Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts

2.04.2024

Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples ~ Review

                                      Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples
Written by Angela Henderson
Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

Autumn has come, and Isaac's sugar maple is losing its leaves. Isaac and Izzy want the sugar maple to have a tree friend and, with the help of their animal friends, try to make it happen. But how do you grow another magical sugar maple? That's going to take a little bit of thought, but Isaac and Izzy are sure to come up with something. But they just may need a little magical assistance from the sugar maple.

This series of books is aimed at younger readers who are just starting out on their own with a little bit of assistance or for just starting out readers who will read along with mom, dad, or anyone willing to have an open lap and willingness to read out loud. Cute, colorful illustrations complement the story and add to its charm.

This is a companion book to Isaac's Ice Cream Tree and Isaac and Izzy's Tree House.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples

Autumn is painting the world in vibrant colors, and Isaac and Izzy want to give back to their favorite magical maple tree. A normal present won’t do, though. They want to give him the sweetest gift of all - a friend!

But are all the efforts of the kids and the animals who live near the tree enough to create a bit of magic…or will the Sugar Maple have to lend them a helpful branch once again?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ


About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 


Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter


About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.


Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter




About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!


When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle-grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.


Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.


Facebook | Twitter

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House ~ Review

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House
Written by Angela Henderson
Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

It's now summer, and Isaac has come up with a plan to spend more time with his sugar maple tree - a tree house. There's just a little problem: what Isaac builds is nothing like a tree house, and his maple isn't magically fixing it. And Isaac's "tree house" isn't making the animals who live in it happy. 

The next day, Isaac gets something even better than a tree house - a new friend. 

This is a cute read that does eventually have a little magic thrown in, but the main focus of this picture book is friendship. The illustrations will appeal to young readers for whom this book is written. This is a fairly easy read that kids who are starting to read on their own should be able to handle with just a little assistance. This is a companion book to Isaac's Ice Cream Tree.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House

With summer warming the world, Isaac decides it’s time for a new adventure with his favorite Sugar Maple. But his plans for a treehouse turn out to be a spectacular…failure. And the animals who call the tree home are in a tizzy over it, too. Isaac doesn’t understand why his tree isn’t making some of its magic…until it delivers the most magical help of all— a new friend!


This whimsical tale of delight, discovery, and unexpected friendships is as sweet as sprinkled donuts and will bring you back for another season’s adventures.


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 


Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter


About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.


Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter




About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!


When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle-grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.


Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.


Facebook | Twitter

2.03.2024

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree ~ Review

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree
Written by Angela Henderson
Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

What happens to sugar maples when they lose all their leaves for winter? Are they lonely, being all alone with bare branches? These are the questions that trouble Isaac about the beloved sugar maple in his yard. Determined to keep his maple from being lonely, Isaac promises to visit with it daily. At the end of his visit, Isaac leaves a gift, a part of his snack. The next day, a magical gift waits for Isaac.

This is a fun, imaginative story that will delight young readers. The illustrations, in my opinion, would be Isaac's illustrative journalling of the time he spends with his sugar maple, which seemingly has magical abilities. This is a story of winter, the hope of spring, and friendship. For those who like having concepts taught in their books, this book offers colors, days, and seasons.


I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree

Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!

But how long can the magic last with spring on the horizon?

This magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, the water cycle, and some of our favorite fruits is sure to delight readers of all ages!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 


Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter


About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.


Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter




About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!


When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.


Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.


Facebook | Twitter

5.29.2022

The Paramedic's Forever Family ~ Review

The Paramedic's Forever Family
Smokey Mountain First Responders #2
By Tanya Agler

Lindsay Hudson lost her husband to a work-related incident and has not been interested in dating anyone since then.  And if she ever were it most certainly would never be with a first responder like her husband or her best friend/next-door neighbor Mason Ruddick. 

Mason Ruddick has no plans to marry, he can't handle another loss in his life. And with his little sister battling cancer, Mason is even more determined to keep from losing his heart to his late best friend's widow, who has become an important part of his life. Now if he can just get his heart to agree with his head.

I have to be honest, I wonder if there would have even been a chance for Lindsay and Mason to even possibly have a chance to maybe have a romance if not for her late husband. Lindsay seems rather hard at times on Mason. I mean they aren't dating, she repeatedly states she refuses to even think about dating someone in the same profession as her late husband due to the dangers. She's rather quick to judge others without looking at all the facts. I get it she's a single mother with lots of stress on the job, but she seems to have a hard time giving others the same respect and consideration she wants. And Mason seems to thrive on living on the edge of extreme. He also seems to be leery of commitment on a personal level beyond his family. And he is almost anti-gardening, while botanical pursuits are what drive Lindsay.

