Tag Archives: children’s storybooks

Book Review: Conrad And The Cowgirl Next Door

24 Dec

723493“I hear that becoming a cowboy can be dangerous. Especially if you don’t know the rules.

I don’t know the rules.”

It’s a good thing Conrad brought his Mega Ultimate Extreme First Aid Kit to Uncle Clint’s ranch because learning how to be a cowboy turns out to be a lot harder — and more painful — than he thought. Conrad has a lot to learn – including don’t squat with spurs on and never wave your red sweatshirt at a bull. But the biggest challenge of all is dealing with Imogene Louise Lathrup, the know-it-all-cowgirl next door. When Imogene shows up, she is all too happy to point out Conrad’s shortcomings. In this follow-up to their debut hit Pirates on the Farm, author Denette Fretz and illustrator Gene Barretta team up once again to tell a humorous tale about what it means to love your neighbor.

51dlRgGbyOL._UX250_Denette Fretz is a first grade teacher whose passion is crafting inventive, engaging stories that encourage life-application of biblical principles. Fretz resides in Oregon with her husband, two teenage children, a sassy cat, and a spastic Jack-A-Bee.

 

614g-o28pRL._UX250_Gene Barretta is an award-winning author and illustrator of several children’s books. His awards include The 2007 Carolyn W. Field Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association.
Gene began his career as an illustrator for other authors before releasing his first manuscript in 2006, “Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin.”
Before he entered the publishing world, Gene completed several animated films for Sesame Street and illustrated for the show Between The Lions. He has also designed characters for The Jim Henson Company. He currently resides outside of Philadelphia, PA with his wife, Leslie and son, Benjamin.

 

My Impressions:

Conrad is a city boy spending the summer on his uncle’s ranch. What Conrad lacks in experience he makes up for with enthusiasm and a BIG first aid kit! But when confronted with a know-it-all neighbor, Conrad’s excitement and patience are sorely tested. In Conrad And The Cowgirl Next Door, Denette Fretz explores loving your neighbor, even if and especially when they are of the annoying type. Poor Conrad has to learn the rules of being a cowboy the hard way. His neighbor, Imogene Louise looks smugly on while he maneuvers the hazards of ranch life. But when she is faced with her own embarrassment and injury, Conrad responds with grace and compassion. A fun story to share with children ages 4-8, the colorful illustrations in Conrad And The Cowgirl Next Door point to the action of the story. And for all those new vocabulary words that are introduced (chuck wagon, greenhorn) there are fun and poetical definitions. A concluding letter to parents includes tips on treating everyone as our neighbor.

Perfect for teaching what it looks like to love your neighbor, Conrad And The Cowgirl Next Door is recommended for the cowboy or cowgirl in your life.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: The Legend of St. Nicholas

18 Dec

731153In The Legend of St. Nicholas, the new artwork, created by Marley and Me illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, captivates audiences and tells the story of a young man named Nicholas, who was moved by the plight of the poor and needy. Nicholas spent his life secretly helping the poor all over the world, giving gifts on Christmas Eve to remind people of the greatest Gift of all, Jesus Christ. This gentle Christmas book introduces the original St. Nicholas and offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves. The final pages in the book include fun Father Christmas traditions in other lands.

pic_lg_Mackall_DandiDandi Daley Mackall is the award-winning author of over 450 books for children and adults. She visits countless schools, conducts writing assemblies and workshops across the United States, and presents keynote addresses at conferences and young author events. She is also a frequent guest on radio talk shows and has made dozens of appearances on TV. She is has won several awards for her writing, including the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children’s Literature and a two-time Mom’s Choice Award winner.

Dandi writes from rural Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Joe, their three children, and their horses, dogs, and cats. Visit her at DandiBooks.com and winniethehorsegentler.com.

11967Richard Cowdrey has illustrated numerous books for children, including Bad Dog, Marley! by John Grogan, Animal Lullabies by Pam Conrad, and Frosty the Snowman by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins. He is the owner of a yellow Labrador, Murray, whose behavior is remarkably similar to Marley’s. He lives in Ohio with his wife and children.

 

 

 

My Impressions:

Commercialism is at an all time high, especially during the Christmas season. The Legend of St. Nicholas is a beautifully illustrated storybook for children ages 4-8 that focuses on giving gifts, rather than on receiving.

