Tag Archives: children’s storybooks

Top 10 Tuesday! — Children’s Picture Books

31 Jan

This week The Broke And The Bookish have challenged us to share our favorite graphic novels, comic books or picture books. I have been incredibly blessed to receive for review some absolutely beautiful and charming children’s storybooks. My children are all grown now and no grandchildren have arrived. Yet! But I still love reading these books. For now I get to share them with my little friends (until grandchildren start arriving at my door 😉 ).

To find out what other bloggers are sharing this week, click HERE.

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Top 10 Children’s Picture Books

7 Days of Awesome

Baby Wren And The Great Gift

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Christmas Love Letters from God

God Made You Nose to Toes

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How Big is Love

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!

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The Legend of The Easter Robin

Night Night, Farm

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A Night of Great Joy

Would A Worm Go On A Walk?

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What are some of your favorites?

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Children’s Corner: A Night of Great Joy

21 Nov

61s1hbyrvcl-_sy439_bo1204203200_Mary Engelbreit presents A Night of Great Joy, a delightful picture book that celebrates the joyful season of Christmas. This book tells the story of the nativity through the performance of a children’s Christmas pageant. With adorable illustrations and simple storytelling, Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born.

A Night of Great Joy recalls that fateful night with wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.

 

pink_shirt_largeMary Engelbreit is a graphic artist and children’s book illustrator who launched her own magazine, Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion in 1996. Mary Engelbreit was born in St. Louis, Missouri.

 

My Impressions:

The story of the birth of Jesus is told through the eyes of children in Mary Englebreit’s newest book for Christmas, A Night of Great Joy. The familiar story will engage your child as he or she sees it performed in a children’s play. I loved the beautifully detailed illustrations Englebreit is known for as the children endeavor to share the story with their audience. Be on the lookout for kids acting like kids — shepherds fighting over a lamb and kids giggling. This book is homey and cute as it tells the story that changed the world. A Night of Great Joy is a wonderful addition to your family reading this season.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4+.

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’s Little Lambs Bible Stories

12 Oct

unknownBible Stories for God’s Little Lambs is a storybook Bible written just for little ones. With a padded cover and simple, accessible text by Julie Stiegemeyer, children will learn about God’s love through stories such as Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the Big Fish, and Jesus Welcomes the Children. With soft brushstrokes and warm colors, Qin Leng provides illustrations readers will love to cuddle up with at bedtime or any time of the day.

 

 

Purchase book HERE.

 

 

dsc051303Julie Stiegemeyer — in her own words!

I was born and raised in Lakewood, Colorado, which is in the Denver area. As a child, I loved playing with stuffed animals, and my friends and I enjoyed neighborhood games like Kick the Can and Green Ghost (which was a version of Hide and Seek as I remember). I loved animals–especially our black labrador. We named her Liberty because she was born in 1976. I have two older brothers who loved to torment their little sister. But we also had a lot of fun together.

Here is my school picture from kindergarten. I wrote my first book when I was in kindergarten. It’s a three-page adventure story about a police helicopter which caught up with a criminal in a police chase. I had quite a sense of justice!

Many writers I know were avid readers as children. When I was young, I enjoyed reading, and I made lots of trips to the library with my mom. My parents were always avid readers and still are. But it wasn’t until I was in high school and college that I learned to LOVE to read. And it was about that time when I started writing more as well.

What I love best about the scenery of Colorado are the wide open skies where the clouds move like billowy sail boats across the bluest sky you can imagine. The city of Denver sits up against the Rocky Mountains, and that’s how I learned my directions—the mountains are always west of the city.

I wrote my first poem when I was in fourth grade, and it’s still hanging in my parents’ basement. I shellacked it on put it on a wooden plaque.

In my free time, I like spending time with my family, walking my dog, hugging my cats, walking through the woods, doing puzzles, watching movies, reading lots of books, and most of all…writing, of course!

Qin Leng is a childrens’ book illustrator and background designer for animated television series. She lives with her twin sister in Toronto.

