Rufus and Ryan Go To Church by Kathleen Long Bostrom a review and BOOK GIVEAWAY

ABOUT RUFUS AND RYAN GO TO CHURCH

In Rufus and Ryan Go to Church! Ryan explains to his stuffed monkey, Rufus, what is happening as they attend church on Sunday morning. He lets Rufus know when it's time to sing and to pray and to be quiet.
About the series: Rufus and Ryan is a new series of board books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey Rufus. The series focuses on religious and church concepts, as well as character traits and development. The text is presented in young Ryan's voice as he teaches Rufus about the things he is learning himself.

In about 150 age-appropriate words, author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to practices and experiences that many children are exposed to long before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to a favorite companion as they go about their daily activities.

Series: Rufus and Ryan
Board book: 20 pages
Publisher: CandyCane Press, an imprint of Ideals Publications; Brdbk edition (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0824919033
ISBN-13: 978-0824919030
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 7.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 11 ounces

WHO is this book for?
- Children ages 2 to 5 and their parents, grandparents
- These faith-based board books make great gifts during any season: Christmas, Easter, baby
- Toddler birthday
- Gift from grandparents
- Gift for your child's Sunday School teacher of children's minister
- Perfect for church nurseries, Sunday school classes, preschools, and church worship settings

ABOUT THE AUTHOR  Kathleen Long Bostrom is an accomplished author who has written numerous children's books, including Sunrise Hill and Mary's Happy Christmas Day. She lives in Wildwood, Illinois, with her husband and three children.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR 
Rebecca Thornburgh began illustrating children’s books full-time in 1996 and today has almost 100 books to her name. Rebecca’s vibrant watercolors have been showcased in previous Ideals titles, including the new edition of The Story of Christmas. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two daughters.

MY REVIEW
  Rufus and Ryan Go to Church by Kathleen Long Bostrom is a sweet, lovely book that your young child or grandchild will love. Also fantastic for a giveaway to your Sunday School children.
  Ryan is a very charming character who loves church and his monkey Rufus. He talks about his favorite parts of church and can’t wait to go each week.
  The board book makes it so easy for your young child to look at the pictures and read and reread as the young usually do. The pictures are so very colorful and full of happy faces. The church and the day are bright and beautiful.
   This is just the book for your young child who loves to look at pictures and read. I highly recommend this book.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive books free as a Book Review Blogger. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express are my own. This is true of any book I review for any publisher or author; I will not review books where a positive review is required and I will always express my own opinions of each book received and read.


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Her First Bible by Melody Carlson * A Review

ABOUT HER FIRST BIBLE

Hold your little one close. Begin to hide God's word in her heart. Enjoy the treasured times as you share these Bible stories with her again and again.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 26, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310701295
ISBN-13: 978-0310701293
Product Dimensions: 4.4 x 0.5 x 6.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. Before publishing, Melody traveled around the world, volunteered in teen ministry, taught preschool, raised two sons, and worked briefly in interior design and later in international adoption. 'I think real-life experiences inspire the best fiction,' she says. Her wide variety of books seems to prove this theory.

MY REVIEW

  Her First Bible-Stories for Little Hearts is just an adorable book. It makes a wonderful Bible for the very young. Parents will have to read it to their children, but the pictures and words are just precious. Learning about Jesus no matter how young is very important for any child.
  This little book measures 4 X 6 inches and comes in pink, but there is also a book for boys in blue. This Bible could work as a gift for your little ones first birthday or as I did give to a mother at a baby shower.
  I love that this Bible comes with a hardcover and has a trim size.
The words on the pages (96 pages) are simple, short and some are cute like nursery rhymes. This wonderful book will keep even the youngest interested and wanting to hear the wonderful words time and time again.
Really recommend this precious Bible.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne * A Review

ABOUT A PERFECT PET FOR PEYTON
This wonderfully imaginative children's hardcover book by bestselling authors Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, featuring four-color illustrations (with hidden details!) by Wilson Williams, Jr., will help children learn the importance of love. Based on Gary's highly successful The 5 Love Languages®, A Perfect Pet for Peyton tells an entertaining and playful story of five children who each, with the help of Mr. Chapman and the unique pets at his special emporium, discover their own personal love language. Children and parents alike will experience firsthand the power of the love languages as they cuddle up and spend precious time together reading this book over and over again.

