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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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Book Spotlight And Giveaway! — Good Morning, Little One

21 Feb
Good Morning Little One JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Good Morning, Little One by Amy Kavelaris, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Good Morning, Little One
Author: Amy Kavelaris
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
Release Date: February 8, 2022
Genre: Children’s Devotionals/Prayers, Christian

Reassure kids that God is carrying them throughout the day with these morning affirmations and whimsical illustrations from beloved author Amy Kavelaris. Adorable animals with gorgeous floral art and words of hope remind little ones of God’s love, security, and peace for the day ahead.

Through a child’s eyes, the world can be beautiful, wonder-filled, and a bit fear-filled all at the same time. Remind your little one that God is always near with this unique book of blessings. A beautiful companion to Amy Kavelaris’s popular Good Night, My Darling Dear, this inspirational picture book

• reassures children ages 4 to 8 that God carries them through good days, hard days, and anxious days
• shares biblical promises of God’s love, purpose, and protection
• features the whimsical imagery of nature and animals that has made Kavelaris’s art beloved
• encourages kids to discover God each day and joyfully live out who He created them to be
• gives children confidence to be brave in scary and unexpected situations

This unique book of blessings and prayers will remind your little one of God’s loving promises revealed in nature: that He protects us from the rain, He covers us with His wings, He shines His light into the darkness, and most of all, He’ll always be with us. Good Morning, Little One by artist Amy Kavelaris

• includes a stunning cover with a jacket over hardcover
• makes a touching keepsake gift book for a child’s Easter basket, baby showers, and other new beginnings such as adoption, a new sibling, or the first day of school
• is an enchanting piece of art for a botanical nursery or child’s bedroom
• is ideal for any parent, grandparent, or family who wants to establish a tradition of blessing their child in the morning

There’s no better way to start the day than praying over your children with this sweet, Scripture-based book about trusting God to carry each of you in His gentle arms.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Kavelaris

Amy (Kavs) Kavelaris‘ work can be spotted in Target, Anthropologie, Bebe au Lait, and Better Homes & Gardens, as well as in homes around the globe. She has collaborated with countless brands, including Skechers Shoes and Pampers Diapers, and served as a judge for the Miss America Foundation. Her impressionistic, bohemian style merges with her painterly whimsy. Amy and her husband live in the Midwest with their three small girls. See her art at bloomprintsstudio.com and @amykavs on Instagram.

CONNECT WITH AMY: Website | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Good Morning, Little One!

Good Morning, Little One JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Children’s Corner — Love Is

5 Jan

I had a wonderful week with my 2 year old granddaughter during the Christmas break. It was much too short, but I loved watching her explore her world. One of my favorite things was reading to her before bedtime. This is a nightly ritual her parents started from her birth. She loves books, and I am thrilled! One of the books I read to her was Love Is illustrated by Paola Escobar. See all the details below.

“Love is patient, love is kind.” These familiar words from the Bible begin one of its most beloved and recognized passages. Love Is brings the text of 1 Corinthians 13 to life through an illustrative exploration of God’s greatest gift to us.

Critically acclaimed artist Paola Escobar delivers beautiful, nature-filled illustrations , reminding us that love is a constant positive force in the lives of those touched by it–from beginning to end, through good times and tough times.

My Impressions:

My 2 year old granddaughter loves books. I am thrilled! She looks at them throughout the day and enjoys some read-to-me time right before bed. I shared Love Is illustrated by Paola Escobar during her stay with us. Love Is takes the famous scripture passage of 1 Corinthians 13 and puts it into a stunning children’s book. The verses are accompanied by beautiful pictures of the animal world with a tree as the central image. The tree starts out as a small sapling surrounded by bugs and grows to give safety and nourishment to those animals who shelter around it. The tree endures a number of seasons and events, including fire and snow, to show how it still stands through all of life. My granddaughter wasn’t able to appreciate the metaphor; she’s only 2! But she did enjoy the colorful illustrations and identifying the animals, birds, and bugs represented. This book is a wonderful edition to any family’s library and can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. It is especially appropriate for children ages 4-8, and provides parents and grandparents an opportunity to share just what love really is.

Recommended.

Audience: preschool to early elementary school children.

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

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Children’s Corner — The World is Awake

29 Sep

I am excited to share a new board book with my granddaughter this weekend. The World Is Awake by Linsey Davis is a colorful, rhyming story for the toddler set. Inspired by scripture, it takes a pair of siblings through a day full of wonder. God’s creation is enthusiastically explored in all its diversity. I think my granddaughter is going to love all that she can see and hear as we read this book together. Entertaining and instructional — a win-win! Highly recommended!

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

This joyful journey through an ordinary day inspires children to be thankful for all of God’s blessings that surround them. From blooming flowers in the backyard to the roaring animals at the zoo … the world is awake!

Written by ABC News correspondent and bestselling author Linsey Davis and paired with lush, whimsical illustrations by Lucy Fleming, The World Is Awake for Little Ones: A Celebration of Everyday Blessings is a lyrical walk through a day filled with love as seen through the magnificent world of our Creator. Engaging and uplifting, this board book reminds young children they are safely cradled in the hands of God, surrounded by all his wonderful blessings.

This is the day the Lord has made. A butterfly floats through the sun and the shade, while dragonflies flit past the flowers and trees and grasshoppers hop in the soft morning breeze.

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