Tag Archives: children’s books

Author, Author! — Xochitl Dixon

28 Apr

About The Book

Book: What Color is God’s Love?

Author: Xochitl Dixon

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Release date: March 19, 2024

All the colors displayed in this world that God made—
every glorious, fabulous, beautiful shade—show how good God is and will always be.But what is the color of love? Come and see! In What Color is God’s Love?, a little girl and her service dog join their diverse friends through a whirlwind of adventures. As they celebrate the spectacular spectrum of colors God designed, each color invites readers to explore their God-given emotions and becomes a reminder of God’s unchanging character. While encouraging children to acknowledge God’s constant presence with every turn of the page, What Color is God’s Love? also empowers children, with and without disabilities, to play, work, and serve God together, by simply letting the colors of His love shine through them. With each turn of the page, the focus shifts to a specific color—orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, black, white, gray, brown, red, purple. Each lyrical rhyme invites readers to engage with God
through empowering and faith-building truth-statements that incite worship and encourage a lifestyle of loving God and neighbors.

Click here to get your copy!

About The Author

Xochitl (So-Cheel) Dixon, contributing writer for Our Daily Bread and God Hears Her, is the author of Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace. She loves Jesus and people, as she crosses cultural, generational, and international lines with encouraging and sound biblical teaching. Celebrating diversity and inclusion, she advocates for disability awareness with her beautifully diverse family and her
service dog, Callie. Her first children’s picture book, Different Like Me, now available in Spanish, is a 2021 ECPA Christian Book Award Children’s Book Finalist. In March 2024, Xochitl’s second picture book, What Color is God’s Love?, is releasing with WaterBrook.

More from Xochitl

The Heart Behind My Story

By Xochitl Dixon

Like most of my writing, What Color is God’s Love? began as an overflow of worship while I prayed and praised God. In 2018, my husband and I had followed God from California to Wisconsin. I’m disabled and can’t drive, so his long hours at work left me feeling isolated while I searched for a new church and new doctors. As the weather became more extreme, I grew more discouraged, frustrated, and resentful. I struggled as I wrote my first 31-day devotional for Our Daily Bread, Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace. I was praying for people, studying and teaching the Bible every day. So, I couldn’t figure out why I felt so out of touch with God.

When my new puppy, Callie, licked my tears away, I looked out the window and noticed the rain had finally stopped. Rays of sunlight pierced through the dark gray clouds, shining on a white heron that had landed in the greed foliage on the creek’s bank next to our front yard. I wept tears of grateful praise. I wrote the first draft of a free verse poem celebrating God’s loving care for the details in Creation and in the lives of His people.

As I prayed, I realized I had been spending time talking to people about God. However, as the physical, emotional, and mental effects of our transition overwhelmed me, I had stopped spending quality time withGod. As I watched the white heron take flight, God led me to Psalm 33:6-9, which became the first What Color is God’s Love? Bookend Bible verse.

I released Waiting for God in 2019 and my first picture book, Different Like Me, in 2020. But God had me tuck that free verse poem away as He dramatically transformed me and the original manuscript over the next few years. I wanted to give young image-bearers what I never had growing up: a safe place to process emotions . . . in God’s presence. I also wanted God’s beautifully diverse image-bearers, people with and without disabilities, to see each color as a reminder of His unchanging character, unlimited power, and unwavering grace, as they experienced His unconditional love flowing for them, in them, and throughthem.

After I signed the contract in November 2021, God began leading me to the right Bible verses to build the messages for each color I shared. Over time, I created the Breath Prayer Cards as a free download on my website, the YouVersion reading plan, and the devotional for the rest of the colors not shared in the reading plan.

I wanted each color to be a reminder of God’s unchanging character, unlimited power, and unwavering grace as we experience His unconditional love flowing for, in, and through us. More importantly, I began praying that everyone who read What Color is God’s Love? would be inspired to open their Bibles and spend more time with God, including me.

Q & A With Xochitl Dixon

Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

I guess I am the stereotype writer then, because I was always a storyteller. I would make up stories and act them out as a child. I won my first Young Authors Award when I was in 3rd Grade with a story I wrote and illustrated, Sonny Otter and the Four Seasons.

Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

My mom nurtured a love for reading and creative writing ever since I was a kid. When I served as her caregiver in 2014, she told me that she had always dreamed that I would become a writer and said she hoped that I would use writing to encourage others the way she saw me encouraging people at the cancer care center.

How did you choose the genres you write?

I didn’t choose a genre. I follow God. I started out writing contemporary fiction for teens and women. However, God led me to write devotions during a Christian writers’ conference in 2011. I sold my first devotion and six short stories at that conference.

I edited a few Bible studies for teens with an editor I met in 2010. When she moved to ODB in 2015, she recommended me for an interview. I began serving as a contributing writer for Our Daily Bread and God Hears Her. Our Daily Bread published my first 31-Day devotional, Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace in 2019 and my first children’s book, Different Like Me, in 2020.

I just released my second children’s book with WaterBrook, What Color is God’s Love?, and my third children’s book, Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown, is available for pre-order now. I’ve even been able to contribute to Tyndale’s Go Bible for Kids, which releases Fall 2024. I have a new devotional being released by Our Daily Bread in 2025 and will be recording both of my ODB devotionals this summer for audio books.

Even though my writing journey is a bit different from the traditional path, I’ve been happy following God’s plan and pace. I just want to share God’s truth and love to the ends of the earth and I don’t care how. He’s been allowing me to do this with my words in different genres ever since 2012. I’m grateful for the ministry opportunities!

Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?

Writing in multiple genres makes marketing and promoting a difficult balance. But God led me to this path, so I’m trusting Him to handle all the details.

What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

Bible reading and praying is always a part of my writing process. I have a back injury and am considered permanently disabled, so I don’t really have a typical writing day. I work when I can work. I listen to my body and rest when I need to rest. I don’t wait to be inspired, I ask God to give me the words to write when I sit down to write and then I just allow myself to write without editing myself.

    Blog Stops

    Lots of Helpers, April 24

    Texas Book-aholic, April 25

    Vicky Sluiter, April 26 (Author Interview)

    BookZone Reviews , April 27

    By The Book, April 28 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, April 28

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

    Splashes of Joy, April 30 (Author Interview)

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 1

    Beauty in the Binding, May 2 (Author Interview)

    Locks, Hooks and Books, May 3

    Sylvan Musings, May 4 (Author Interview)

    Guild Master, May 4

    Artistic Nobody, May 5

    Blossoms and Blessings, May 6 (Author Interview)

    Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 7

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Xochitl is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of Different Like Me, and What Color is God’s Love?!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/2b144/what-color-is-god-s-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

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    Children’s Corner — Two From Zonderkidz

    7 Feb

    Zonderkidz publishes great books for kids. They offer faith-based stories you can trust for the whole family. Today, I am featuring two books — God, I Feel Scared and The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search And Find. Find out all about them below.

    Kids have big feelings, but none of their feelings are too big for God. In this picture book from licensed counselor Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner, young readers will explore what it means to feel scared and discover how to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

    Scared is a feeling that can be hard to face, but if we listen to it, we can learn things about ourselves. In God, I Feel Scared, children will discover that it’s okay to be scared and that God is with us in all things, including fear. With simple, accessible text, scared becomes an emotion that kids don’t need to avoid and instead something they can use to better understand themselves and grow closer to God. The bright, emotive art by Nomar Perez will draw kids in, and a note in the back provides tips and techniques parents and caregivers can use to help young children process their feelings in a beneficial way.

    God, I Feel Scared teaches kids ages 4 to 8 how to:

    • Identify the feeling of fear and recognize things that can make them feel scared
    • See signs of fear in others
    • Develop techniques to manage fear
    • Embrace fear and new experiences without letting it overwhelm them
    • Talk to God about their feelings

    God, I Feel Scared is perfect for:

    • Helping young kids develop positive ways to manage and name their feelings
    • Children dealing with changing emotions, new experiences, or anxiety
    • Family read-aloud time
    • Supporting good communication and mental health habits at an early age

    My Impressions:

    God, I feel Scared by Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner explores everything about being scared. I loved the comprehensive way the authors talk about this very real emotion. They talk about what makes us scared, how the body and mind react, our responses to fears, and ways to cope. Their emphasis on facing fears with help from family, friends, and God is spot-on. The illustrations go along beautifully with the narrative. This is a book for parents and children to read together. I found it helpful in instructing adults to understand their children’s fears and the best way to go about helping their kids overcome them.