Young Nick is taken to a department store to buy last minute gifts for his younger brothers. Unfortunately, all Nick can think about is what he can buy for himself. While wandering the toy section, he overhears the store Santa telling the story of the real St. Nicholas. In this story, Nicholas is a young boy who observes need all around him, and acts in giving and compassion.

I liked that the story is about a young Nicholas. The son of wealthy parents, he is struck by the need he sees all around him. He wants to give just as God gave his Son for His people. The story is sweet and easily understood by children. It is accompanied by beautiful and detailed illustrations sure to capture a child’s eyes. At the end, the author shares James 1:17 – a good starting point for parents to discuss where good gifts come from – a point that is detailed in the story.

The Legend of St. Nicholas is the perfect book to share in the days leading up to Christmas.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review And Giveaway: Give Thanks to The Lord

23 Nov

738497“The table makes a lovely sight. The food is good, it tastes just right. I savor every, single bite. I feel so full of love tonight.”

Celebrate the season in this heartwarming story that references Psalm 92 in tender rhyme from award-winning author Karma Wilson. Told from the point of view of one young member of an extended family, Give Thanks to the Lord celebrates joy of all kinds, from the arrival of distant relatives to a cozy house already filled with merriment, to apple cider and the delicious smells of roasting turkey and baking pie. And just when your mouth is watering, sit down and join a thankful child in prayer, praising God for “food and fun and family, all the wonderful things I see.”

 

 

karma-wilsonKarma Wilson writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young and books that share her faith in a fun, understandable way with the youngest readers. Karma is also pursuing her love of outrageously silly but sometimes philosophic poetry for older children (i.e. Shel Silverstein) and has a book of poems coming out in a few years titled What’s the Weather Like Inside which will be illustrated by Barry Blitt.

These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, one cat and four horses on a small ranch in Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, and training Mixed Martial Arts (a combination of boxing, jiu jitsu, muay thai, and wrestling) with her family.

 

My Impressions:

Give Thanks to The Lord is the perfect book to share with your family this Thanksgiving. Filled with the sights, smells and sounds of an autumn celebration, this book targeted at children ages 4-7 brings to mind the wonderful times of laughter and love shared with family and friends. You can almost feel the crisp air, hear the crunch of fallen leaves and smell the aromas of pumpkin pie and hot cider. I loved that the author repeatedly reinforces the idea of giving thanks to God by ending portions of her book long poem with “It is good to give thanks to the Lord”. Based on Psalm 92, this book is a good starting point for parents to explore that psalm and more with their children. The illustrations are colorful and full of detail. I especially liked the expressions on the people’s faces as they interacted with each other.

All in all Give Thanks to The Lord is perfect for Thanksgiving or anytime you want to reinforce giving thanks to God.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

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

Giveaway!

The folks at Zonderkidz are generously offering a copy of Give Thanks to The Lord to one of my readers. To enter, just leave me a comment. The giveaway runs through November 30, 2014.

 

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: The Littlest Christmas Kitten

18 Nov

LittlestKittenIn this re-telling of the Christmas story, children can experience the excitement of the animals in the stable. Here a mother cat is searching frantically for her little lost kitten. Before the night is over there is the crying of a baby and angels singing the praises of the birth of a Savior. The night’s events leave a lasting effect on all the animals, especially the cats. It’s a refreshing approach to the Christmas story, with a strong, smooth plot, and yet teaches a beautiful lesson.

 

LeeCropped2Lee (Leona) Novy Jackson taught family and consumer sciences in Missouri and Wisconsin schools for many years. She is the author of the children’s Christmas book, The Littlest Christmas Kitten and two apple cookbooks, From the Apple Orchard — Recipes for Apple Lovers, and Apples, Apples Everywhere — Favorite Recipes from America’s Orchards. All three books have received outstanding awards.

Jackson received a B.S. degree in home economics education from the University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin and an M.S. degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri. After having taught family and consumer sciences (home economics) for over 25 years, she now enjoys writing and publishing about subjects pertaining to home and family.

My Impressions:

It is no secret that I am a big fan of cats. I have a new kitten who is into everything. Her middle school stage is in full force! So when offered a cat themed book to review, I always jump at the chance. The Littlest Christmas Kitten by Leona Novy Jackson and illustrated by Kelly Dupre would be a sweet addition to your family’s Christmas reading.