The cast of child characters in this whimsical story include:
Peyton, one of the birthday celebrants, loves to help others, and appreciates it when others do little things for him.
Penny, Peyton's twin sister, who receives love best when others spend quality time with her.
Jayla, one of Penny's close friends, is always saying nice things about people. Her love language is words of affirmation.
Kevin, one of Peyton's close friends, enjoys giving things to people.
Sofia loves to pet the animals, and to show her love for others with special hugs.

Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Northfield Publishing; New Edition edition (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802403581
ISBN-13: 978-0802403582
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.4 x 10.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
GARY CHAPMAN, PhD, is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling The 5 Love Languages. With over 30 years of counseling experience, he has the uncanny ability to hold a mirror up to human behavior, showing readers not just where they go wrong, but also how to grow and move forward. Dr. Chapman holds BA and MA degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively, MRE and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has completed postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke University. For more information visit his website at www.5lovelanguages.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RICK OSBORNE is a bestselling, award-winning author of both parenting and children's books. One of Rick's main goals is to create resources that help families develop loving relationships and peaceful, happy homes. Among the many children's books he's written and coauthored are, 'The Legend of the Christmas Tree,' 'The Legend of the Christmas Stocking,' and the '101 Questions Kids Ask About God' series. These have sold millions of copies and have been translated into many languages. Rick has coauthored books with Dr. John Trent, Josh McDowell, Larry Burkett, and Dr. Gary Chapman. He helped write and produce the booklet 'The Most Important Story Ever Told' which has had over 50 million copies distributed around the world. Find out more by visiting www.rick-osborne.com.




MY REVIEW
  A Perfect Pet for Peyton is such a wonderful book. It not only tells a wonderful story, but on each page you have search and find pictures. Like find all of the insects on this page or find all of the animals. This will really help your child become more observant.
This book is about Peyton and Penny as they celebrate their birthdays and go to a special place to find a perfect pet. It also is a book to help you find out which of the 5 love languages your child has. After reading the book several times there are questions in the back that will help you to determine which one best suits your child.
The 5 different love languages are:
Gifts
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Physical Touch
and Acts of Service.
This book is the perfect size 8 X 10 and has the most colorful, interesting pictures. Besides being very entertaining it is also very helpful in learning about your child. It’s like a workbook with a fantastic story to go along with. Your child will only enjoy the story and not know about the 5 different love languages. I highly recommend this book. So very interesting.


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Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Story of the Easter Robin by Dandi Daley Mackall * A Review

ABOUT THE STORY OF THE EASTER ROBIN
In the center of the nest lay one perfect egg, the color of a spring sky. The father robin sat on a branch nearby, guarding his family. Tressa spotted raccoon tracks below and a blue jay eyeing the nest. 'Gran, how are we going to keep the egg safe?' 'We'll have to leave that one to the Creator,' Gran said. Robins have built a nest on the window ledge at Grandmother's house! Tressa is thrilled---and concerned. What will happen to the sky-blue egg laid by the mother robin? As more eggs appear, Tressa witnesses the daily drama of the robins' nest and learns how God cares for all creatures. Besides watching the birds, there are Easter eggs to color. And there is a very special story to hear---a tale of long ago about one small bird with a very big heart. How did the robin get its red breast? Tressa is about to find out as Gran tells her the story of the Easter robin. Brought to life with colorful, tender illustrations, The Story of the Easter Robin will captivate and teach your child about compassion and faith.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (February 16, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310713315
ISBN-13: 978-0310713319
Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 11 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