    God, I Feel Scared is a great resource for the family library!

    Highly Recommended.

    Audience: kids ages 4-8 and their parents.

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

    Tama Fortner is an ECPA award-winning and bestselling author with more than sixty titles to her credit, including her latest releases the Everyday Joys Devotional; God, I Feel Sad; God, I Feel Scared; and Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays.

    As a ghostwriter, Tama has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for children, teens, and adults. But her greatest accomplishments happen in a happy little home on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with her family and a feisty little pup who is convinced he’s people too.

    Michelle Nietert has been a licensed professional counselor for over 25 years and the coauthor of the award-winning book Loved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls and Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life and soon to be released God I Feel Sad: Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God series.

    She leads of team of counselors as the clinical director of Community Counseling Associates in the Dallas, Texas area. A popular speaker on topics regarding mental health, faith, and parenting, she is a frequent guest on national television and podcasts, including her own “Raising Mentally Healthy Kids.”

    She and her husband Drew have been married almost two decades and have two school-aged children.

    Connect with Michelle at www.yourmentalhealthcoach.com. 

    Search and find through your favorite Bible stories with the Berenstain Bears! Readers will love exploring each and every page of this interactive book and discovering all the carefully hidden objects. Perfect for quiet time, traveling, summer reading, or any time, The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find will deliver hours of fun while also building important skills, such as concentration, reading comprehension, attention to detail and early math skills like counting 1-10.

    The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find—part of the popular Zonderkidz Living Lights series of books—is perfect for:

    • Children ages 3-6
    • Quiet time, boredom busters, road trips, stocking stuffers, Easter baskets, or other gift giving occasions
    • Kids who love puzzles, games, and activities

    The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find is an addition to the Living Lights™ series that:

    • Features the hand-drawn artwork of the Berenstain family
    • Continues in the much-loved footsteps of Stan and Jan Berenstain in this Berenstain Bears series of books
    • Is part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created, with more than 250 books published and nearly 300 million copies sold to date

    My Impressions:

    Kids love the Berenstain Bears! And they will love the Storybook Bible Search And Find book! Eight favorite Bible stories are presented with a brief synopsis and instructions to find and/or count specific images found in the two page spread. What a great way to introduce God’s story, plus stir your child’s imagination with the highly detailed illustrations. This is a sturdy boardbook too, so it will withstand many little hands! I can see this book being used as a family devotional — telling a familiar Bible story and talking about it as the family examines the pictures. Plus it reinforces essential basic skills in reading and comprehension.

    This one would be great to include in an Easter basket or as a birthday gift.

    Recommended.

    Audience: kids ages 3-6 and their parents.

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

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    Children’s Corner — Read And Rhyme The First Christmas

    21 Dec

    I have to say, I love a children’s book by Glenys Nellist! They are always so unique and special. This year I discovered Read And Rhyme The First Christmas, a book celebrating the story of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. It is the perfect read-a-long choice for families. I love that it can be enjoyed by all ages. The sturdy board book can take the curious fingers of babies and toddlers, the peek-a-book words will challenge preschoolers/early readers, and the rhyming couplets will delight all those gathered around. Each page is filled with the colorful and detailed illustrations of Ag Jatkowksa. But the most important thing is the message of joy presented — God’s Son Jesus is born!

    It’s not too late to get this book for your Christmas Eve celebration! You and your family will love it!

    Recommended.

    Audience: children/families.

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

    From Glenys Nellist comes Read and Rhyme The First Christmas, a sweet lift-the-flap board book that tells the story of Jesus’s birth through interactive rhyming and colorful illustrations. Children will enjoy guessing the hidden rhyme that fits into the story and discovering how Mary and Joseph made it to Bethlehem in time for the birth of baby Jesus.
    Read and Rhyme The First Christmas:

    Provides interactive rhyming fun with 24 sturdy flaps

    Tells the story of the first Christmas in easy to understand, perfect to read aloud rhyme

    Is written by bestselling author Glenys Nellist

    Makes a perfect stocking stuffer or Christmas gift for little ones 

    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 — 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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