Tag Archives: children’s books

Children’s Corner: Very Veggie Bedtime Prayers

27 Jan

A collection of bedtime prayers featuring favorite VeggieTales character

This new VeggieTales book of bedtime prayers is perfect for easing the daily transition from playtime to sweet dreams. These rhyming, toddler-friendly prayers will help teach little ones the importance of talking to God every day. Colorful illustrations of familiar VeggieTales characters accompany the short, easily understood prayers. This collection is designed to help children reflect on their day and anticipate the day to come, with requests and gratitude for God’s guidance. With its soft padded cover and convenient size, this book is the perfect way to teach children about prayer and the ways God cares for us through the day and as we sleep. Ages 2-5.

To purchase, click HERE.

My Impressions:

Colorful illustrations will get your child interested, but the easy, rhyming conversations with God will help foster a love for prayer. All the VeggieTale characters are involved in the day to day prayers that help in all situations. Besides those specific to bedtime, you’ll find prayers for sick friends, gratitude for family and pets, help for scary times, and praise for the Creator. Sprinkled among the prayers are scripture passages from the Psalms that even the smallest of children can memorize. You may only want to read one prayer a day, but I bet your child will want you to keep going. A great addition to the family library, Very Veggie Bedtime Prayers would also be make a wonderful gift for a new baby.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 2-5.

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

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Children’s Corner — Little Jesus, Little Me

4 Oct

Jesus was a baby just like me.

Jesus learned to walk one step at a time just like me.

Jesus once was a little child too! With sweet and simple text and colorful illustrations, helps your child learn to connect with Jesus at an early age and learn about God’s great love. Perfect for parents and grandparents to share with children, this book will soon become a favorite for your little one!

Doris Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.

Lizzie Walkley graduated with a degree in illustration in 2004 and has been lucky enough to have had a career as an illustrator ever since. Working in-house for greeting card companies for 10 years has taught her to be adaptable in style as well as the importance of sticking to briefs and working to tight deadlines. Since going freelance and joining Advocate in 2014, Lizzie has enjoyed working on a wide variety of projects, from children’s book and greetings card illustration to toy designing. She is hard working, reliable and endeavours to communicate at all stages of the brief. She works from her home studio in Gloucestershire and has a nice man and a little girl.

My Impressions:

Little Jesus, Little Me is a great way to introduce your child to the concept of Jesus being just them, fully human, while being God’s Son. I loved the parallel illustrations — the left hand page depicting Jesus and the right hand page depicting children of all races — showing how similar contemporary children are to Jesus who live long ago. Simple illustrations in muted colors are just right for the littlest reader. Perfect for bedtime, Little Jesus, Little Me will be an often requested book by your child or grandchild.

Recommended.

Audience: preschoolers.

To purchase, click HERE.

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

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Children’s Corner — If You’re Happy And You Know It (A Sing Along Book)

27 Sep

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap) If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap) If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it! If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap)

Read or sing along with your little one’s favorite song! If You’re Happy and You Know It pairs adorable illustrations with the lyrics of the familiar children’s song. This newest board book in the beloved Sing-Along series also features a padded cover perfect for little hands, and is sure to delight children and parents alike.

 

About Illustrator Barbara Szepesi Szucs (in her own words and from her website)

Usually, everybody says that as a child he/she already knew what she/he wanted to become. At the beginning I didn’t see this clear what I wanted to be, because drawing meant to me much more. I did it from dawn to dusk.

I drew when I was standing, sitting, eating. I was scrabbling in hundreds of ways, it was a part of my life.

I also learnt to play music and I almost became musician, but in the last moment I chose graphic design, and I said to myself: this will be my way.

I learnt in an art secondary school, then I applied to MOME (Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design – Budapest), where I’ve done my graphic designer degree.

Now I’ am working as an independent graphic designer and illustrator.

My Impressions:

My children are all grown up now (they are 27, 26 and 24 — oh my!), but I remember when they were preschoolers full of energy and ready to go! Getting them to sit still for story time was a challenge. The newest book in the Sing Along series from Zonderkidz, If You’re Happy and You Know It combines the needed release of pent-up wiggles and giggles with a colorful board book with cute illustrations. This book encourages kids to move as it engages a number of senses. My kids loved this song when they were young, and I think your special child will enjoy moving, singing, and reading along with this sturdy board book. Great for the preschool set!