The Littlest Christmas Kitten is an attractive children’s book targeted towards children ages 4-7. It tells the story of a momma cat frantically looking for her lost kitten. The story takes place in a stable filled with animals many, many years ago. But this book isn’t just about a lost one found, it is also about the birth of Jesus and the wonder of that night over 2000 years ago. The story is simple and the beautiful wood block illustrations enhance the feeling of a story from old. And while there is no mention of cats in the Biblical narrative, it isn’t so hard to imagine a momma barn cat and her kittens being present at the birth of Christ.

While I liked the simple story of a kitten as a backdrop to the Nativity, I really loved the author’s additional information on the many symbols of Christmas included in the back of the book. This offers another opportunity for parents to talk about the real meaning of Christmas. There is even an entry on cats with very important info on what is good and not so good for the cat members of your family during the holiday season. As the wife of veterinarian, I believe this is invaluable for all pet owners.

So if you are looking for a book to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas as well as please your special little cat lover, then definitely check out The Littlest Christmas Kitten.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-7.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Tell Me About Prayer (Train ‘Em Up)

6 Nov

396804Train ’Em Up is an interactive, fun-filled, and affordable series that uses a train locomotive theme for teaching kids core Christian beliefs and principles. In Tell Me about Prayer, a friendly train conductor, Mr. Steve, teaches kids what prayer is all about, how we should talk to God, and why our conversations are so important to Him. Through bold graphics and interactive songs and stories, Train ’Em Up makes it easy for parents and teachers to explain biblical concepts like prayer in a way that helps with attention, memorization, and recall while building a solid faith foundation. Each book in the series includes a CD with sing-along songs and narrated stories with sound effects, plus a colorful sticker sheet!

 

Stephen Elkins is the owner and founder of Wonder Workshop, located fifteen minutes from the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. For over 20 years, he has written and produced quality music products that have been nominated for Grammy Awards as well as ECDA Association Awards. He has produced products for every major Christian publisher as well as such publishers as Simon & Schuster and Random House. His books and CDs have been published in several languages and have maintained positions on Billboard’s Top 100 for over 100 consecutive weeks. Stephen lives with his lovely wife, Cindy. They have three children.

 

My Impressions:

Interactive, fun, and based on scripture — that’s what you get with Tell Me About Prayer, part of the Train ‘Em Up series of books for children. What a great resource for parents. This book on prayer includes colorful stickers, a CD of kids songs focusing on prayer, and short, to the point explanations of what talking to God is all about. I liked that each example of prayer is followed by scripture that is easy to understand and memorize by children. The train motif is an added bonus. I have a little friend who is crazy about trains – this book will definitely be going home with him. There are lots of ways for a parent to use this book to teach about prayer and to reinforce God’s promises to his children. Not a book you will want to miss!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-7.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Why Dogs Are

13 Oct

WDA_OutsideCoverWhy Dogs Are tells the story of how a dog teaches some life lessons to a very special child. It seeks to explore the concept of God’s unconditional love and how someone without the ability to see or hear can comprehend its scope and His impact in our lives. Named a Finalist in the non-profit Indie Book Awards (category Spirituality, 2014), 100% percent of net profits from book sales goes to charities that train and support therapy dogs. The book is first in a series called Love Unleashed.

The author’s own dog Muttley was a therapy dog that brought his light and love to nursing home residents and to children with disabilities. Born deaf and blind, Brian was the inspiration for the book. His character is a composite of the many children who attended the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind who had to learn to live life with one or more disabilities.

tana1-300x230Tana Thompson spent 30 years teaching in colleges and universities around the south, watching computers go from huge mainframe technological monsters to carry-in-your pocket smart phone equivalents. Now in retirement, she is following her dream of writing, having interests in children’s literature and non-fiction genres such as memoir writing and regaling unique travel experiences shared with her late husband, Ken, in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. She is so committed to using her right brain for a change that she also makes jewelry, stained and fused glass, and delights in photography. She lives on her own heaven-on-earth slice of Lake Logan Martin in beautiful Alabama, with 2 “chosen” dogs, 2 rescued dogs and 4 rescued cats.