ABOUT DANDI DALEY MACKALL
Dandi won her first writing contest as a 10-year-old tomboy. Her 50 words on "Why I Want to Be Batboy for the Kansas City A's" won first place, but the team wouldn't let a girl be batboy. It was her first taste of rejection.
Since then, Dandi Daley Mackall has become an award-winning author of over 400 books for children of all ages, with sales of 4 million copies in 22 countries. Recent picture books with Sleeping Bear Press include Legend of Ohio, Rudy Rides the Rails: A Depression Era Story (Notable Book 2008 - Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People National Council of Social Studies & Children's Book Council; winner of the Angel Award, 2008; Winner of the "Award of Excellence" from Chicago Book Show 2007) and 2008 release, A Girl Named Dan (her own "batboy" story, and a lesson on Title IX), 2 Mom's Choice Awards & Amelia Bloom Award. Eva Underground, Harcourt young adult novel, nominated ALA Best Book 2007, starred Kirkus review, awarded a Top Teen Read by New York Public Library, finalist for Ohioana Award, was based on the author's experiences behind the Iron Curtain. Love Rules was awarded Romantic Times' Top Pick. Middle-grade fiction, Larger-than-Life Lara, Dutton/Penguin, which teaches how to write, while tackling the problem of bullying, is on the KY Bluegrass Award List 2007-8; William Allan White Award list, 2008-9; KS and KY Children's Choice lists. Her Winnie the Horse Gentler series has sold over half a million books and Starlight Animal Rescue is a Gold Medallion finalist. Dandi received the 2009 Helen Keating Ott Award for distinguished contribution toward promoting high moral and ethical values in children and young adult literature. She also received the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2008 from the University of Missouri. Dandi is a national speaker, keynoting at conferences and Young Author events, and has made dozens of appearances on TV, including ABC, NBC, and CBS. Visit Dandi at www.dandibooks.com,

MY REVIEW
  The Story of the Easter Robin is such a sweet special story for children and adults alike. The story tells of how a Robin got her red breast. It takes you back to Jesus when He was beaten and carrying his cross and how a Robin was there and had compassion on Jesus.
  This story tells of a girl who worries that the Robin’s eggs will freeze when it got really cold, but Gran said that the creator would take care of it and the eggs.
  The legend of the Robin’s red breast is an old Pennsylvania Dutch tale. The illustrations in The Story of the Easter Robin are simply beautiful. The colors are bright and the people and animals are precious.
  This book is for 4-year olds and up and is a very good story to read to all children. I recommend this sweet book.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

My Valentine for Jesus by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton * A Review

ABOUT MY VALENTINE FOR JESUS

This Valentine holiday book for young children will help parents of children ages 2-5 share the meaning of love. The rhyming text and delightful illustrations tell the story of a child's love for his family---and his special love for Jesus.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Board book: 10 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz; Brdbk edition (December 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310713331
ISBN-13: 978-0310713333
Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.9 x 0.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR LAURIE LAZZARO KNOWLTON
Laurie's first published work was a note passed to a boy in elementary school. You would have thought that this most embarrassing moment would have stopped her writing career. But instead, Laurie is the author of thirty five books and author/illustrator of two more. Laurie lives in rural Ohio with her husband and two daughters and loves writing surrounded by horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and five turkeys.


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Buket Erdogan was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. After studying Turkish textiles, she moved across the ocean to New York to design children's clothing and illustrate children's books. She illustrated the Mouse's First series published by Simon and Schuster, three of which were New York Times bestsellers. She lives in Brooklyn with 'the most inspiring artist,' her daughter, Yagmur. Buket paints with bold colors of acrylic with lots of exciting textures of canvas.

MY REVIEW
  This is such a colorful, interesting, sweet book. The boy is talking about giving love, kisses and hearts to all of his family, but saving one for the most important, which is Jesus.
  I love this board book, for the wonderful rhyming words, colorful, bold pictures and enduring meaning.
We can give our hearts and love to all of our family and friends, but the most important is giving it to Jesus.
  This book only has ten pages, but isn’t a really short read. Each page has at least four or more lines and the rhymes are so sweet.
  This is going to make a wonderful Valentine present for my grandson and also you may want to get one for your child, grandchild or special friend. I highly recommend this sweet book.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

