children’s Corner — Stay This Way Forever For Little Ones

26 Dec

I am so excited to share Stay This Way Forever for Little Ones by Linsey Davis with my 3 year old granddaughter (and her parents 😉 ). This colorfully illustrated board book will capture your child’s attention as the message of their preciousness is shared page after page. The book talks about all the ways your child is cherished reminding them of the special place in your heart. But . . . it also reminds parents and grandparents not to take the days for granted. I remember the busyness of raising 3 children who were very close in age. There seemed to be so little time to get things accomplished. But as this book opens it reminds parents to slow down and enjoy the time that slips away so quickly. I am very glad that my kids are grown and on their way to families of their own, but I wish I could go back just for an hour and experience those first snuggles, the playtimes and bath times and bedtimes. Cherished memories flooded back when I read this book. Use this book at the end of the day to impress the day’s events in your own memories.

Recommended.

Audience: toddlers and preschoolers.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Celebrate the joy, wonder, and innocence of being a child with this love letter to the loved ones in your life, encouraging and affirming their own special qualities now and always.

Inspired by the endearing qualities she sees in her own son, Linsey Davis, Emmy Award-winning ABC News correspondent and bestselling author of The World Is Awake and One Big Heart, has written another beautiful book that parents and grandparents can share with their little ones to let them know how loved they are. With imaginative illustrations from bestselling artist Lucy Fleming paired with playful and heartwarming read-aloud rhymes, this book can help make a lasting impact on young minds as they discover their own unique qualities.

Linsey Davis is an Emmy Award winning ABC News Correspondent, filing reports for World News, Good Morning America, 20/20 and Nightline. She has covered major news stories around the globe, and is excited to share her latest story, THE WORLD IS AWAKE with the world.

For Davis her three-year-old son served as her inspiration, and Psalm 118:24 is the blueprint of the book: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

“Almost daily he takes my hand and he leads me into the world around him with fresh eyes, and it serves as a subtle reminder of all the reasons to rejoice and anticipate each new day. The World is Awake is a whimsical look at all that is extraordinary in an ordinary day. It is an exploration of the splendor and majesty of God’s blessings all around us through the lens of young people.”

In addition to her role at ABC, she is a Christian, wife, mother and author. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and the National Association of Black Journalists.

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Children’s Corner — The Berenstain Bears And The Joy Of Giving For Little Ones.

22 Dec

It is never too early to instill in your children the importance of putting others first and the act of selfless giving. In The Berenstain Bears And The Joy of Giving for Little Ones, Brother and Sister Bear each learn this valuable lesson. The colorfully illustrated board book with the beloved Bear family presents the gift of God that is Jesus in an easy to understand way. The lesson the Bear children learn is reflected in their subsequent actions. The book is a good start for parents and grandparents to talk about the Christmas season with emphasis on the importance of Jesus’ birth. I look forward to sharing this one with my granddaughter!

Recommended.

Audience: preschool children.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Join Brother and Sister Bear at the Christmas Eve pageant as they witness the very first Christmas, and make an important discovery about giving and receiving, a valuable lesson at Christmas and year around. Young readers will learn the true meaning of Christmas in this addition to The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series.

The Berenstain Bears explore the value of generosity and gratitude in The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving. Children will discover ways to implement traditional values and share God’s goodness in Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series of books.

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving:

  • Sparks conversations about the joy of giving to others.
  • Encourages age appropriate discussions about sharing and developing an attitude of gratitude.
  • Perfect for back-to-school reading, summer reading, birthday gifts, and holiday gift-giving.
  • Perfect for early reader ages 4-8, reading out loud at home or in a classroom.

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Children’s Corner — I’ll Love You Till The Cows Come Home

14 Dec

My husband and I had our almost 3 year old granddaughter for two weeks! She lives far away, and our interactions with her are limited to brief visits and FaceTime (thankful for that technology). So to have her stay with us was a huge treat, and a great way for us to cement our bond. We tried to recreate her regular nighttime routine which includes books — LOTS of books! LOL!. I found I’ll Love You Till The Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi at a local independent bookstore and immediately knew she would love it. It’s whimsical illustrations and fun rhyming narrative were perfect for the time just before bed. We both loved every bit of it, but I especially loved the ants with their little ant grins and crumbs on their little ant chins. 😉 We read it every night she stayed with us. She took it home with her — excited to share it with mommy and daddy. This book makes a wonderful addition to your home library.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: toddlers and preschoolers.

(I purchased this book from a local bookseller. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

This book extends the saying “I’ll love you till the cows come home” to the humorous extreme. Along the way there are yaks in Cadillacs, sheep setting sail, frogs on big-wheeled bikes, and more, in this great read-aloud.

I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home is filled with warm, funny art and rhythmic, romping text, perfect for curling up with your little one at the end of the day…or anytime you want to express your love.