 

My Impressions:

God’s Little Lambs Bible Stories is sure to be a hit with your family. With over 30 beloved stories from the Bible, this book is geared towards the preschool to early elementary set. Each story is based on scripture. In fact, each story is introduced with scripture references to help you and your child more fully explore God’s word. Bright illustrations keep your child engaged, and each story ends with a brief statement to affirm the lesson just learned. I think this book is perfect for family story time. Or you can use it for those extra school assignments to practice reading skills. Each story can be read alone, allowing you to choose the right story for your child’s day.

God’s Little Lambs is a good addition to your family library!

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. A review was not required, and all opinions are mine alone.)

 

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Children’s Corner + Giveaway! — Baby Wren And The Great Gift

13 Apr

51QlDy0KiDL._SY436_BO1,204,203,200_The Baby Wren and the Great Gift, written by bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jen Corace, is a celebration of all the wonderful gifts God has given us. The tiny wren marvels at the incredible creatures around her, all the while wishing she had a special gift to share. As she takes in the beauty of the world around her, she discovers a unique talent that’s been inside her all along.

 

 

B1o09DwBp8S._UX250_Sally Lloyd-Jones is a Brit who came to the US in 1989 “just for a year.” She’s still here.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, raised in East, and West Africa and at a boarding school in the New Forest, the first book she ever remembers reading all the way through was The Complete Nonsense by Edward Lear. Things have not been the same since.

She lives in Manhattan and enjoys dividing her time between the front half of her apartment and the back.

http://www.sallylloyd-jones.com

me.about_Jen Corace (illustrator) 

nuts and bolts:

from southern new jersey, graduated from risd with a bfa in illustration in 1996, lives and works in providence, ri, hates sopping wet paper. it makes her gag.

odds and sods:

first dream job was to be a bumper car operator (it could still happen), loves breakfast, loves breakfast for dinner more, loves biking, loves walking more, loves a lot of music but could easily listen to belle and sebastian or the wedding present all day long. non stop.

My Impressions:

Beautiful illustrations accompany the sweet and simple message of one tiny bird with a big, big gift. Baby Wren And The Great Gift explores the wonders of creation and the uniqueness of what God has created. A very small bird wonders what her gift could be as she contemplates all the wonderful things other animals can do. The prose is easy and unhurried with a repeating refrain to divide each scene. Bold illustrations pair well with the narrative. Perfect for family reading, or a larger group story time, this storybook will capture your child’s imagination and open up new ideas of what makes him/her special.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8

To purchase this book, click HERE.

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

Giveaway!

Zonderkidz is very graciously offering a copy of Baby Wren And The Great Gift to one of my readers. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment stating with whom you’ll share this book. The giveaway will run through April 27. (Please note: US only.)

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Book Review: The Sparkle Box

2 Dec

956479_w185Inspire a new family tradition this holiday with this heartwarming story. Beautifully hardbound with a jacketed cover, this book comes with your own fold-out glitter box to use this Christmas season! 

It’s almost Christmas and Sam is so excited for the parties and presents—but there’s one mysterious gift, a sparkly box sitting on the mantel— that leaves him puzzled. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness for others. On Christmas morning when Sam opens the Sparkle Box, he finds slips of paper that record the family’s good deeds. Sam’s parents explain that these kind acts are a gift for Jesus—for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. Recommended for ages 4+.

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hardieAuthor Jill Hardie, her husband, and their two children began the tradition of placing a Sparkle Box for Jesus under their Christmas tree approximately seven years ago. The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they experienced profound peace and happiness. It’s Jill’s hope that The Sparkle Box book will ignite a new Christmas tradition that helps center Christmas in the true joy of the season.

ChristineKornackiAt a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children’s books began to take shape. She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafĂŠ in New Haven, Connecticut.