My Valentine Story-Giving My Heart to God by Crystal Bowman * A Review

ABOUT MY VALENTINE STORY
Valentines are fun to make and give. They tell people we love them. Who loves all of us? God, of course. 'How can I give God my heart? Loving him is where I'll start.' Through imaginative and innovative product, Zonderkidz is feeding young souls.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (December 12, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310711630
ISBN-13: 978-0310711636
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

ABOUT CRYSTAL BOWMAN
Crystal Bowman is a best selling author of more than 60 books for kids as well as 3 books for women. She also writes magazine articles and lyrics for children's piano music. She wrote her first poem when she was in the 4th grade. Her teacher told her she would be a poet someday. Her first book of poetry, CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALK, was published in 1993. It has been republished several times and is still in print. She also speaks at schools, churches, and writers' conferences. For more information on Crystal, you can visit her website at www.crystalbowman.com

ABOUT CLAUDINE GEVRY
You can find Claudine diving the oceans with Technicolor fish, camel riding in the Sahara, trekking in a jungle populated with wild monkeys, or exploring the African savanna in search of huge elephants. Although adventurous, she sometimes gets scared when coming upon a giant spider or other scary beasts. At that time she heads back to the comfort of her studio, where she draws all the wonderful things she saw and dreams of her next visit to faraway lands.




MY REVIEW
  I’m so in love with the books written by Crystal Bowman and illustrated by Claudine Gevry. I just love the words, pictures, brilliant colors and the fantastic over-size books.  Since they are board books and are cut in certain shapes they are wonderful, but that’s not the most magnificent thing about this book. What I like most is the way they tell children about the love of the Lord and all of the things the Lord can do for them.
  Here is a quote for Zonderkidz that I love “Through imaginative and innovative products, Zonderkidz is feeding young souls.”
  The whole theme of this book is love for family, friends, things we have, but mostly it tells us of the love God has for us. Also how we can give our hearts to God.
  My Valentine Story talks about loving, sharing, praying, singing, praising and giving to others.
 This is a book that comes highly recommended by me. It is just perfect for your child, grandchild, friend or just for that special child down the street. I think it is a perfect Valentine gift.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Made by God Big Bugs, Little Bugs* A read by yourself book for children*A Review

Butterfly, Goliath Beetle, Lightning Bug, and Praying Mantis includes simple text perfect for I Can Read level two readers and provides basic facts about these bugs of all sizes and their habitat. Parents and teachers will enjoy introducing early readers to the wonders of God’s creation.

Description:
Did you know … There are about 18,000 kinds of butterflies? That the goliath beetle is the largest bug on earth? Learn more about these and other amazing bugs made by God.

Book & Bible Cover Size: Large
Page Count: 32

Paper Edge Description: Plain
Size: 6 wide x 9 high x 0.1 deep in. | 152 wide x 229 high x deep 2 mm
Weight: 0.165 lb | 74 gms

Available: March 2011

MY REVIEW
  These made by God books are so fantastic for children. It really is a help to get them to read. The pictures are so big and colorful. I know many children will look at them again and again. This one is called Made by God: Big Bugs, Little Bugs.
 These I can read books are high-interest stories for developing readers, which will capture and keep a child’s attention.
 The different parts of this book are called:
Butterflies
Goliath Beetles
Lightning Bugs
and Praying Mantises.
  One really fun, interesting thing I learned is that Butterflies can fly up to 12 miles an hour. I find that fascinating.
  Something about the Goliath beetle is when they fly their wings sound like a helicopter.
    There are about 2,000 different kind of lightning bugs.
   The head of a praying mantis can turn almost in a circle.
  God made some amazing bugs, some bad and some good. I really like these books because God is mentioned so much.
  I highly recommend these books for reading to your child, but mostly for them to learn to read better and it’s all full of the amazing things God created.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas*A Review

ABOUT THE BOOK
Help Brother, Sister, and Honey search the Bear family tree house to find their 'bearloom' manger scene in this memorable and fun lift-the-flap Christmas story.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Paperback: 12 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310720826
ISBN-13: 978-0310720829
Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005, Jan and Mike continue to create the delightful Bear adventures from their family home in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks much like the sunny dirt road deep in Bear Country.

