Tag Archives: children’s books

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 — 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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Top Ten Tuesday — “Fall” Freebie

28 Sep

It’s fall here in the Sunny South, but the only real evidence is the lower humidity — Hallelujah! — and cooler morning temps. I think some cooler daytime highs are in the near future, but until then the air conditioner continues to hum. This week’s TTT is a Freebie, and I decided to list books with a variation of “fall” in the title. Some actually have an autumn connection; others not so much. 😉 I included both adult and children’s books so all can join in on the fun. Hope you find a book that piques your interest.

For more Freebie fun, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top 10 Fall Titles

Beneath Copper Falls by Colleen Coble

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

Falling for You by Becky Wade

The Long Fall by Penelope Wilcock

Night Fall by Nancy Mehl

The Sound of Falling Leaves by Lisa Carter

When Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

Where The Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

Fun Fall Day by Tara Knudson

Snuggle Time Fall Blessings by Glenys Nellist

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Children’s Corner — Learn Your Numbers

28 Jul

The Beginner’s Bible Learn Your Numbers is a great resource for parents of preschoolers and early learners. This sturdy book comes with a dry erase marker to allow your child to directly practice writing letters and numbers. I love that each number — 1-12 — includes references to scripture too! The illustrations are colorful, and the book is a great accompaniment to your family’s Bible reading time. Whether you use it to supplement what they learn at school or as part of a homeschool curriculum, your chiId is going to love it! I look forward to sharing this book with my grandchild.

Recommended.

Audience: preschool — 1st grade

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

The Beginner’s Bible Learn Your Numbers offers early readers (and early writers) a fun, interactive way to learn their numbers. Children will practice writing numbers alongside the signature illustration style found in The Beginner’s Bible using the wipe clean format.

Children ages 3-7 will enjoy:

  • The fun, cartoon-style illustrations–lions and wise men and pigs, oh my!
  • The chunky, easy-to-hold dry-erase pen, included with the book
  • Traceable numbers to build confidence

Parents will enjoy:

  • The easy-to-read, biblical concepts
  • The easy-to-clean, board book pages
  • The small and light-weight size, easy-to-pack for errands and vacations

The Beginner’s Bible Learn Your Numbers is perfect for:

  • Birthdays, Easter baskets, Children’s Baptism and holiday gifting
  • Road trips, boredom busters, and activity time
  • Home school and Children’s Ministry (Sunday school) use

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Children’s Corner — First 100 Animal Words

21 Jul

Not only does The Beginner’s Bible First 100 Animal Words have tons of colorful and cute animal pictures — 100 to be exact 😉 — each is introduced in the context of scripture. From the OT creation story through the NT, animals are introduced to toddlers. I love that references are given to scripture to build upon the idea of different animals and knowledge of the Bible. I think it is never too early to introduce a child to God’s word, and First 100 Animal Words is a great way to do just that for your toddler/preschooler. Parents can paraphrase Bible stories using the animals as well. And the sturdy board book design will make sure this book lasts a long time. This one is definitely recommended!

Recommended.

Audience: toddlers/preschoolers.

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

Are you looking for a fun way to teach your toddler about animals? Early readers will learn their first animal words set within classic Bible stories with The Beginner’s Bible First 100 Animal Words.

Presenting child-friendly illustrations, this beautifully illustrated board book offers:

  • Emerging readers ages 0-4 an opportunity to learn words from beloved Bible stories
  • A sturdy format that is perfect for toddlers’ little hands
  • Engaging 3D art with plenty of details to hold a young child’s attention

The Beginner’s Bible First 100 Animals Words is great for:

  • Birthdays, Easter baskets, Children’s Baptism and holiday gifting
  • Road trips, boredom busters, and activity time
  • Home school and Children’s Ministry (Sunday school) use

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Top 10 Tuesday — Who, What, Where, When, How, And Why

13 Jul

This week’s Top 10 Tuesday’s challenge is book titles that ask a question. I cheated a bit and looked at other bloggers’ posts for inspiration. That’s how I came up with the who, what, where, when, how, and why theme. 2 books each with titles featuring those question prompts equals an even dozen! There are a variety of genres — hope you find one to love!

For more Top Ten Tuesday fun, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Who, What, Where, When, How, And Why Book Titles

The Boy Who Danced with Rabbits by J. R. Collins

Who Sang The First Song? by Ellie Holcomb

What Happened on Beale Street by Mary Ellis

What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles

Where Hope Begins by Catherine West

Where The Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

When Night Comes by Dan Walsh

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

How The Light Gets In by Jolina Petersheim

How Sweet The Sound by Amy K. Sorrells

Why The Sky Is Blue by Susan Meissner

The Whys Have It by Amy Matayo

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