Tag Archives: Richard Cowdrey

Children’s Corner — Fiona, It’s Bedtime

2 Jul

Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, in this cuddly read-aloud picture book as she says good night to all her animal friends before snuggling up with her mama — encouraging your own child to drift off to sleep with their own bedtime routine.

A follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Fiona the Hippo, Fiona, It’s Bedtime showcases the fearless hippo that’s as much of a star at the zoo (in the real world) as she is online!

This board book edition is great for little hands that love to explore, and is the perfect bedtime story to read aloud to children ages 4 to 8. Fiona, It’s Bedtime:

  • Features art by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey (Fiona the Hippo, Bad Dog, Marley)
  • Takes kids on a nighttime adventure to see how the zoo animals sleep at night
  • Presents fun, rhyming text that will engage children while soothing them for their own bedtime ritual

Richard Cowdrey‘s favorite things to draw and paint are the things that reflect the awesomeness of God and his creation. From vast landscapes to the littlest bug on a leaf, Richard marvels at the beauty in the details. Richard’s bestselling children’s books include Fiona the Hippo, Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas.

My Impressions:

My granddaughter loves being read to. So we are always on the lookout for a good book that will engage her curiosity with fun verse and colorful illustrations. Fiona, It’s Bedtime does just that. Each page of this soon-to-be bedtime favorite shows members of the zoo family getting ready for bedtime. The cheetahs snuggle in their mother’s fur, the koalas wrap themselves around the trees, and the flamingo’s balance on one foot. I loved how the animals’ uniqueness is expressed. The book is sturdy as well and will hold up against the many times it will be presented for reading time. I can’t wait to share it!

Recommended.

Audience: preschoolers

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

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Children’s Corner: The Legend of The Easter Robin

25 Feb

610cT8iTQBL._SY419_BO1,204,203,200_This newly illustrated edition of The Legend of the Easter Robin renews the wonder and charm of the original and timeless tale written by Dandi Daley Mackall. With new vibrant artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, this holiday classic is brought to life for a new generation. The Legend of the Easter Robin tells the story of Tressa, whose grandmother reveals to her the story of a small robin who saw Jesus struggling and soared to help him. This Easter tale reminds Christians everywhere how much Jesus sacrificed for us and how much he loves us.

31mx-naavtl-_ux250_Dandi 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:

The Legend of The Easter Robin is a great book to teach your child about God’s care for His creation and His willingness to sacrifice all for us. Based on a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, the book tells the story of Tressa and her concern for robins nesting in a tree outside her grandmother’s home. When she worries for their safety, Gran repeatedly assures her of God’s provision. As Easter approaches, Gran relates the story of the robin who tried to help Jesus at His crucifixion. Using familiar images of Spring and a unique look at the Easter story, this beautifully illustrated book will be a special addition to your family’s Easter reading. It may also inspire a fun new way to decorate!

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

To purchase this book, click HERE.  

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

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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: The Legend of The Easter Egg

10 Feb

735452One April morning when the air was soft and sweet, a boy and his sister went outside to gather eggs. “Easter’s coming,” the sister said. “Let’s pretend we’re hunting Easter eggs.” “What are Easter eggs?” the boy asked. When Thomas’s older sister Lucy falls ill, Thomas goes to live with the Sonnemans in their candy shop. He gets to eat peppermint sticks, fill candy jars, and weigh chocolate on the tippy scales, but he misses Lucy. When Easter comes, Mrs. Sonneman gives Thomas his first chocolate egg and Thomas learns the true meaning behind Easter eggs, the empty tomb, and the hope found in Jesus. This classic story of faith, love, and wonder is sure to be a treasured reminder of the miracle of Easter.

Lori Walburg is a freelance editor, a writer for the NIrV Kid’s Devotional Bible, and the author of The Legend of the Easter Egg. She lives with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Richard Cowdrey’s favorite things to draw and paint are the things that reflect the awesomeness of God and His creation. From vast landscapes to the littlest bug on a leaf, Richard marvels at the beauty in the details. Richard’s bestselling children’s books include Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas.

My Impressions:

The Legend of The Easter Egg is a beautifully illustrated storybook suitable for children ages 4-7. A simple story, it presents faith in Jesus in easily understood terms. This book is perfect for sharing the truths of Jesus’ death and resurrection to small children.  At the end of the book, the author has included traditions and symbols common for Lent and Easter. A good addition to your Easter reading or great as a gift for the special child in your life.

Recommended.

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

To purchase this book, click on the link below.

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