I have to admit I liked Mason's Grandpa Joe and Grandma Betty (for the little bit she was in) the best. They seemed to have good heads on their shoulders and they had wisdom to impart if only Mason and Lindsay would listen. Everyone should be so fortunate in their grandparents both in the care they show and the love they share. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Sometimes “good friends”
Just isn't enough…

Bachelor paramedic Mason Ruddick doesn't know what he'd do without Lindsay Hudson. The widowed mom is his sounding board, his neighbor, and, since the death of her husband and his best friend, his lifeline. Only lately, Mason can't stop noticing just how beautiful and special Lindsay is. Or how often he thinks about her. Now Mason's heart is caught between the best friend he lost…and the one he's falling for.

Smoky Mountain First Responders

Book 1: The Single Dad's Holiday Match
Book 2: The Paramedic's Forever Family 

3.30.2022

Really Woolly ~ Review


Really Woolly: My First Easter
Published by Tommy Nelson
Written by Bonnie Rickner Jensen
Illustrated by Julie Sawyer Phillips
Dayspring 

This cute board book is shaped like a filled-Easter basket with a cut-out at the handle so kids can carry the book as if it were a real basket.

Each facing-page pair has colorful illustrations with a rhyming text, a Bible verse, and a prayer. There is a theme or chapter for each page pairing that includes The Joy of Spring, The Joy of Rain, The Joy of New Beginnings, The Joy of Growing, The Joy of Easter, The Joy of Jesus, and The Joy in My Heart.  The Really Wooly illustrations are timeless and will attract and capture the attention of young children as they learn about the joys of the season. 

A delightful book that is the perfect gift to share with your little reader. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3qggLK8 #ad 

 Book Blurb

Celebrate the hope of Jesus and the true meaning of Easter with this basket-shaped board book of poems and prayers from DaySpring’s Really Woolly series. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will giggle along with this lovable sheep as they discover that the Easter story is full of joy, from baby ducklings and blooming flowers to knowing that Jesus is alive forever and ever!

This Christian Easter board book for ages 0 to 4 features

  1. A die-cut Easter basket shape with a handle and glittered cover
  2. An Easter egg hunt in each illustration that will keep children coming back to make new discoveries
  3. The favorite Really Woolly characters
  4. Bible verses, sweet rhymes, and simple prayers that reflect the delight of God’s promises
  5. An age-appropriate way to teach very young children how spring blessings of new life reflect the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection

This inspirational Easter book for kids is the perfect Easter basket gift, spring family read-aloud, or Easter morning Sunday School storytime. Curl up with your own little lamb and Really Woolly My First Easter to celebrate the hope and joy of the Easter season.

The Really Woolly® line from DaySpring® Cards has been a top-selling brand for more than 15 years. Really Woolly products are best known for sharing encouragement through the relationship the Shepherd has with His sheep.



 Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a print copy of the book. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on April 4, 2022.)

 To Enter, on Instagram FOLLOW me @dayspringcards @bonniericknerjensen @tommynelsonbooks @justreadtours, LIKE and SAVE my post, and COMMENT to let us know you did

 For MORE entries, TAG a friend (up to 3x per post)
 VISIT each hosted post of this tour. Schedule at @justreadtours

11.29.2021

Their Yuletide Healing ~ Review

Their Yuletide Healing

Their Yuletide Healing 
Bliss, Texas#4

by Mindy Obenhaus

They deserve a perfect Christmas...
and Max and Maggie's foster mom Rae Girard is prepared to do everything in her power to ensure that they get it. But how to reach two children traumatized by the abuse they saw will take some work and maybe some help. And Rae doesn't do help easily.  

When Bliss's Mistletoe Ball lands in the middle of her life Rae is less than thrilled, especially when Cole Heinsohn is asked to "help" her pull it all together. Cole is everything Rae isn't aloof, grim, unsocial, and not a fan of Christmas. How such a person is expected to help is beyond Rae's imagination, but Cole proves to be a surprise especially when he takes an active interest in both Max and Maggie.

Romance is something neither Rae nor Cole is interested in due to their painful pasts so of course one expects that to go out the window. And what follows is a sweet story of care, concern, and a chance at family. Their Yuletide Healing is one of those leave-you-happy books though there are a few times you may want to have a tissue or two nearby. A perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit. And there is even a special visit with Santa that is more than a little touching.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Their Yuletide Healing 
Series: Bliss, Texas 
Author: Mindy Obenhaus 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: November 30, 2021 
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance 

As her plans unravel, can she give her children what they truly need? 