 

My Impressions: 

A beautiful message, beautifully told and illustrated, The Sparkle Box is targeted for children 4 and up. It tells the story of Sam and his family at Christmas. Amidst the holiday decorations and presents, Sam spies a glittery box nestled on the mantle. His parents explain that the Sparkle Box is a special gift that they will fill throughout the season and open when it is filled. Through the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, Sam sees glimpses of people in need and the way his family joins in giving.

The Sparkle Box is the perfect addition to your family’s Christmas reading. The illustrations are beautiful, the story told in a simple and clear manner and the message of giving is told practically for children to understand. I love that the book includes a Sparkle Box so that families can join in the tradition of giving in the name of Jesus. Great for your children or that special child in your life.

Highly Recommended.

(Thanks to Worthy Publishing for my copy of this book. All opinions are mine alone.)

To purchase The Sparkle Box, click on the image below.

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Children’s Corner: The Plans I Have for You

9 Sep

51ciYzw6JLL._SY416_BO1,204,203,200_The Plans I Have for You combines playful rhyming text written by bestselling children’s book author Amy Parker with whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Vanessa Brantley-Newton to create a book that inspires readers of all ages to dream about their future. God has great plans for each and every one of us, and this book encourages children to think about the talents that make them special and will help them imagine how God may use our unique traits to make the world a better place.

 

71ucuLQl-hL._UX250_Amy Parker has written more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults, including the best-selling A Night Night Prayer, Thank You, God, for Mommy, and Thank You, God, for Daddy. She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son. Two of these collaborations — Firebird and Courageous Teens — are recipients of Christian Retailing’s Best Awards. But Amy’s greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan.

Vanessa-Brantley-Newton-167x300Vanessa Brantley Newton is an artist swathed in retro chic while keeping up with all the trappings of modernity. She loves all things vintage – especially books and clothes from the 40s through the 60’s – and keeps an active Pinterest account to show off her finds. Vanessa’s greatest strength as an artist is her versatility: she feels equally at home designing for the juvenile, adult, and inspirational markets. She loves to add unique touches to her work, including mixed media accents, collage, and hand lettering. Vanessa approaches each project with the goal of uplifting and inspiring happiness through her art. Her work has appeared on greeting cards, wall art, plush, and over a dozen children’s books.

 

My Impressions:

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my very favorite Scripture verses, and I love how the collaborative team of Amy Parker and Vanessa Brantley-Newton have brought God’s Word to life with their children’s book., The Plans I Have for You. Written for children ages 4-8, this colorful book shows children how they fit into God’s plan. As I was reading it, I kept thinking this would be a perfect book for story time at the library or Sunday School. It can certainly be read at home too, especially for a group of children. There’s a lot for the kids to talk about — how God makes us unique for the work He has for us to do and the many jobs that fulfill His purposes. There are also allusions to other Bible verses, such as Galatians 5:22 and Ephesians 2:10, that parents can include in the conversation. The rhymes and illustrations also add to the fun.

I loved this book and think you will to0. Be sure to add it to your wish list!

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

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

 

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Children’s Corner: Big Tractors + Giveaway!

22 May

UnknownBig Tractors with Casey & Friends shows how the biggest, most powerful tractors handle the demanding jobs of pulling and powering on the farm. Find out how Big Red and Sammy – the biggest tractors on the farm – use their powerful muscles to work in the field with the rest of the team. Learn about the science of farming and discover how advanced technology makes Big Red and Sammy special.

 

 

 

picture-3624-1413987229Holly Dufek has spent nearly 15 years writing and editing educational curriculum for publishers such as Holt McDougal, National Geographic Education and Riverside Publishing. Holly has worked to develop content to enrich the National Common Core Standards for elementary through high school classrooms. Born in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for her bachelor’s degree, double majoring in English and History. Her first classroom experience was substitute teaching while in graduate school at DePaul University for her Master’s in Education. Holly did her practicum in U.S. History. Licensed to teach History and English through the 12th grade, Holly decided to turn her focus on curriculum development. A Year on the Farm is her first published children’s book. Working with an amazing design team to bring agricultural education to life has been one of the most enriching experiences for her.