Recommended.

Audience: preschoolers.

To purchase, click HERE.

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

 

 

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Children’s Corner — God Made The World

20 Sep

Charming illustrations help infants and toddlers discover God’s natural world, from dolphins to foxes to kittens! This squishy fabric book features crinkle cloth for sensory development and hours of baby fun. God Made the World also includes a child-safety mirror so baby can see herself and know she’s a part of God’s design.

For parents, a Velcro closure keeps the book shut, and a hanging tab can attach the book to a stroller, purse, or toy so it can go wherever they do. It comes packaged in a bag to keep it clean and includes a header card for easy hanging display.

Debbie Rivers-Moore is the author of several children’s picture books, including Tractor Ted, Lamb Loves Springtime, and God Made The World.

My Impressions:

It is never to early to share about God with your children. And now the littlest member of your family can have his or her own book that speaks of the love God has for all His creation, including them. God Made The World is a colorful, soft cloth book filled with cute pictures that has the added feature of crinkly noise. My kids loved that when they were babies. As your child hold this book (and probably stuffs it in his mouth too!), you can whisper truths about God in his little ear. The last page of this book is a mirror — to reinforce that along with the world, God made them too! I am excited to share this book with the newest addition to our family, and I think you will be too.

Recommended.

Audience: Infants and Toddlers 

To purchase, click HERE.

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

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Children’s Corner: The Bible Explorer’s Guide

22 May

The Bible Explorer’s Guide lets children come up close and personal with everyday life during Bible times through photos, maps, and illustrations illuminating, people, places, objects, and buildings of the Bible. What did Noah’s Ark really look like? Who was David and whom did he fight? How did 1st century citizens of Jerusalem live? Each two-page spread is filled with images that bring history alive and drawings that help bring life to people and places that we can only read about. With fascinating, brief text and full-color captivating images, this is a reference that kids will come back to again and again. A great addition to any home or school library.

 

To purchase this book, click HERE.

 

My Impressions:

When my kids were school-aged, I tried my best to keep them engaged in learning during their summer break. Camps, field trips, hands-on experiences, and, of course, reading, were mixed in with fun in the sun and lazy days. Though my reading plans were often met with resistance, all three of my kids love reading now, though they differ in their interests. And that’s where my review of The Bible Explorer’s Guide comes in. This book is a great resource to provide your kids with hours of engaging and world-expanding reading fun. The subtitle of this book for kids in the 3rd-6th grades is 1000 Amazing Facts And Photos — something to spark the interest in any kid, no matter their interests. They may even find a new passion to explore! While providing interesting information, maps, illustrations and archeological facts, it also provides a springboard for exploring God’s Word too. There are 35+ articles that follow scriptural chronology, both Old and New Testaments, as well as a Biblical timeline and Who’s Who in the Bible. From history and the natural world to the mystery of God’s plan, The Bible Explorer’s Guide is the perfect accompaniment for fun, this summer and throughout the year.

Recommended.

Audience: children in grades 3-6.

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

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Children’s Corner: The Berenstain Bears Friendship Blessings Collection

3 May

The Berenstain Bears Living Lights, series continues to attract young readers through creative and engaging stories that not only entertain but teach values and life lessons. Now, five of the series’ favorite titles are available in a great new hardcover. This Berenstain Bears Living Lights treasury called Friendship Blessings Collection is sure to be a popular choice for Berenstain Bears fans.

 

This collection includes:

  • The Perfect Fishing Spot
  • Reap the Harvest
  • Faithful Friends
  • Kindness Counts
  • God Made You Special

To purchase book, click HERE.

 

My Impressions:

5 books in 1! That’s what you get in The Berenstain Bears Friendship Blessings Collection. Your kids will enjoy hours of reading fun with great messages: friendship, hard work, God’s love. Each story begins with scripture to set the stage and then launches into Bear Family adventures. The illustrations are detailed and colorful, and the vocabulary provides just the right amount of challenge. Several of the stories have activities and questions at the end to prolong the fun and learning. If you are looking for a way to keep your kids engaged in reading this summer, either on their own or in family time, this book is the perfect choice.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

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

 

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Children’s Corner: The Berenstain Bears Easter Fun Sticker & Activity Book

5 Apr

The Berenstain Bears come to life this joyful Easter season with puzzles, activity pages, and more than 50 reusable stickers in The Berenstain Bears Easter Fun Sticker and Activity Book.