Foster mom Rae Girard’s determined to make her children’s first Christmas with her the best they’ve ever had—and she’s shocked when the town scrooge, attorney Cole Heinsohn, offers to pitch in. Rae’s young charges have melted Cole’s heart, and he wants them to experience the special day he never had. But when disaster strikes, an imperfect holiday might bring them something better: a family…

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES


Mindy Obenhaus 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups and countless cattle. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen, spending time with her grandchildren or roaming the ranch in search of inspiration. She’d love to connect with you via her website, mindyobenhaus.com, or on Facebook.

CONNECT WITH MINDY: Website | Facebook | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of all four Bliss, Texas series books and a $20 Amazon gift card.

Their Yuletide Healing JustRead Giveaway 
(1) winner will receive a copy of four Bliss, Texas series books and a $20 Amazon gift card. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 6, 2021.) 
To Enter, go to my Instagram post and follow @mindy.obenhaus, @justreadtours, & Tag 2 friends in the same comment on this Instagram post or any other hosted post of this tour. Enter up to 3x per post.

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

11.12.2021

A Saint A Day ~ Review

A Saint A Day:
365 True Stories of Faith and Heroism
By Meredith Hinds
Illustrated by Isabel Munoz

A Saint A Day is a year-long devotional that each day presents a different recognized Saint. From the introduction, we learn that the Saints have been vetted by the Catholic Church and have either achieved sainthood or are on their way to becoming a named Saint. Now I will admit, not having been raised within the Catholic Church to having only a passing familiarity with a few of these individuals. 

January 1st opens the book with Mary, the mother of Jesus and references Luke 1:38 where Mary declares her willingness to be used by God. The devotional text puts the Scripture reference in the context of just what God was asking of her - to carry His Son as her own. May 30th references Joan of Arc and the courage it took for her to listen and follow God's calling. June 4th shares Julia Greeley's serving heart and care of the poor. There is a wide range of people throughout history from the early days of the church through the 20th century who are presented.

This book though geared for children 8-12 could be used by older readers easily. Would be a good gift for special occasions.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Teach your child to walk in faith, act justly, and lead with kindness and humility with this 365-day devotional for kidsA Saint a Day includes fascinating historical stories as it introduces young readers to over 300 saints who did extraordinary things for God.
Mother Teresa left her family at age 18 to become a missionary. St. Patrick helped spread Christianity to Ireland. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin--and also had a pet lion!
Written for ages 8 to 12, A Saint a Day inspires young readers with remarkable stories of people who made extraordinary choices to love and serve God. Featuring popular saints such as Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, Juan Diego, and Thomas Aquinas, each of the 365 devotions includes:
  • A Scripture verse and prayer
  • A short summary or an inspiring story of a saint
  • A notable fact
  • Artwork with a fresh, kid-friendly design
 
This daily devotional for kids is:
  • An ideal gift for First Communion, Confirmation, or Advent
  • A unique book for strengthening a child's faith
  • A great way to share Catholic Church history with kids
 
A Saint a Day will help your child realize the long history of people of faith. As you journey through this yearlong devotional, your children will grow in their understanding of Church history and better understand how they can love and serve God.
Meredith Hinds is a freelance writer and editor who develops books for all audiences and ages, particularly in the Christian market. She’s worked with bestselling authors Philip Yancey and Mark Batterson, and she’s served as a collaborator, abridger, consultant, and teammate for many others. She’s always up for a good story. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three young children.
Isabel Muñoz studied fine arts at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. To paint for a living was her dream, and now she’s proud to be the illustrator of several children’s books. She works from a tiny and colorful studio in the north of Spain. You can follow her work at isabelmg.com.

Author Bio

Reviews:

Monday, November 1st: @lovemybooks2020

Wednesday, November 3rd: @jenniaahava

Friday, November 5th: The Bookish Dilettante

Monday, November 8th: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 10th: @arrow_reads

Friday, November 12th: Blooming with Books and @bloomingwbooks

Tuesday, November 16th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Thursday, November 18th: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 19th: View from the Birdhouse

Wednesday, November 24th: @rozierreadsandwine

Monday, November 29th: @parksidereads

Instagram features:

Wednesday, December 1st: @shobizreads

Thursday, December 2nd: @nerdy_book_lover_1987

Friday, December 3rd: @books_with_bethany

Monday, December 6th: @travelerswife4life

Tuesday, December 7th: @barr_bookworm

Wednesday, December 8th: @kristens.reading.nook

Friday, December 10th: @djreadsbooks