Tana Thompson wrote her first story in the sixth grade, was encouraged by her teacher to continue writing, and didn’t. But the desire remained in her heart only to be reawakened later in life. In the interim, she earned a Ph.D. from Georgia State University and taught computer and management information systems in several colleges and universities around the south. Her last career position was the most meaningful, assisting teachers and staff at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind to integrate computers into their daily job duties. Her late husband Ken was Vice President at the Institute; together they experienced the exceptional love and devotion of parents, family and teachers working with these exceptional children. The Thompsons also participated in a pet therapy program that saw their two Golden Retrievers, Rambeau and Muttley, form a team that visited nursing homes, classrooms and especially the students of AIDB, where the dogs sensed a “special touch” was required. Muttley earned his “Canine Good Citizen” designation, and proudly wore his official bandana and patch when visiting his special friends.

 

My Impressions:

When approached with reading/reviewing Tana Thompson’s children’s book, Why Dogs Are, I was eager to accept. A book about God’s love and care for those with special needs through his creation seemed like a perfect match for me. My husband is a veterinarian and treats service dogs. I am always looking for books to share with his clients and thought Why Dogs Are would be a great addition to his waiting room reading. I have some mixed feelings about this book. It has some great points, but I have some reservations about its view of God.

First the premise of Why Dogs Are is wonderful. What could be better than telling the story of God’s care of his people by providing comfort, help and love through his creation, in this case a dog. The story involves a young boy named Brian who is deaf and blind. God sends him a dog to teach unconditional love and forgiveness. I loved the illustrations of Brian’s interaction with the dog. Eye-catching and colorful, they vividly show the relationship that develops between a service dog and his person. The author also includes other illustrations of dogs and how they help people. This book does a good job of teaching children about special needs situations — showing people in everyday situations, living life just as everyone else.

However, I have a problem with the author’s view of heaven. She shows dogs living in Heaven and coming only to Earth to help Brian. After the dog’s success with Brian, other dogs are sent to help other people. I am not sure why the author took this route in explaining dog’s entry into Brian’s life. I think it may be a bit confusing to younger children. You may want to read this book with your child in order to explain the real story of Creation and God’s purposes for it.

Overall, I liked Tana Thompson’s book, Why Dogs Are, but I urge parents to read it first before introducing it to your child.

Audience: children ages 5-9.

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

 

 

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Book Review: Treasury of Bible Stores – Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times

30 Sep

Treasury-of-Bible-Stories-PK-252x335Children ages 4-8 will be delighted by these rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.
Featuring lyrical stories full of lighthearted moments, this colorful collection of Magnificent Tales is perfect for reading out loud. As families read these stories night after night, they will make memories together while learning about the Bible.

 

 

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KPulley-262Kelly Pulley works from his middle Tennessee home writing and illustrating children’s picture books, most recently Ten Unusual Features of Lulu McDunn and The Cycling Wangdoos. He is best known for illustrating dozens of books in the Beginner’s Bible series, including The Beginner’s Bible (over 1.25 million copies sold).

 

My Impressions:

Wow! I am blown away with Kelly Pulley’s collection of Bible stories for kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Actually, I think you could extend the age range, because this 50-something found Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times, captivating. Clever and varied rhyme schemes, fun alliteration, interesting vocabulary – this book has it all to keep your beginning and intermediate reader turning the pages. Twenty Bible stories — from the Creation through Jesus’ resurrection and ascension — are faithfully told with detailed and expressive illustrations. It is a perfect jumping off point for discovering God through His word. This book is also so much fun! A must for family read-alongs, I highly recommend you get this book for the special child or family in your life.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Ages 4-8 (and beyond).

(Thanks to LitFuse and David C. Cook for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Jonah And The Great Big Fish

14 Aug

732194“God told Jonah to obey,

said,‘Go to Nineveh this day.’

But, stubborn Jonah fled instead.

Didn’t do just what God said.”

Jonah’s disobedience landed him inside a big fish! And there he had time to think and pray. Children will feel the waves and hear the splash as Jonah sinks “down and down and down” into the belly of the fish. This story serves as an excellent reminder of how important it is to listen to God.

bio_rhondaRhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over twenty children’s books. A former elementary learning disabilities teacher, Rhonda holds a Master’s in Educational Media. Her first book sale was Barnyard Song to Simon & Schuster/Atheneum. Her books have received numerous honors, including School Library Journal Best Book.