MY REVIEW
  Another delightful book about the Berenstain Bears. I really love this book because it is a lift-the-flap book with a Christian message of finding the manger. The bear children search high and low for the missing pieces of the figures of the manger. They look behind pictures, under toys, in closets and each time they find another piece.
  I love how colorful each page is and having the Berenstain Bears and their lovable faces makes this book sweet. Every child will just cherish being read to or reading it themselves.
 I love how the Berenstain Bears give glory to God and tell what the real meaning of Christmas is. Not the gifts, food or going everywhere. Love the Berenstain Bears and you and your children will also. Highly recommended

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

My Thanksgiving Prayer by Crystal Bowman*Children's Book Review

ABOUT MY THANKSGIVING PRAYER
This book is focused around the tradition of thanksgiving, and features a young child offering praise and thanks for small and big things in her life.

Description:
Oversized die-cut format with a great value price. My Thanksgiving Prayer—This book features a child thanking and praising God for the big and small joys of life. Children will delight in the colorful pictures and catchy rhyme. And they’ll love the oversized board book.


Suggested Uses: Spiritual Growth
Perfect for: Thanksgiving
Ages: 2-5



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Crystal 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."





ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Claudine Gévry
You can find Claudine diving the oceans with Technicolor fish, camel riding in the Sahara, trekking in a jungle populated with wild monkeys, or exploring the African savanna in search of huge elephants. Although adventurous, she sometimes gets scared when coming upon a giant spider or other scary beasts. At that time she heads back to the comfort of her studio, where she draws all the wonderful things she saw and dreams of her next visit to faraway lands.




MY REVIEW
  This twelve page book is a priceless treasure and a book to keep for a special child.
  The pages are big as the board book is. It is 11 by 8 inches and has such bright, bold colors.
  This book is full of family and being thankful for all we have as families. To be thankful for Thanksgiving Day, food, families, birds, mountains, rivers, trees, bumblebees, summer, winter, rain, snow and everything.
  Your child/grandchild will love the size, colors, words and sweet and beautiful characters in this book.
 I’m giving this book to my grandson for Thanksgiving and know he will love it. I most look forward to reading it to him and talking about the pictures. He loves bees, butterflies and birds so he will be thrilled.
  I like this book because it won’t be lost because of the size and can’t be ripped, because it is a board book.
 Just a precious book. The author and Illustrator did a fantastic job and look forward to more of their work.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

I Can Read Made By God Polar Pals * A Review

Polar Pals
Level 2

Series: I Can Read! / Made By God


Did you know ... A polar bear's favorite food is seal? That the emperor penguin is the largest penguin in the world? Read more about some very chilly creatures found in the coldest parts of God's world.
These exciting photos and facts show children the wonders of God’s creation. Includes simple text perfect for level two readers. Parents, Home school families, and classroom teachers alike will love the fact-filled books in this series.


Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (July 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310721881
ISBN-13: 978-0310721888
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces



MY REVIEW
  These I Can Read books are just fabulous. I remember when my children went to school they would bring these kind of books home, but the ones from school didn’t mention God as the Creator.
This book is called Made By God-Polar Pals. It has four chapters called Emperor Penguin, Arctic Tern, Polar Bear and Arctic Fox. Besides helping your child to learn to read it gives so many facts about each animal, some even I didn’t know.
   Like the Arctic Tern flies from their summer home to their winter home which is 21,750 miles, that is almost the circumference of the earth and the Polar Bear doesn’t drink water.
 These I Can Read books are very good for ages four through eight, but is helpful if your child is having trouble learning how to read.
 Also the pictures are very big and colorful. They are very interesting besides.
  In the series of Made by God here are the other titles. I’m going to be reviewing some of those also.
Barnyard Critters
Forest Friends
Jungle Beasts
Curious Creatures Down Under
Rainforest Friends
Sea Creatures
Our Feathered Friends
Big Bugs, Little Bugs
Poisonous, Smelly and Amazing Plants
Spiders, Snakes, Bees, and Bats
Cats, Dogs, Hamsters, and Horses
I like everything about these books, but the best thing is it talks about God and how He made the animals.
  These books are really good for any parent/grandparent, but also would be great for a home school family and Christian schools. So I highly recommend this book.