Featuring Papa, Mama, Brother, Sister, and Honey and the rest of the Bear Country gang, kids are sure to find lots to do helping Honey Bear find hidden Easter eggs and chocolates around the Bear family treehouse, doing crosswords and word searches with Brother and Sister, and even helping out at the Easter sunrise service at Chapel in the Woods.

To purchase, click HERE.

My Impressions: 

Combining fun activities and the truths of the Easter story, The Berenstain Bears Easter Fun Sticker And Activity Book will provide that special child in your life hours of enjoyment. There’s plenty to do — word searches, crossword puzzles, coloring pages — and it all revolves around the real meaning of Easter — Jesus’ resurrection. Sure there are references to bunnies and candy, but this book focuses on what is really important. A welcome addition to an Easter basket, this book is a winner!

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

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

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Children’s Corner — The Berenstain Bears Hugs And Kisses Sticker And Activity Book

2 Feb

616tcsmvl2l-_sx407_bo1204203200_Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Berenstain Bears with puzzles, activity pages, and more than 50 reusable stickers in The Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses Sticker and Activity Book.

Featuring Papa, Mama, Brother, Sister, and Honey and the rest of the Bear Country gang, kids are sure to have loads of fun as they help Sister Bear through a maze to find her Valentine, solve word puzzles with Brother, color with Honey Bear, and a whole lot more!

 

My Impressions:

Better than candy! That’s what I think about The Berenstain Bears Hugs And Kisses Activity Book. This book gives your kids hours of fun with reusable stickers, puzzles and games, stories and more — all revolving around love. Love is certainly the theme as each activity reinforces love for family, friends and God. This book is great for kids in early elementary school grades and is recommended by me!

Recommended.

Audience: ages 4-8.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

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

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Children’s Corner: Lots of Love

18 Jan

516tzpcyqwl-_sy498_bo1204203200_Lots of Love celebrates all the ways we show love — from hugs and kisses to sharing and helping others. The sweet rhymes and whimsical artwork in this board book illustrate the special bonds of love between families and friends. Perfect for young children, this book will make you want to snuggle with your little one as you two explore the greatest blessing of all — love!

Kim Washburn began her career in Christian publishing with Focus on the Family. While she worked on their Clubhouse Jr. magazine, two of her original stories were recognized by the Evangelical Press Association, including first place in the fiction category in 2006. Currently Kim stays home – and stays on her toes – with her eleven-year-old daughter and nine-year-old twin sons.

 

 

My Impressions:

Lots of Love would be a great addition (or substituion) to the Valentine’s candy! This book celebrates living a life of love through colorful illustrations and easy rhyme. But this one will be read long after all the chocolate is gone because it teaches the enduring concept of showing love. The board book follows one little girl as she experiences and shares love throughout her day — from an early morning wake-up, to the activities of school, to family interactions and the acknowledgment of God’s love for her. I liked this book and am eager to share it with my little friends. A book that goes beyond a holiday, I recommend Lots of Love!

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8

To purchase this book, click HERE.

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

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Children’s Corner — God Made You Nose to Toes

28 Dec

51b5xlmzhxl-_sy498_bo1204203200_Help little ones understand that God created each part of their bodies so they can enjoy life and everything in it. In this delightful padded cover board book by well-known author and family therapist Leslie Parrott, children can follow along with Toucan –– with a great big nose –– as he helps them learn God loves each one of them completely.

 

 

61upoejvpwl-_ux250_Les and Leslie Parrott have been a valuable resource to hundreds of newspaper and magazine journalists in addition to writing their own regular magazine columns and feature stories. Their work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Family Circle, Redbook, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, Brides, and Parent Life.

 

My Impressions:

God loves you completely from your head to big toe. God loves and will keep you wherever you go.

These last two lines of Leslie Parrott’s God Loves You Nose to Toes sum up the message of this cute, cute book. With colorful and interesting illustrations, children learn that God not only created them, but the world around them. I especially liked how Parrott connects the dots for kids between how they are made and their connection with the rest of creation. God is on every page reinforcing His love and care. This one is perfect for family reading time your little ones.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 2-5.

To purchase, click HERE. 

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

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