 

Buzzeo.Toni (2)Margaret Spengler was born in Northern California and grew up playing and working with her two sisters in their family’s tiny grocery store. She graduated from Art Center of Pasadena with a B.A. Degree in advertising. Shortly after graduating she began her career in art as an art director in a large ad agency while living in New York City and later went into graphic design and illustration. Margaret is a international, award winning, illustrator, her work can be seen on everything from children’s clothing and candy to newspaper editorials and mystery covers. Currently, Margaret lives in Sacramento with her husband Ken and darling son, Matt.

 

My Impressions:

Written in rhyme and colorfully illustrated, Jonah And The Great Big Fish tells the story of Jonah and his disobedience in reaching out to the city of Ninevah. The well-known Bible story from Jonah 1 is faithfully retold for children ages 4-8. The rhymes keep the story going, but I loved the accompanying illustrations that reinforce the message. This beautiful hardback edition is a good choice for bed or story time.

Recommended.

Audience: Children ages 4-8.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Goodnight, Ark

30 Jun

737841Beds are ready. Food is stored. Noah hollers, “All aboard!” It’s bedtime on Noah’s ark, but the animals can’t sleep because of the storm. Two by two, they crowd into Noah’s bed, creating a sticky situation. Will Noah ever get them back to their own beds? Climb aboard the ark for this rollicking, yet ultimately restful bedtime story as Noah finds a way to make things calm and cozy, even in the midst of a storm.

(Common Core Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.2 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.3 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.4)

 

img_9440Laura Sassi’s poems, stories, articles and crafts have appeared in many publications including Highlights for Children, Cricket, Ladybug, Spider, Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr., FamilyFun, and Pack-O-Fun. She has a passion for playing with words and rhyming and is delighted to announce that her first picture book, GOODNIGHT, ARK, published by Zonderkidz, a HarperCollins Company, and illustrated by Jane Chapman releases this coming August. A second picture book, GOODNIGHT, MANGER, is also slated for publication by Zonderkidz, with a date TBA. Laura writes from her century-old home in New Jersey where she lives with her awesome husband, two adorable kids, and a black cockapoo named Sophie.

 

199fed7f03190ac1d188dc.L._V180543050_SX200_Award winning illustrator Jane Chapman graduated from university with a First Class Honors degree in illustration. Working as both Jane Chapman and under her pseudonym Jack Tickle, she has had more than 75 titles published in more than 20 countries. Jane is perhaps best known for her illustrations in Karma Wilson’s Bear books, an internationally bestselling series which has garnered a string of awards including the Oppenheim Platinum Book Award for Bear Snores On.

Jane’s favorite thing to paint? SNOW!

Jane is married to children’s author / illustrator Tim Warnes. They live in the South West of England with their 2 boys.

My Impressions:

Beautifully illustrated and filled with fun rhymes, Laura Sassi’s children’s book, Goodnight, Ark, is the perfect read for bedtime. Noah has loaded his ark with all kinds of animals and now it’s time for bed. But as the rain starts and the water rises, nervous animals pay a sleeping Noah a night time visit. Your children are going to love the antics of the animals as they try to climb into bed with the slumbering Noah. But don’t worry about them not getting back to sleep, Noah knows just what his guests need to calm down and rest. Colorful and fun, this book is ideal for that special child in your life.

Recommended.

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

Goodnight, Ark is due out in August. You can pre-order the book by clicking on the image below.

 

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Book Review: An Easter Gift for Me

28 Mar

738275Introduce your toddlers to the joy of Jesus’ resurrection! Pairing bright illustrations with catchy rhymed couplets, this easy-to-understand retelling of the Easter story proclaims, “But Jesus is God so he didn’t stay dead. ‘He’s alive! He’s alive!’ the glad angel said.” A wonderful springtime gift for ages 1 to 4.

 

 

 

bowman_07Crystal Bowman loves writing books for kids. Her books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again. “But the most important part,” she says, “is to teach children that God loves them and cares about them very much.”

 

My Impressions:

An Easter Gift for Me is a colorful, rhyming board book that clearly explains the Easter story for toddlers. The colorful illustrations depict Christ’s life and ministry while the the message is of God’s love and provision of eternal life, but on a level that is perfect for ages 1-4. A great addition for an Easter basket.

Recommended.

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

 

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This book is included in the Easter package for Toddlers that Zonderkidz is giving away. For more details for entering the giveaway, please click HERE.

 

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