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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Shoebox Sam by Mary Brigid Barrett*A Review

Shoebox Sam, written by author Mary Brigid Barrett, conveys to readers the importance of loving and respecting one another. Throughout the day all kinds of people step through the doors of Sam’s shoe store, but when he is asked to give away one of his most prized possessions, he does so with a loving kindness that can only point readers to the giving heart of God.



The pink slippers on the wall catch her eye. “Those are the most beautiful shoes I’ve seen in all my life.”

Down at the corner of Magnolia and Vine, you’ll find the shop of Shoebox Sam--where old shoes become like new again and anyone in need finds a friend. Delia and Jessie spend Saturdays with Shoebox Sam, helping him with customers, rich and poor. They learn about giving and caring, loving and sharing. Then one day, when a customer notices a prized pair of shoes, they uncover their greatest lesson of all.

Page Count: 32

Paper Edge Description: Plain
Size: 8.9 wide x 11.3 high x 0.4 deep in. | 226 wide x 287 high x deep 10 mm
Weight: 0.85 lb | 385 gms

Available: July 2011
World
Publisher: Zonderkidz

Mary Brigid Barrett is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. She is also president and executive director of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, and editor of the NCBLA publication Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. She lives in Massachusetts.

Frank Morrison is a nationally acclaimed artist who received a 2010 Image Award. He is also the Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator of Jazzy Miz Mozetta by Brenda C. Roberts. Morrison lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his family. For additional information visit his website: www.morrisongraphics.com

MY REVIEW
This is a beautifully written story. It is about showing kindness to the less fortunate.
Shoebox Sam has a shoe-repair shop. Each Saturday two children, Delia and Jesse spend time there.
Shoebox gives coffee, doughnuts and sometimes shoes to those who can’t afford them.
The author uses simple words, yet says profound things to get her points across. The words Sam says are always kind and full of compassion.
The illustrator uses such bold, beautiful drawings. The pictures bring out the wonderful characters and make them come alive.
I highly recommend this delightful book.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Lemonman-A Picnic, A Toad and Swampwater Road*A Review

Author Natasha Ferrill

Illustrator Jose Pou

The sing song rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and lovable characters intertwine to create storybook magic in The Lemonman picture book series. The first book in the series, A Picnic, a Toad and Swampwater Road, takes the young reader on a picnic adventure with The Lemonman and his friends, along with a trouble-making Pear and a swindling Toad. It is a delightful story about friendship, the gift of forgiveness, and the power of kindness toward others.
A Picnic, a Toad and Swampwater Road is a fun and entertaining story that will have both parents and children alike smiling a toad-like smile from beginning to end, leaving the reader wanting more adventures with The Lemonman and his friends on the street called Cherry Bay.


Perfect Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Applenook Publishing (June 30, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0986946400
ISBN-13: 978-0986946400
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces

Natasha was born and raised in a small town in Canada.
She attended and graduated from Carleton University, with a degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Psychology. Although her true passion has been writing. She wanted to secure an education in something other than the arts so that she could start a career, while writing on the side. After working in various different project management positions, she accepted a job as a research assistant for a health centre and is doing that full-time, while writing in her spare time! She lives with her cat, Zoe – who is a bit of a princess. In her spare time she loves reading and writing, watching movies and her favourite TV shows and spending time with friends and family.
http://www.thelemonman.com/

MY REVIEW
The Lemonman- A Picnic, A Toad and Swampwater Road is a delightful book any child will love. Besides the pictures being colorful and inviting the rhyming words have a singing kind of way about them. The characters are so sweet and lovable. Even the name of the town is neat. It is called Applenook.
You will follow Lemonman as he wants to have a picnic with his friends, but get sidetracked and tricked into losing his picnic lunch. I like how the cunning, sneaky Toad gets taught a lesson, but is also shown compassion and forgiveness when he asks.
The best part of this book is that it is a series. I’m sure Lemonman will have so many more adventures and lessons to teach our child.
I highly recommend this book for a delightful read with lessons to be taught.