I will love you till the cows come home from a trip to Mars through skies unknown, in a rocket ship made of glass and stone… I will love you till the cows come home.

Kathryn Cristaldi is a former children’s book editor. She is the author of Baseball Ballerina, Samantha the Snob, Even Steven and Odd Todd, and I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter. Though there are no cows in her neighborhood, Kathryn has dressed up her dog in a cow costume on more than one occasion.

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Children’s Corner: This Farm Is A Family

12 May

This Farm Is A Family by Dan McKernan and illustrated by Denise Hughes is a children’s storybook based on a real life sanctuary farm and its real life inhabitants. Kids will love the cute and quirky animals that have formed a family along with Farmer Dan. The animals all care about each other and are eager to welcome a new member into their family. Lessons on acceptance, patience, and love are played out within the pages of this book. If your child has a soft spot for animals, like my granddaughter does, I think this book would be a great choice for your family library. At the end of the book you and your child can learn more about Barn Sanctuary and ways to help in their rescue of abused and neglected farm animals.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

In this adorable illustrated picture book for kids written by Dan McKernan (Saved by the Barn), the rescue farm animals at Barn Sanctuary decide to help a cow who is dealing with fear and anxiety in her new home. Children will learn the importance of friendship and compassion, as well as why it’s important to support others during hard times.

Inside this book, kids ages 4-8 will discover:

  • A positive message about friendship, kindness, and understanding others
  • How to show compassion to others
  • Ways of coping with difficult situations, including how to deal with fear and anxiety
  • A page with information on Barn Sanctuary and their rescue efforts, with information on ways you can support the real-life animals featured in the book

This Farm Is a Family follows a group of rescued farm animals who are living their best lives at Barn Sanctuary. Each one is eager to meet the newest arrival, Buttercup the cow, and show her all the fun things they can do together. But Buttercup doesn’t want to play–in fact, she doesn’t want anything to do with the other animals. So with a lot of love and understanding, the animals work together to help Buttercup discover she’s part of a new family and can leave her old fears behind.

Dan McKernan is the Founder of Barn Sanctuary and star of the popular Animal Planet series Saved by the Barn. In 2015, Dan left his tech job in Austin, Texas, to transform his family’s 140-year-old farm into a safe haven for farmed animals. That safe haven is Barn Sanctuary. Author of a forthcoming children’s book, “This Farm Is a Family,” Dan’s mission, through the work of Barn Sanctuary, is to change the way the world views farmed animals and help lead society towards a more compassionate and plant-based lifestyle.

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Children’s Corner: How High Is Heaven

9 May

I really liked the children’s book, How High Is Heaven by Linsey Davis. The author takes a difficult subject, the death of a loved one, and creates a hope-filled book that will speak to the hearts of children ages 4-8. With rhyme and vivid illustrations, this storybook tells of a young boy’s honest questions of how he can see his grandmother again. This is not a sad book at all, but a celebration of life here on earth as well as in heaven. I loved the last line — One day I’ll see gran, but until that time . . . I’ll enjoy heaven here on earth. If your family is going through the loss of a family member, I highly recommend this book. It speaks to a child’s honest questions and the promises they can find in God.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Children ask A LOT of questions when it comes to heaven, particularly when they’ve experienced the loss of a loved one. In this uplifting, imaginative picture book, How High Is Heaven? inspires hope and comfort in readers young and old, that heaven can be experienced here and now and is open for us all. 

Bestselling author and ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis invites children to explore age-appropriate questions about heaven. Kids (and their parents) can celebrate that, thanks to God’s grace, heaven is a place we can look forward to while finding moments of heaven here on earth.  

How High Is Heaven? is the perfect books for parents and grandparents to read aloud and provides an uplifting message for kids ages 4-8, delivering: 

  • Read-aloud, lyrical rhymes  
  • Whimsical, engaging illustrations by Lucy Fleming 
  • Answers to children’s questions about heaven… and a safe place to ask them  
  • Comfort to those who have lost a loved one 

Linsey Davis is an Emmy Award winning ABC News Correspondent, filing reports for World News, Good Morning America, 20/20 and Nightline. She has covered major news stories around the globe, and is excited to share her latest story, THE WORLD IS AWAKE with the world. 

For Davis her three-year-old son served as her inspiration, and Psalm 118:24 is the blueprint of the book: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” 

“Almost daily he takes my hand and he leads me into the world around him with fresh eyes, and it serves as a subtle reminder of all the reasons to rejoice and anticipate each new day. The World is Awake is a whimsical look at all that is extraordinary in an ordinary day. It is an exploration of the splendor and majesty of God’s blessings all around us through the lens of young people.”

In addition to her role at ABC, she is a Christian, wife, mother and author. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and the National Association of Black Journalists.

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