Holly lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin with her husband, Matt, and their three children.

 

picture-3625-1414610259Paul E. Nunn is a full-range artist and approved character artist for Disney, Lucas Arts and Nick Jr. He started his own freelance company to focus on children’s animation in 2000 and hasn’t looked back. Born and raised in Kenosha, WI, and drawing since he could hold a pencil, Paul got his big break right out of high school. With knowledge on new animation software, he became a pixel retouch artist for a small animation studio. As the company grew and landed big jobs with Disney, Mattel and Leapfrog, Paul worked his way up to Animation Director. Leaving in 2000 to start his own freelance business allowed Paul to focus on children’s animation. His projects include working with legacy characters from Disney’s Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book, line drawing for LucasArt’s Indiana Jones, Star Wars and Star Wars Angry Birds and illustrating a handful of titles for Nick Jr’s hit show Bubble Guppies. Getting to wake up every day with the opportunity to bring popular characters to life and share them with his own children is Paul’s biggest joy.

He lives in Racine, Wisconsin with his wife, Amy, and their two children.

My Impressions:

All three of my kids were fascinated with tractors. The highlight of our annual visit to the Georgia National Fair was climbing on tractors of every size and purpose. And I know my kids were not alone. Big Tractors with Casey & Friends is the perfect way for your child to get his/her tractor fix! It looks at everything you can imagine — from their jobs on the farm, what makes them work and how they were developed. I loved the mix of illustrations and photographs of tractors at work. There is also a timeline, a glossary and some fun facts about tractors. And all kids should know how important farm work is and this book highlights that importance.

Targeted towards children 4–8, this book is really great for kids of ALL ages!

Recommended.

To purchase this book, click HERE. 

(Thanks to Octane Press for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Giveaway!

CASEIH-Tractor-ToyTo win a copy of Big Tractors with Casey & Friends and a CASE IH Magnum 370 CVT Tractor Toy, leave me a comment. Giveaway ends June 1. (US only.)

 

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Children’s Corner: The Day Is Waiting

13 May

740541Don Freeman, the creator of Corduroy, was one of the most beloved and popular author/illustrators of picture books for children. After Freeman’s death in 1978, colleagues and his wife decided to use his never before published artwork and make a commemorative book using his wonderful illustrations. Paired with Linda Zuckerman’s thoughtful rhyming text, The Day Is Waiting takes readers on a tour of our big, wide world and reminds us that no matter how far we roam, we always have home to come back to.

This classic tale is imbued with Freeman’s gentle humor, spontaneity, and his appreciation of the variety and complexity of human experiences, creating a book that children will enjoy reading again and again.

230px-DonFreemanDon Freeman (August 11, 1908 – January 1, 1978) was an American painter, printmaker, cartoonist, and an illustrator and writer of children’s books. He was the creator of the children’s classic, Corduroy.

zuckerman_linda_lgLinda Zuckerman grew up in Brooklyn and has lived in the Pacific Northwest for almost fifteen years. She has been a children’s book editor for more than forty years on both coasts, having held executive editorial positions at several major publishing houses. Linda is the editor of three books that were awarded the Caldecott Medal and two that received Newbery Honor citations.

 

My Impressions:

With Don Freeman’s colorful and whimsical illustrations and Linda Zuckerman’s simple rhymes, The Day Is Waiting is the perfect picture book to engage your child’s imagination. Both pictures and text will make your child think and respond to the world around him. I especially liked that each page opens up a dialog between parent (or grandparent) and child about what can be seen and learned in the world. Yet in the end, it is noted that the best place to be, after adventures are complete, is home. The illustrations are from the collection of Don Freeman and are done in many styles. The eclectic mix works well. A fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, I recommend The Day Is Waiting.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

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

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Children’s Corner: Bunny’s First Spring

4 Mar

733867When a bunny is born in spring, he sees the world as green and new and full of hope. But as the seasons change, the bunny worries that the earth may be dying. In bestselling author’s Sally Lloyd-Jones’ latest picture book celebrating the Easter season and rebirth, nature speaks to the bunny, assuring him of something more. Award-winning artist David McPhail’s whimsical illustrations reflect the beauty of the world around us as Lloyd-Jones’ inspirational text prompts readers to celebrate the changing seasons and the miracle of nature’s rebirth.