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Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Go Away, Mr. Worrythoughts & Happythoughts are Everywhere by Nicky Johnston*A Review

THIS IS A REVIEW FOR TWO DELIGHTFUL BOOKS

Nicky Johnston
Author, Illustrator & Educator

Nicky's eldest son, Bayley, was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) at just 5 years of age. In her desperate efforts to help him manage his 'worry thoughts' she wrote him a story. This story is now a best selling children's book helping many 'little worriers' everywhere...

Nicky has self-published two highly successful children's books, developed Parent/Teacher Resource Kits and has helped promote awareness of mental health issues in young children by presenting to many schools, conferences and workshops.

By helping her son, she has touched the lives of many like him, and will continue to do so....

MY REVIEW OF GO AWAY MR WORRRYTHOUGHTS!
This book is just simply amazing. I really like that Nicky wrote these two books to help her son with his disorder GAD. I love how Bayden finally finds out how to stop worrying about everything. A lot of people need to do that themselves. We all worry too much.
All of the illustrations are so neat. The worry thoughts monster seems really scary, but he can be taken care of.
The worrythoughts try to come back, but now Bayden knows how to get rid of them and how to control them. I like the colors in this book, the monster is dark and scary, but the other pages are light and colorful. Full of hope and happiness is what you can expect from this super book.
I really recommend it for any of us, but especially for those children who may worry more than normal. In the back of this book are some ideas to keep worrythoughts away from a child.

MY REVIEW OF HAPPYTHOUGHTS ARE EVERYWHERE
Another really sweet book. I love how cute and cuddly Bayden looks. In this book Bayden was worrying again so his mum told him to think happythoughts and that would push the worrythoughts away. So Bayden searches for happy thoughts under his bed in his toy box, in his closet. He only found his teddy bear, the Christmas decorations and special photos. So Bayden thought he couldn’t find happythoughts, but thought how each of those things made him feel and it was happy. So he did find happythoughts after all.
In the back of this book you will also find ways to find happythoughts.
These are just lovely books that really give a child joy. Another book I highly recommend.

Nicky Johnston is an educator, an artist, a make-up artist and a mum of four boys.
Nicky is now also the author & illustrator of two children's books "Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts!" and "Happythoughts are Everywhere..."





Order both book here
http://www.nickysart.com.au/

Or
Order from Amazon Go Away, Mr. Worrythoughts!

Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

K is for Kite God's Springtime Alphabet by Kathy-jo Wargin*A Review

“Hooray, it’s spring! We love April showers, blessing the earth to bring beautiful flowers.” From A to Z, children will bounce along the alphabet celebrating the newness of God’s springtime and all the beauty it brings. There are butterflies to catch and kites to fly, lambs to cuddle and tulips to gather!

Description:
As soft April showers make our hearts sing, let’s find the sweetness of God’s gentle spring.

Discover both God’s world and the alphabet through the refreshing newness of springtime experiences. Beautiful illustrations and playful poetry fill this book with everything spring from A to Z. From the first April shower to flying kites and playing in puddles, young readers will delight in the uplifting seasonal message and will grow in their appreciation of the spring season and the miracle of new beginnings.