 

 

sally-blueSally Lloyd-Jones is a British children’s book writer who moved to the States in 1989 “just for a year or two”.

She’s still here. Born in Kampala, Uganda, raised in East, and West Africa and at a boarding school in the New Forest, the first book Sally ever remembers reading all the way through was The Complete Nonsense by Edward Lear.

Things have not been the same since. Sally is a New York Times bestselling children’s book writer. Her books include the critically acclaimed, How To Be A Baby, By Me, the Big Sister and The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. Sally works with various publishers – Walker Books, Schwartz & Wade/Random House, David Fickling Books, HarperCollins, Zondervan – and with such fabulous artists as Jane Dyer, David Roberts, Anita Jeram, Sue Heap, David McPhail, Kevin Waldron, Jago (to name but a few).

An avid runner (sometimes of marathons) and cyclist, Sally loves taking photographs, going on adventures, watching movies and exploring her city by bike. She also loves great big ginormous cups of strong English Tea and porridge.

Not together. In the same cup.

Obviously.

Sally lives in Manhattan and enjoys dividing her time between the front half of her apartment and the back.

 

mcphailDavid McPhail has been drawing since he was two years old. When he was a child, he used to draw on everything from paper bags to walls! Today he lives in the town he grew up in, Newburyport, Massachusetts. He is married and has four children. In The Dream Child, the title character looks very much like his daughter, Jaime. McPhail says he has drawn his children so often that it just comes out in his characters!

McPhail is best known for his animal characters like pigs and bears, in such books as Pig Pig Grows Up and Lost!. He feels that an animal can do things that would be too scary for a child to do. McPhail often visits classrooms. He tells young artists to “draw from life and be true to yourself”.

 

My Impressions:

733867_5_excSpring is making its presence known here in middle Georgia. Daffodils, crabapples and forsythia are blooming and robins are stopping on their way back north. It’s time for stories about Spring!  Bunny’s First Spring by Sally LLoyd-Jones is a lyrical children’s storybook that focuses on the wonders of new life and rebirth exhibited in God’s creation. Told from the perspective of a baby rabbit, LLoyd-Jones takes her readers through the seasons, but always with the whisper of a new beginning in the Spring. David McPhail’s illustrations are beautifully detailed with every page filled with images to explore. Perfect for a story time, make sure to check out Bunny’s First Spring.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8

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

To purchase this book, click HERE.

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Children’s Corner: Briny The Starfish

28 Jan

1309893166701-1228499427-1Briny is a little starfish who leaves the dark ocean in search of the light. He gets stranded on the beach where a star angel appears telling Briny not to be afraid, her father will take care of all his needs. Bright Star appears nightly to teach Briny, about Christian principles like honor and responsibility. When he’s ready he ascends into the sky where he looks down on earth and sees the pain. He wants to do something about it. At that point he’s chosen to guide the wisemen to God’s perfect gift of light, Jesus.

 

My Impressions:

One of my husband’s clients brought multiple copies of a children’s book she had written for him to give away. I didn’t really know what to expect. What I found was a thoughtful story about God’s love. Briny The Starfish by Linda Milliman and illustrated by Gail King Soles tells the story of a small starfish who hears about light and desires to see it for himself. Swept onto a beach he finds not only the sun which warms him, but a message of the true Light. Linda’s story takes the reader from a beach on the Red Sea to the stable in Bethlehem, all the while gently leading him or her to the truth of God’s nature — His love, provision and gift of salvation. Targeted towards children 8 – 12, with challenging vocabulary and message, this book is perfect for a family read-a-long. I encourage you to check this one out.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 8-12.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(I received this book from the author. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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