Page Count: 40

Paper Edge Description: Plain
Size: 9.3 wide x 11.1 high x 0.4 deep in. | 236 wide x 282 high x deep 10 mm
Weight: 0.935 lb | 423 gms

Available: February 2010
World
Publisher: Zonderkidz

Kathy-jo Wargin
When Kathy-jo Wargin was a young girl, each night after dinner, her mother let her choose between washing the dishes or writing a poem. Before long, she decided that if she grew up to be a writer, she wouldn't have to do any dishes. She has since learned that even though she has published more than twenty award-winning books for children, she still has to wash the dishes. Kathy-jo lives in Minnesota with her husband and her son. Go to her website www.kathy-jowargin.com


Kim Gatto
Artist and designer Kim Gatto strives to create wonderful images that anyone of any age can enjoy. Illustrating is her passion and she savors every opportunity she gets to pursue her dream. "Regardless of what your specific goals and aspirations are, the pursuit of doing what you love for a living will likely be a challenge, however, getting there is priceless." Inspired by nature, animals, and children, Kim has worked on many educational projects, but "B is for Bunnies" will be her first Picture Book. Kim lives in New Jersey, with her husband Michael and three kitties: Choco, Skittle, and Charlie. In 2008, they are also expecting a new addition to their family, their first child.

Illustrator’s website
http://www.designsbygatto.com

MY REVIEW
K is for Kite God’s Springtime Alphabet by Kathy-jo Wargin is such a wonderful, colorful book. I really love it. Alphabet books are fantastic for young children, but one that brings God into the picture is just priceless. It’s a really good size, over 9x11 and the pages are bright, colorful and the children, animals etc.. all have such sweet expressions and it is a hardcover book. The illustrator Kim Gatto does such a fantastic job. I would like to see more of her illustrations in the future.
Every letter of the alphabet tells about something special in Spring, like grass, Lambs, Pussy Willows, Sunshine.
One of my favorite pages in this book has these words, “We’ll stay Outdoors in the fresh springtime air. A walk in the woods shows God everywhere!” I feel that way exactly.
Another thing I love about this book K is for Kite is that the children and the adults {parents} are doing so many things together and just having a wonderful time.
I would highly recommend this Alphabet book for your favorite child. I certainly will be looking for more books written by Kathy-jo Wargin.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Brave Young Knight by Karen Kingsbury*A Review-children's book

In this picture book, Karen Kingsbury tells the story of a boy in competition with other young knights to become prince of all the land. In a series of contests and competitions, the king recognizes the brave young knight as the winner, not because he was the fastest or strongest, and not because he was smarter or more cunning than the other knights. Rather, the brave young knight is the winner because he doesn't follow the crowd, instead making decisions based on what is right and true and in accordance with his faith. The moral of the story is that the bravest young boys are those who exhibit the strongest character.


Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310716454
ISBN-13: 978-0310716457
Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

About the Author
Karen is best known for her Life-Changing Fiction (TM) and for creating unforgettable characters. When speaking before women's groups - some with more than 10,000 in attendance - Karen makes audiences laugh and cry with her compelling story-telling. She likes to tell attendees they have, "One chance to write the story of their lives," and her talk focuses on reminding women to live every day loving well, laughing often, and finding true life in Jesus Christ. Karen routinely speaks before more than 100,000 women each year. Karen is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest with their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
http://karenkingsbury.com/

About the Illustrator
Gabrielle Grimard has been drawing since she was a very young child. Born in Montreal, Canada, she studied Fine Arts at Concordia University. She began her career as a muralist, painting numerous walls in commercial buildings in the Montreal area. She now lives in the Eastern Townships with her chickens, two children, and husband, who is a wood boat builder. They share an old barn as their creative studio.



MY REVIEW
This colorful book The Brave Young Knight by Karen Kingsbury is a new, better approach to an age old story. Many different knights were trying to do different things to become the new Prince. The competition had events for speed, strength and intelligence. The young, brave knight knew others were better and him in these events, but he did his best. I really like this book, because you don’t have to be the strongest, fastest or smartest, just do your best and be honest. This book has a Christian theme and is a really great book for encouraging children. Another part of the book I really liked was how supportive the young knight’s father was. He was always there for the young knight and keeps encouraging him to try his best.
The illustrator Gabrielle Grimard is really excellent. The pages are so colorful and the faces on the people are so believable and kind looking. With Karen’s words and Gabrielle’s pictures this book is a winner. It is written for 4-8 year old children, but would be great for a couple of years younger or older.
I highly recommend this book and would love to give it more than 5 stars. It is a book that won’t gather dust on your bookshelf. It will be read again and again.



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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255